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MSc or Postgraduate Certificate

Studying Engineering Management online: 16 questions answered

Considering studying an Engineering Management Masters online at the University of Leeds?

We now have two options to choose from – a full Engineering Management Masters (MSc) or an Engineering Management Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert).

Whether you have a query about engineering management, the courses we offer or what it’s like to study online find the answers to some of the most asked questions below.

About Engineering Management

Engineering Management is a management field applicable to all specialisations within the engineering sector. The sector is at the forefront of technological changes, and influencing that change as an engineering manager makes the area an exciting prospect to work in.

By studying Engineering Management online with the University of Leeds, you’ll progress your career and strengthen your skillset to prepare yourself for leadership roles in engineering. Alongside this, you’ll also be ready to respond to disruptive technological shifts such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling you to innovate ahead of your competitors. Read our blogs to find out 7 reasons to study Engineering Management and why studying Engineering Management online could be the right choice for you.

As a professional engineer, progressing into management might be the next logical career step. If you are looking to fast-track your progression into leadership roles within engineering and be at the forefront of emerging technological changes, then the course is ideal for you. Read our Engineering Management myths vs truths blog to make an informed decision about your future in Engineering Management.

According to the 2019 IET Skills and Demand in Industry report, 53% of employers in the engineering sector are concerned that a shortage of engineers in the UK is a threat to their business. As such, Engineering Management expertise are becoming essential to bridge the gap between technical and managerial skills.

Leading engineering consultancy company Mott Macdonald also anticipate the demand for engineering skills to continue amidst economic and market fluctuations, with engineering managers continually required to give societies the tools and solutions to turn visions of the future into a reality.

To become an engineering manager, you’ll be required to follow one of the three below options:

  1. Studying an MSc or PG Cert in Engineering Management
  2. Studying an MBA
  3. Getting a promotion

The quickest route into Engineering Management is to study, as achieving a promotion without a qualification is typically quite time-consuming. It takes two to four years to become qualified in Engineering Management when studying a Masters with the University of Leeds.

Read our blog to find out more about how to become an engineering manager.

By studying a Masters in Engineering Management, you’ll enhance your earning potential and career opportunities by accessing managerial and leadership roles across engineering specialisations including Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

According to Glassdoor, the typical salaries of an Engineering Manager in the UK range from £47,963-£103,343 per year as of October 2021. The rewarding salaries are typically reflective across engineering regardless of specialisation, meaning engineers are free to tailor their career paths to their area of preference. Read our blog to find out more about the top roles available for engineers progressing into management.

About the course

Accreditation by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is equivalent to a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. CMI’s qualifications sit on the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Frameworks) and are recognised by the European Credit Framework. This will benefit your studies as you will:

  • Be enrolled with a free CMI Affiliate membership.
  • Gain access to Management Masterclass CPD events and webinars.
  • Engage with a global community of over 160,000 individuals.
  • Have access to validated management and leadership resources, including company and industry reports.
  • Receive career development resources including CV assessment and interview tools.
  • Be subscribed to CMI’s magazine and regular news and updates.

The CMI accreditation is important as upon successful completion of the MSc, you’ll have met the requirements for the fast-track route to becoming a Chartered Manager. Read our blog to find out more about CMI accreditation.

Our online course is specifically designed for engineers and will enable you to apply the advanced management techniques and practical skills required to succeed as an effective engineering manager. It’s ideal if you are:

  • In the early stages of your career and looking to fast-track your progression.
  • An ambitious professional with substantial industry experience.
  • Already working in Engineering Management or are new to a management role and looking to develop your skills.
  • A busy professional and/or working abroad and unable to study full-time on-campus.

The two pathways available on the Engineering Management course are a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or MSc (Master of Science degree).

Read our blog to find out the key differences between studying our MSc In Engineering Management and a general MBA course.

Depending on the pathway you choose, you can complete the course in a minimum of eight months or a maximum of four years:

  • PG Cert: 8 months (full-time) or up-to 16 months (part-time)
  • MSc: 2 years (full-time) or up-to 4 years (part-time)

When studying our online Engineering Management course, you’ll cover a range of topics to enhance your understanding of engineering. You’ll study compulsory modules in:

  • Innovation, Design and Creative Engineering (15 credits)
  • Business Strategy for Engineers (15 credits)
  • Enterprise and Business Planning (15 credits)

You’ll also be able to select from optional modules to learn more about engineering tailored to your personal interests:

  • Managing Major Engineering Projects (15 credits)
  • Continuous Improvement in Engineering Supply Chains (15 credits)
  • Decision Making for Engineering Managers (15 credits)
  • Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (15 credits)
  • People and Organisational Performance in Engineering (15 credits)
  • Safety and Corporate Social Responsibility (15 credits)
  • Engineering Management Project (MSc only)

Visit our module and course catalogue to find out more.

When you graduate from our CMI accredited course in Engineering Management, you’ll be perfectly equipped to step into roles as a manager or industry leader across all engineering specialisations. Our previous Alumni have gone into management positions within companies such as Arup, KPMG, Laing O’Rourke, TATA Steel, BP, Rolls Royce, and AECOM.

Studying with the University of Leeds

By studying with the University of Leeds, you’ll be part of a prestigious, research-intensive Russell Group university, ranked 20th in the UK (Complete University Guide League Tables 2022). You’ll gain unique Engineering Management skills and experience that will be invaluable to you personally and professionally, by learning from leading research which brings together both excellence and innovation. Visit our website to find out why studying with the University of Leeds is the right choice for you.

Alongside this, you’ll be studying with our various engineering schools including the:

In our schools, we bring together experts in computer science, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and astronomy to deliver outstanding student education and research.

When you study our CMI accredited Engineering Management Masters online, you’ll be able to fit your studies around your life and career, and benefit from the whole host of advantages that flexible learning brings, including:

  • Studying when and where it suits you.
  • Starting the course at multiple points throughout the year.
  • Paying your fees in manageable installments.
  • Networking online with professionals across the world.
  • Enjoying the support of a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
  • Learning through our specialised learning platform, Minerva.

Read our blog to discover the advantages of studying Engineering Management online or visit our Engineering Management course page to find out more.

For your application, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the course entry requirements and English language requirements.

All applications can be submitted online and suitably qualified candidates will be interviewed by one of our Enrolment Advisors as part of the application process. For more information about the course and how to apply to study on the online course, please email studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk, or call +44 (0) 113 341 1262 to speak to a member of our Enrolment Team.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by our Student Success Team at the University of Leeds. Whether you have a concern or query around anything from disability, personal tutoring, emergency situations or counselling, we’ll help you to ensure that you can make the most of your studies with a set of established policies.

Your learning will be delivered online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva which can be accessed on different devices, whenever and wherever it suits you. The platform has been designed by a team of experts to ensure your online learning experience is of the highest quality and prepares you for success, both academically and professionally.

By studying through live online sessions with our world-class academics including lecturers, professors, industry experts, and trained postgraduate researchers. You’ll also collaborate and learn from like-minded professionals during regular interactive activities, including live seminars, virtual discussions, and group projects to develop a support system within a growing global community of virtual learners.

Assessment methods will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. You’ll be assessed on the Engineering Management course through mini group reports, group discussions and assignments, live and/or pre-recorded presentations, practical exercises based on real-world scenarios, essays, literature reviews and multiple-choice exams for formative learning feedback (no more than 5% of assessment).

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Online postgraduate courses - University of Leeds