MSc Engineering Business Management

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Engineering Business Management at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to combine engineering knowledge with business and management expertise to lead innovation, improve industrial processes, and manage complex engineering projects. The programme is suited for graduates who want to work at the intersection of technology and business, developing skills in areas such as smart production, sustainable manufacturing, operations management, and strategic decision-making.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students develop a strong foundation in engineering management through modules such as Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise, Smart Production Systems, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains. These modules help students understand how to improve business performance, manage efficient production systems, and implement sustainable practices within modern engineering organisations.

Students also strengthen their analytical and research abilities through modules such as Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management and Research Ethics and Methodology. The programme finishes with an MSc Dissertation, where students complete an independent research project and apply engineering management concepts to real-world industrial challenges.

Focus Areas

Engineering management, smart production systems, sustainable manufacturing, lean management, operations management, supply chain sustainability, machine learning applications, business innovation, modelling and simulation, and engineering research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop the ability to manage engineering operations, improve industrial processes, and make informed business decisions using technical and managerial knowledge. Students will gain skills in project management, sustainable engineering practices, data-driven decision-making, innovation, and managing technology-focused organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Engineering Business Management prepares students for careers that require both engineering understanding and business leadership skills. The programme equips graduates with the ability to connect technical teams with business goals, supporting career opportunities in project management, operations, consultancy, product development, and industrial leadership.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter provides a globally recognised education with strong links to industry and a focus on developing highly employable graduates. Students from the programme have progressed into roles across organisations such as Procter & Gamble, Deloitte, Maersk, Network Rail, and the National Space Development and Research Agency in Nigeria, highlighting the programme’s value across multiple sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Engineering Business Management at the University of Exeter provides students with practical experience by combining engineering knowledge with business strategy, operations management, and digital technologies. Students develop the ability to address real industrial challenges through applied projects, research activities, and modern engineering management approaches. Through modules such as Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise, Smart Production Systems, Sustainable Manufacturing, Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains, and Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management, students learn how organisations improve efficiency, innovation, and decision-making.

Students benefit from Exeter’s engineering and business learning environment, including specialist facilities, digital tools, simulation approaches, and research-led teaching. Through practical activities and the MSc dissertation, students gain experience in analysing industrial processes, developing improvement strategies, and applying management techniques to technology-focused businesses. Students gain practical experience through:

Exeter Digital Enterprise Systems (ExDES) Laboratory: Students gain exposure to digital engineering approaches, smart technologies, and Industry 4.0 concepts that support modern manufacturing and business processes.
Smart production systems experience: Through the Smart Production Systems module, students explore digital manufacturing technologies, automation approaches, and methods used to improve industrial productivity and operational performance.
Modelling, simulation and machine learning tools: The Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management module helps students develop skills in analysing operational data, modelling processes, and using digital methods to support business decisions.
Sustainable manufacturing applications: Through Sustainable Manufacturing and Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains, students learn how organisations can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and develop sustainable industrial strategies.
Engineering management projects: Students participate in practical projects that strengthen teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills required in engineering and business environments.
MSc dissertation project: The dissertation allows students to investigate a specialist engineering business management topic, conduct independent research, and develop solutions for real-world organisational challenges.
Digital tools and analytical methods: Students gain experience with modern analytical approaches and digital technologies used for process improvement, operational planning, and managing complex engineering systems.
Research-led learning environment: Students learn from academics involved in engineering and management research, exploring current developments in smart manufacturing, sustainable systems, and industrial innovation.
Business and engineering collaboration: The programme combines engineering and business perspectives, helping students understand how technical decisions influence commercial performance and organisational strategy.
Industry-focused skills development: Students develop practical skills in operations management, innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven business improvement, preparing them for leadership roles in engineering organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Engineering Business Management at the University of Exeter are prepared for careers that combine engineering expertise with business leadership, enabling them to improve processes, manage innovation, and lead complex projects. The programme develops skills suited to roles such as Engineering Project Manager, Operations Manager, Product Development Manager, and Engineering Consultant, especially in technology-focused industries where professionals need both technical and managerial knowledge.

Students benefit from Exeter’s career support, industry connections, and professional development opportunities that help them progress into successful careers:

Career support services: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides personalised career advice, employability workshops, networking opportunities, employer events, CV guidance, and support with job applications and interview preparation.
Graduate outcomes and employability: The programme develops highly valued skills in engineering management, operations, innovation, and business strategy, preparing graduates for opportunities in project management, product development, operations, consultancy, and engineering leadership.
Industry-focused preparation: Students gain expertise in modern engineering management practices, including lean enterprise, smart production systems, sustainable operations, supply chain management, and digital approaches for improving business performance.
University–industry connections: The University of Exeter maintains strong links with industry through research partnerships, employer engagement, and industry-informed teaching. Graduates from the programme have progressed into organisations such as Procter & Gamble, Deloitte, Maersk, Network Rail, and the National Space Development and Research Agency in Nigeria.
Professional accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, supporting the academic requirements for further learning towards Chartered Engineer registration. Students also benefit from Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accreditation, strengthening their management credentials.
International career opportunities: The combination of engineering knowledge and business skills allows graduates to pursue global opportunities across manufacturing, technology, consulting, operations, supply chains, and engineering services.
Long-term career value: As industries increasingly seek professionals who can connect technical innovation with business strategy, graduates are well positioned for career progression into leadership and management roles within engineering organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Engineering Business Management, graduates can continue their studies through PhD programmes or research degrees in areas such as Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Sustainable Manufacturing, Smart Technologies, and Innovation Management. The research experience gained through the programme provides a strong foundation for advanced academic study, research careers, or specialist roles focused on improving engineering and business systems.