Electric Vehicle Systems MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Brunel University

Program Overview

The Electric Vehicle Systems MSc at Brunel University London equips students with the advanced technical expertise needed to design, develop, and manage next-generation electric vehicles and sustainable transport technologies. It is ideal for graduates with an electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering background who want to specialise in electric mobility, smart grids, and battery systems — areas driving the global shift toward cleaner transportation.

Curriculum Structure

The program is delivered over one academic year (12 months full-time), combining theoretical learning with applied research. Students explore a comprehensive mix of modules designed to build depth in electric vehicle systems and the technologies that support them.

Taught Stage
Students begin by studying modules such as Advanced Vehicular Systems Technology, Power Electronics and Drives, and Smart Grid Operation and Management — gaining an in-depth understanding of EV powertrains, control systems, and integration with smart energy networks. Modules like Energy Economics and Power Markets and Engineering Ethics and Sustainability broaden their grasp of the economic, social, and environmental contexts that shape the electric vehicle industry.
Students can also choose from optional modules such as Applied Sensors Instrumentation and Control, Communication Network Technologies, or Embedded DSP and FPGA Systems, tailoring their learning to particular interests like intelligent sensors or embedded systems for EV applications.

Dissertation Stage
In the final part of the year, students undertake a major individual research project that integrates their technical knowledge with real-world innovation. Projects often focus on topics such as battery management systems, charging infrastructure, or energy-efficient drive design — offering the chance to collaborate with academic and industry partners while developing practical research and problem-solving skills.

Focus Areas

Electric vehicle technologies, power electronics and drives, battery and energy storage systems, smart grid integration, vehicular communication, and sustainable mobility solutions.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will gain a thorough understanding of electric vehicle system design and operation, develop advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, and acquire the capability to evaluate, innovate, and manage sustainable transport technologies in line with modern engineering standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the academic requirements for Further Learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Brunel University London ranks among the top UK universities for graduate employability, with graduates earning a median salary above the UK sector average three years after completing their degree. The university’s placement team is ranked 7th in the UK for work-experience support (RateMyPlacement 2024), and Brunel is 14th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Global Employability University Ranking 2023).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Electric Vehicle Systems programme gain practical skills by working in state-of-the-art facilities and by tackling real-world engineering challenges. They use industry-standard software packages in purpose-built computer and electronics laboratories, engage in individual and group projects, and attend guest lectures and conferences enabling links with professionals in the electric-vehicle sector. The programme bridges theory and application through laboratories, simulation tools, and project work, including:

Hands-on laboratory work in electronics, power & control and vehicular systems labs.
Use of industry-standard engineering software in the university’s computer labs for simulation, modelling and design.
Individual dissertation or substantial project in the final term, focusing on a real-world challenge in electric vehicle systems (e.g., battery management systems, vehicle-to-vehicle communications).
Group work (e.g., group reports and presentations) and networking activities including poster sessions and conferences, where students present their findings and meet industry specialists.
Access to guest lectures from industry professionals and linkage to a strong network of employers especially within the UK electronics, information-engineering and motor-vehicle sectors (London/M4 corridor).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Brunel University London’s MSc in Electric Vehicle Systems are well-prepared to enter the rapidly growing electric mobility and sustainable transport industries. They develop the technical expertise and innovation skills needed to design, test, and manage advanced vehicle systems across diverse sectors. Typical career roles include:

Electric Vehicle Systems Engineer
Powertrain Design Engineer
Battery Management Systems Specialist
Research and Development Engineer

Brunel University London actively supports students in achieving their career ambitions through several dedicated services and industry connections:

Professional Development Centre (PDC): Offers personalised career coaching, CV reviews, and employer networking opportunities to help students secure graduate-level positions.
Strong industry partnerships: The University collaborates closely with leading automotive and engineering firms such as Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, and Nissan, giving students access to real-world projects and placement opportunities.
High employability rate: Brunel graduates are consistently recognised for their practical experience and technical capabilities, contributing to strong employability outcomes within the engineering sector.
Accreditation value: The programme’s strong engineering foundation and focus on sustainability enhance its long-term recognition by professional engineering bodies, providing graduates with a clear route towards chartered status.
Graduate success: Many alumni progress into senior engineering roles in global automotive and energy companies, or move into research and development positions within clean technology and transportation innovation.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may choose to advance their studies through doctoral research (PhD) in areas such as Electric Vehicle Design, Power Electronics, or Sustainable Energy Systems. Further progression could also include professional certifications or research collaborations supported by Brunel’s Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels or the Institute of Energy Futures.