Engineering Management PGCert

Course overview

Online PGCert in Engineering Management – A Fast-Track Route to Management Expertise

Designed by engineers, for engineers, the online Engineering Management Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) offers a focused, Level 7 qualification that can either stand alone or act as a gateway to the full MSc.

It provides a faster, flexible route for professionals seeking to strengthen leadership and management skills without committing to a full Masters degree.

Through three compulsory modules and one optional module of the MS programme, the PGCert equip you with the practical knowledge and confidence needed for effective business planning and engineering management. This pathway allows you to quickly gain high-value skills to enhance your career prospects or continue to the MSc for deeper expertise.

Why engineering management?

If you are looking to strengthen your leadership credentials quickly, the Online PGCert in Engineering Management offers a focused, flexible route to gain high-value management skills. You’ll develop a strong foundation in the advanced management techniques used by industry leaders , while keeping your study time shorter than a full Master’s.

It is ideal if you are:

• In the early stages of your career and looking to fast-track your progress.
• An experienced professional aiming to step into leadership roles sooner.
• A senior engineer who wants to enhance management expertise without a long-term study commitment.

With three compulsory modules and one optional module, the PGCert allows you to study while working, building skills you can apply immediately — and offers the option to continue towards the full MSc.

Course Highlights

World-Class University

• The University of Leeds is one of the top 100 universities in the world and top 13 in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2026), with a global reputation for excellence in research and teaching.
• Strong links with industry partners worldwide provide a combination of higher education and careers support, helping you develop market-ready expertise.
• Learn from high-profile academics and benefit from their industry-leading knowledge and research.

Learn from multiple engineering schools

The online Engineering Management MSc is delivered in collaboration with four leading engineering schools at Leeds:

• School of Civil Engineering – Top 10 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2025).
• School of Mechanical Engineering – Top 10 in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2025).
• School of Chemical and Process Engineering – Top 10 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2025).
• School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering – 1st in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2025).

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this award is equivalent to a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. Benefits include:

• Access to exclusive CMI networking events.
• Lectures from top-level CMI industry experts.
• CMI Affiliate membership with resources to support your development and employability.
• Opportunity to fast-track towards Chartered Manager status.

Discover the benefits of CMI accreditation

CMI qualifications are recognised on the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) and by the European Credit Framework, enhancing the international value of your qualification.

Chartered Management Institute

Course details and modules

Your online Engineering Management PGCert offers a flexible schedule of modules. There are three compulsory 15-credit taught modules, and one optional 15-credit taught module as part of the course, and you will typically spend eight weeks studying each module.

The distance learning course will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you’ll need to successfully complete your studies.

The modules cover a variety of subject areas to provide you with fundamental engineering management skills and knowledge. Learn about the significant role of innovation in engineering and build practical skills in business strategy, planning and project management specifically for the engineering sector.

You can take the course at your own pace and adapt your studies to fit around your work and life commitments. To give you flexibility, it is possible to pause your studies and take them up again at a later point. This means you can choose to complete the Engineering Management PGCert in a minimum of eight months or up to a maximum of sixteen months.

Discover 7 reasons to study Engineering Management

Meet the programme lead for Engineering Management

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Engineering Management PGCert in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Studying online

Each week you will study through live interactive sessions with our module tutors in a mixture of structured and open-ended learning techniques. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

You’ll join a global learning network of like-minded engineers, managers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Collaborate, share your knowledge, and learn directly from others. You can even develop your business relationships and network with worldwide peers in our virtual social spaces.

We recognise that professionals have busy lives, so with a 100% online delivery mode, you can manage your learning around personal commitments and full-time employment, without disrupting your life. You will study with a world-leading UK institution without the additional cost of overseas living. We will also provide many tools, including study planners, to help you track your progress and better manage your time.

Learn more about online learning with the University of Leeds

Minerva

Your learning will be delivered by Leeds online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva.

Minerva 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.

You’ll have access to:

• The Pathways to Success induction course designed for online learning students.
• In-course communication tools, such as discussion forums and announcements, to facilitate collaboration with peers and module tutors across the globe with ease.
• Webinars to engage in real time with module tutors and peers to learn about a range of contemporary subject areas.
• Online advice and support services for Minerva.
• Tools to help self-monitor progress.

You will also be able to submit assessments and receive feedback from module tutors during their office working hours.

We recommend a high-speed broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps. You will need regular access to a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop, with a webcam. You will also need to view PDF documents and work in Microsoft Office (software provided).

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They will typically include:

• mini project reports
• group discussions and assignments
• live and/or pre-recorded presentations
• practical exercises based on real-world scenarios
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple choice exams for formative learning feedback (no more than 5% of assessment).

Applying

Entry requirements

A 2:2 (hons) bachelor degree in engineering, physical sciences or a related engineering or technological discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied.

Non-standard entry requirements

If your degree is in an unrelated engineering discipline or in a managerial or economic discipline, we’ll consider your application if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in an engineering environment.

Exceptionally, we will also consider applications from professionally qualified and experienced candidates who don’t meet the formal requirements.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information, please contact our Enrolment Advisors at studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

• Alternative English Language Qualification
• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

For more details, contact our Enrolment Advisors at onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page takes you to the University's online application system, where you can start your application for this course. Alternatively, you can request further information by ‘registering your interest’.

If you require assistance in completing the online application, please contact studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk. and one of our Enrolment Advisors will be happy to help.

Proof of identity

The Digital Education Service requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are:

• Passport photo page, or
• Driving licence, or
• National identity card.

Deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• January 26 start: application deadline is 9 December 2025
• March 26 start: application deadline is 17 February 2026
• May 26 start: application deadline is 21 April 2026
• July 26 start: application deadline is 16 June 2026

All suitably qualified candidates will be interviewed by telephone or online as part of the selection process.

Applicants for Digital Education Service programmes should contact their Enrolment Advisor to find out more about the course, how to start the online application process and if applicants wish to change their start date after submitting an application.

Email studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

Enrolment Advisor team

Email: studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)113 868 6129

Fees

UK: £6,000 (Total)

International: £6,000 (Total)

The fee, which can be paid on a module-by-module basis*, is composed of:

· four taught modules (15 credits each): £1,500 per module

*If you are receiving a student loan or your fees are being paid directly to the University of Leeds by your employer or sponsor, you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis. Please check with our Enrolment Advisors.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

Funding opportunities for the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Management

We believe financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to education. If you have the talent and drive, there may be funding options available including loans and non-repayable grants from both the University and from the UK government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

• University of Leeds alumni (or graduates of affiliated institutions) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.
• UK students may be eligible for a UK government-backed loan, with specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications are made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more

Career opportunities

Engineering management jobs you can go into

Whether you are looking to progress within your company or improve your management competency within your current role, you’ll take the first step to progressing to a leadership level in engineering.

With this qualification and further learning or work experience, you’ll be able to go into a range of engineering management jobs such as:

• Chemical Engineering Manager
• Civil Engineering Manager
• Electrical Engineering Manager
• Engineering Business Analyst
• Mechanical Engineering Manager
• Project Manager
• Operations Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Risk Manager
• Product Manager
• Programme Manager

Learn more about the top careers in engineering management

Graduates of the distance learning Engineering Management PGCert will develop their core knowledge and complete the early stages of their progression to senior engineering roles. Previous alumni have eventually gone onto positions with companies including AECOM, Arup, BP, KPMG, Laing O’Rourke, Rolls-Royce, and TATA Steel.

Support from an employability lead

The University of Leeds has an employability lead for postgraduate taught courses, and as an online student, you’ll benefit from:

• A range of events on careers and employability run throughout the year that include CV preparation and engineering job applications.
• Alumni focused events with recent and past graduates talking about their career journeys.
• Career networking opportunities at industry events.

We are committed to supporting you to get the most out of your postgraduate study so that you graduate with excellent career prospects in engineering management. Our career support will help you in both approaching companies and throughout the application process.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via phone or virtual meetings
• Online career workshops, webinars and career resources
• A job database and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform access
• CV writing guidance and job application support
• Interview coaching and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region, and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships.