Advanced Manufacturing and Automation MSc

Course overview

This course prepares you for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving Industry 4.0 landscape. It integrates core mechanical engineering principles with advanced topics in automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, and sustainable practices, giving you the knowledge required to address the complexities of modern manufacturing.

Your curriculum will combine theoretical knowledge with practical application to give you a complete understanding of advanced manufacturing to support your career growth. Study intelligent automation systems, additive manufacturing, digital twin technologies, and sustainable production methods to gain. And work hands-on with cutting-edge equipment such as CNC machines, 3D printers, and industry-standard digital manufacturing software.

This programme has been produced in collaboration with industry partners including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, BAE Systems, and Sulzer, ensuring it is aligned with current and evolving industry needs. These partnerships provide you with opportunities for guest lectures, real-world projects, and potential placements, enhancing your practical understanding and employability.

Delivered by research-active staff within the Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing, the programme fosters an environment of innovation and critical thinking. You’ll also develop essential skills in leadership, project management, and digital transformation, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the manufacturing sector.

Once you graduate, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue roles in automation engineering, manufacturing systems analytics, and digital manufacturing, contributing to advancements in smart manufacturing and sustainable industrial practices.

Why study at Leeds:

• State-of-the-art facilities: Access to advanced manufacturing labs equipped with CNC-integrated workshops, 3D printing facilities, and digital manufacturing platforms. 
• Industry collaboration: Strong partnerships with leading companies provide real-world project opportunities and insights into current manufacturing challenges. 
• Interdisciplinary approach: The curriculum combines mechanical engineering with digital technologies, fostering a holistic understanding of modern manufacturing systems. 
• Research-led teaching: Instruction by active researchers ensures exposure to the latest developments in manufacturing and automation. 
• Career development: Emphasis on leadership and project management skills prepares you for diverse roles in the manufacturing industry. 
• Global perspective: Programme content reflects global manufacturing trends, preparing students for international careers. 

Guaranteed Work Experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an eight-week virtual work experience, working on a project aligned with your academic discipline and partnered with a relevant company.

This practical experience is highly valued by employers and helps you develop the skills needed to be career-ready. What sets us apart is that your work experience is formally integrated into your degree—enabling you to graduate with an MSc with Work Experience and stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Specialist facilities ​

The School of Mechanical Engineering has made significant investments in manufacturing capabilities over the past decade, providing an exceptional learning environment tailored to the demands of modern industry. 

You’ll work in our CNC-integrated workshop, which includes both industrial and desktop-scale machining platforms, ideal for teaching subtractive manufacturing processes. Our dedicated 3D printing laboratory features advanced additive manufacturing equipment, enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation with novel materials such as polymer, ceramic and composites. 

You’ll also have access to the Advanced Metrology Lab in the School, which houses 3D optical microscopes, coordinate-measuring machines (CMM), high speed digital cameras and X-ray Micro-CT. In addition, the Bragg Centre for Materials Research offers world-class instruments for materials characterisation and analysis, including SEM, plasma FIB, XRD, and XPS. These facilities are invaluable for conducting research into advanced materials and manufacturing process optimisation. 

The programme is supported by a suite of digital tools and simulation software, including SolidWorks for CAD, Abaqus for finite element analysis, and COMSOL Multiphysics for computational modelling. The Helix – the University's Digital Education Service – also supports team projects through cutting-edge digital resources, including immersive technologies such as VR headsets, 3D scanner, and 360-degree cameras), providing you hands-on experience with smart factory tools widely used in industry. 

Our strong industry partnerships also provide opportunities to work on live industrial projects and attend guest lectures from leading experts. In combination, these facilities ensure that graduates are well-prepared for roles in advanced, automated, and sustainable manufacturing sectors. 

Course details and modules

You’ll build a strong understanding of the core scientific and technical principles behind modern manufacturing and assembly processes through our core modules. These modules will give you the knowledge and tools to improve the design and performance of engineering systems that meet real-world requirements. This foundation will support your learning across the course, including your individual research project.

You can also select optional modules which appeal to your interests and background and gain advanced engineering skills in areas such as experimental methods and computational modelling – fundamental manufacturing process methods. You’ll also take part in a team design project, working with other students to a specific design brief and taking into consideration factors such as environmental impact, regulatory requirements, cost implications and more. 

The specific skill-based modules that you chose (mostly in semester 1) will inform the rest of your studies where, depending on your background, you’ll select from a range of optional modules (mostly in semester 2). You’ll choose modules in areas that suit your interests and career aspirations, such as fluid dynamics, surface engineering, energy systems, and design optimisation.

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 Advanced Manufacturing and Automation MSc in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Professional Project – 60 credits 

Throughout the course, you’ll undertake a professional project making use of professional skills including project planning, risk assessment and management. This project allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research, focusing on a real-world problem, and can be used to explore and develop your specific interests. 

You’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation and/or experimentation, followed by writing your final thesis after teaching is completed.  

Past projects from other MSc programs include: 

• Automated manufacturing for ceramic insert for turbine blade casting 
• Engineering tribology of additively manufactured polymer-based materials 
• Sustainable fabrication of micro/nanoscale structured surfaces 
• Computational analysis of strand deposition in extrusion-based additive manufacturing 
• Digitalisation of surface coating manufacturing 
• Modelling for net zero energy and industrial systems 
• Advanced products by 3D printing 

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer. 

Team Design Project – 15 credits 

Alongside your professional project, you’ll also participate in a group activity. You'll take a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a solution to a programme-specific, industrially relevant design problem, accounting for full product or system lifecycle. 

Design and Manufacturing Technology– 15 credits 

Gain practical knowledge of core manufacturing technologies used in modern engineering practice. This module covers computer-aided design (CAD) using SolidWorks, fundamentals of CNC machining, dimensional metrology, and key aspects of quality assurance. Through lectures, software-based tasks, and hands-on group work, you will develop essential skills in design for manufacture, process planning, and measurement. 

Advanced Manufacturing – 15 credits 

Learn traditional and innovative manufacturing processes and assembly techniques that are commercially available. The module will also cover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field, including elements of research. 

Optional modules 

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options. 

Design Optimisation – 15 credits 

Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of design optimisation that will give you the ability to arrive at an improved design for an engineering system that satisfies given requirements. 

Surface Engineering and Coatings – 15 credits 

The development of Surface Engineering and Advanced Coatings is a National Competency according to the Technology Strategy Board. This module will focus on surface technologies across different manufacturing sectors from mechanical, automotive, medical, space and aerospace applications. Surface engineering methods and the surface characterisation techniques will also be introduced. 

Energy Systems, Policy and Economics for Engineers – 15 credits 

This module will provide you with engineering backgrounds to some key issues in energy systems, including policy and economics. 

Engineering Computational Methods – 15 credits 

Engineering simulation software packages rely on computational methods and a good understanding is crucial to use them effectively. The module introduces you to the basic computational methods used to solve engineering problems modelled by ordinary differential equations and parabolic or hyperbolic partial differential equations. You’ll also learn how to implement the learned methods in practice.

Experimental Methods and Analysis – 15 credits 

This module offers you theoretical and practical training required for design of experiments and data processing to address engineering problems. 

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis – 15 credits 

Learn how to competently perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with commercial software packages used in industry.

Enhance Your Academic and Subject-Specific Language​

As part of your course, you will have access to the Professional and Academic Communication module that provides valuable insights into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK while helping you develop your academic and subject-specific vocabulary.

Through a combination of in-person workshops and independent online study, you will explore the use of technology—such as translation tools and generative AI—to support effective communication. You will also build the language and literacy skills necessary to become a more confident and capable communicator throughout your studies.

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have the opportunity to be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with teaching staff through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. 

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge. 

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

You’ll be assessed through a variety of approaches to test different knowledge and skills. Assessments will enable you to demonstrate your competency in a particular skill, as well as measuring the extent of your knowledge and understanding. They are designed to be fair and inclusive. 

We will use different forms of assessment including written examinations (held at the end of each semester) and coursework that also develops key transferable skills that will be relevant to your future professional practice, such as project reports, teamworking and presentations. 

Assessments will develop your ability to bring together evidence from a variety of sources, and to critically understand and evaluate. You will also have frequent opportunities to develop your understanding of assessment and to improve your performance, for example through formative assessments with feedback, guided marking, peer review and opportunities to practise key assessment methods. 

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 (hons) in an engineering discipline.

• Successful applicants will have modules covering mathematics and mechanics. 
• We may ask for further detailed module information where necessary. 

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis: 

• A bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 (hons) in a listed subject, with at least three years of relevant experience. 
• Relevant professional qualifications and experience.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team. 

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.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

31 July 2026 – International applicants

11 September 2026 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Mechanical Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgmech@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,500 (Total)

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

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

Manufacturing underpins a huge and diverse range of industries, and is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, global market demands and sustainability goals. With this comes a need for skilled engineers with up-to-date knowledge in advanced manufacturing, and this MSc will provide you the specialist skills and detailed knowledge sought after by a wide range of employers.  

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report. 

Here’s an insight into some of the relevant job positions and organisations previous graduates from the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering have secured: 

• Manufacturing Engineer, Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited 
• Advanced Application Engineer, 3M 
• Engineer, Expert Tooling and Automation Ltd. 
• Manufacturing Research Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) 
• Product and Process Development Engineer, Lusoservica 
• Product Development Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover 
• Manufacturing Engineer, Royal IHC 
• Mechanical Project Engineer, Firth Rixson 
• Project Engineer, Translift Sdn. Bhd. 
• Lead Engineer, Bentley Motors Ltd 
• EMEA Project Manager, IMI Norgren 
• Engineering Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) 
• Product Design Engineer, Cameron Engineering & Motorsport 

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.