Engineering Management PGCert

Course overview

The online Engineering Management Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) has been designed by engineers, for engineers, to meet the needs of a growing management skills gap in the industry. This Level 7 qualification is an award in its own right and can also be a gateway to the online Engineering Management Masters degree.

The Postgraduate Certificate pathway provides a strong foundation for further development of your leadership-level expertise. You’ll study three compulsory modules and one optional module of the Engineering Management Masters and exit with the Postgraduate Certificate award, or continue to complete the full MSc.

The modules are designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed for effective business planning, helping you develop your engineering management job prospects.

Why engineering management?

If you are an engineer looking to accelerate your career opportunities, but cannot commit to a full Masters degree, this course is for you. The distance learning Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Management will help you grasp advanced management techniques used by industry leaders. It is ideal if you are:

• In the initial stages of your career and looking to fast-track your progress.
• An ambitious professional with substantial industry experience seeking to advance further.
• A senior engineer looking to sharpen your management expertise.

Learn more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Management

The University of Leeds

We are one of the top 100 universities in the world and ranked in the top 15 in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2024) with a global reputation for excellence in research and teaching.

Through links with various industry partners worldwide, we provide you with a strong combination of higher education and careers support. Our team of high-profile academics create an exceptional study experience guided by industry-leading knowledge and research.

You will also benefit from our links with the industry and private companies to build market-ready expertise, ready to apply the latest management thinking.

Learn from multiple engineering schools

The distance learning Engineering Management PGCert is a result of an in-depth collaboration between high profile academics from four leading engineering schools:

• School of Civil Engineering – 9th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
• School of Mechanical Engineering – Top 10 in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2025).
• School of Chemical and Process Engineering – 7th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
• School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering – 1st in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2024).

• Request further Information

  Find out more about our Engineering Management Postgraduate Certificate

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This award is equivalent to a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.

CMI’s qualifications sit on the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Frameworks) and are recognised by the European Credit Framework. You will benefit from:

• Access to exclusive CMI networking events.
• Attending lectures from top level CMI industry-expert members.
• CMI Affiliate member status, giving you a host of additional benefits to support your development and employability.
• Opportunity to fast-track into the next stage of training to become a Chartered Manager.

Course details

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 from all over the world. 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).

Watch our preview of Minerva.

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. Applicants will need to have GCSE English language at grade C or above, or an appropriate equivalent English language qualification. 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.

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’.

Read our how-to-apply guidance before you start your application.

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:

• May 2025 start: application deadline is 15 April 2025
• July 2025 start: application deadline is 17 June 2025
• September 25 start: application deadline is 19 August 2025

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

Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

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

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.

The University of Leeds Career Service

As a Leeds student, you will also have access to extensive online resources from the University of Leeds Careers Service including:

• Access to a database of employer events.
• Career planning guidance.
• CV writing tips.
• Engineering job application support.
• Key interview skills advice.
• Tailored one-to-one support via an e-Guidance service which provides advice by appointment via telephone, or virtual meeting.

Careers support

Throughout your course, you will have access to a range of professional development support and activities. The Careers Service offers online support and resources including career planning, CV (Curriculum Vitae) guidance and interview/application skills, as well as providing access to our database of employer events. You will also be able to schedule one-to-one careers advice sessions through our e-Guidance service via telephone or Skype.

The Careers Service is a global platform that connects students, alumni, and employers from all around the world. Whether you are a current student or alumni, you can get access to professional development tools, regional knowledge, or industry insight through our network.