Graduate Certificate in International Automotive Engineering

In recent times the incorporation of a higher level of technology in the automotive industry, coupled with the emergence of stringent environmental and safety standards being imposed by governments and regulatory bodies on automobile manufacturers, have led worldwide to a rise in the knowledge and skills level required by the automotive industry.

Of particular interest are the new sustainable design and manufacturing practices based on the entire life-cycle (from “cradle to grave”) of the vehicle incorporating issues such as design for disposal and recycle, design for disassembly, life cycle assessment, alternative fuels and power-trains, light structures, etc.

For example, conventional engines are being replaced by hybrids and fuel cells, quality vehicles are expected to have five star New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety rating (i.e., they need to be equipped with all the latest active and passive safety technology).

Whereas, there is a decrease in the demand for engineers with the classical skills in general engineering fields, a growing demand for specialist engineers with interdisciplinary knowledge in design, mechanics, materials, electronics, manufacturing, environmental science, is clearly evident.

This program will provide you with an in depth understanding of engineering disciplines the life cycle of the product automobile is based on.

It will expose you to state-of-the-art infrastructure and different work ethics, by providing you with the opportunity to carry out work experience or research projects at multi-national automotive companies worldwide.

The program is international in character;

it aims to provide you with advanced technical and generic capabilities which will enhance your chances of employment in the global automotive industry sector.

There are two distinct and interrelated specialist automotive areas of activity in the global automotive industry sector.

The first focuses on the Automotive Design and Development.

It includes developed automotive industries that are knowledge intensive and with high value added products and services (e.g., Australia, Germany, USA, Japan).

The second focuses on the Automotive Manufacturing Engineering Processes.

It includes emerging automotive industries where the focus is process intensive, relies on economies of scale and the pursuit of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies (e.g., China, India, Thailand).

In catering for local and international students this program offers the flexibility for specialization in either sector.

It will instil in you the specialized automotive engineering skills that are currently in short supply, but are increasingly in high demand by the automotive industry.

By so doing it will put you in good stead if the time comes for you to reposition yourself in the global job market.

All courses listed may not be available each semester.

Year One of Program

Complete ALL Four (4) Courses from:

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or applied Science is mandatory. Relevant industry work experience is also desirable. International students must satisfy a pre-requisite of an IELTS English language test score of 6.5 or greater with no band less than 6.0, or be a graduate of a university in which the language of instruction is English.

During the formal consultations conducted by the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering with both local and overseas leading automotive industry stakeholders the demand for new capabilities in the field of automotive engineering was confirmed. This is explained by the use of advanced and increasingly complex systems in automobiles (engine, interior equipment, chassis and carriages) as well as by the implementation of new and alternative technologies (e.g., X-by-wire systems- i.e. systems that operate automobiles by means of computer-controlled electronic signals instead of direct action on control devices-, alternative power-train technologies, alternative fuels, new safety mechanisms, lightweight materials technology). Furthermore, the production strategy (design, manufacturing and product distribution) of multinational automotive companies transcends geographical borders. Hence, due to the internationalized nature of the industry’s working environment, the sought after workforce, apart from being equipped with advanced technical and project management skills, is also required to exhibit a diverse set of generic capabilities such as: understanding of various cultures, sensitivity to global needs, awareness of global engineering ethics, and the ability to work in international teams. In response to this demand the aim of this new program is to provide you with the capability to work effectively as an automotive engineering specialist in the global automotive industry, and in particular to lead technological innovation in cross-disciplinary teams. It is further intended that you will have the capability to work effectively within, and between, the geographically and culturally diverse settings that pertain to the global automotive industry. This includes a broader understanding of the complex automotive supply chain and logistics involved, especially within the broader socio-economic as well as political context that applies to this global industry. To this effect, the dimensions of specific capabilities that you will develop are:

• Holistic understanding of the product automobile: To this effect, you will acquire comprehensive understanding of the various stages of the product life-cycle (“cradle -to -grave”), and of the systems approach to sustainable design and development of automotive technology. Also, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of methods, techniques and procedures within the cross-disciplinary development process of modern automobiles.
• Problem solving and decision making skills: To this effect you will acquire specialist knowledge required for advanced analysis and synthesis of automotive technologies. This program will provide you the opportunity to pursue projects, that address real life problems, in cooperation with industry both locally and internationally. This will allow you to develop intuition, judgement, result interpretation capabilities.
• Advanced technical competence: You will be capable of implementing advanced technical concepts based on Engineering science. This will involve modelling, simulation, testing, correlation and validation techniques, and tools used in the development of the various components and subsystems of the automobile. You will be able to use this knowledge in a design and production context.
• Working in teams and networks: You will be required to work collaboratively with peers to achieve a common goal. In an attempt to mirror workplace practice, you will have the opportunity to assume different roles. In so doing, it is intended that you will acquire a deep sense of team and network membership responsibilities and obligations, using sound project management skills.
• Leadership: You will be provided with opportunities to work in cross-disciplinary and international teams in order to develop leadership qualities such as: creative thinking and innovation, cross-cultural and cross-discipline communication skills. In addition, you will develop capabilities which will empower you to initiate and facilitate technological change and innovation in the automotive industry, and to meet new environmental and safety challenges in particular.
• Professional, legal and ethical standards: Throughout this program emphasis will be placed on the importance of automotive design and manufacture within the framework of international regulatory statutes pertaining in particular to the environment, quality and safety. You will be made aware of legal, environmental and ethical standards that pertain to the profession.
• Research: You will be required to conduct research, including benchmarking and scientific analysis and report on new industry trends in order to keep abreast with emerging technologies.
• International and cultural awareness: This program is international in character and outlook. It provides you with the opportunity to obtain work and research experience at multinational companies around the world. In this way, you will be concomitantly exposed to state of the art infrastructure and to different work ethics and cultural environments.