University of Warwick

What you'll study

This MSc integrates core technical areas underpinning connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) with systems-level design, safety and deployment topics. Teaching blends lectures, laboratory work, hands‑on projects and a substantial individual or group dissertation. Modules emphasise practical skills in perception, control, connectivity and simulation, together with understanding of regulatory, ethical and human factors issues.

• Perception and Sensing: sensor technologies (lidar, radar, cameras), sensor fusion and environment modelling.
• Autonomous Systems and Control: vehicle dynamics, path planning, state estimation and model predictive control for autonomous platforms.
• Connectivity and Communications: V2X communications, network architectures, latency and reliability considerations for connected transport services.
• Machine Learning for Mobility: supervised and unsupervised methods for object detection, tracking and behaviour prediction; evaluation and robustness.
• Simulation, Verification and Validation: digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop, virtual testing and methods for validating safety-critical systems.
• Systems Engineering and Safety Case Development: systems-of-systems thinking, safety standards, risk analysis and assurance for deployment of CAVs.
• Human Factors and Socio-Technical Issues: human–machine interaction, user acceptance, legal and ethical implications of autonomous mobility.
• Group Design Projects and Industry Collaboration: applied projects with industry partners or cross-disciplinary teams, culminating in demonstrations and technical reports.
• Dissertation: an individual research or development project allowing specialist focus and interface with research groups or industry sponsors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree at upper second class (2:1) or equivalent in engineering, computer science, physics or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience in automotive, robotics, software development or telecommunications may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications, particularly for applicants on a part‑time or conversion route.

Suitable applicants should demonstrate competence in mathematics, programming and systems thinking. Where necessary, candidates with a strong quantitative background but limited domain experience may be asked to complete preparatory modules or demonstrate relevant prior learning. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme typically move into roles across the automotive and mobility sectors, technology companies and research organisations. Typical job titles include:

• Autonomous vehicle engineer (perception, control or software)
• Connected vehicle systems engineer or architect
• Machine learning engineer for mobility applications
• Simulation and validation engineer for automotive systems
• Systems safety and assurance engineer
• Consultant in intelligent transport or mobility services
• Researcher or doctoral candidate in transportation, robotics or embedded systems

The programme’s emphasis on project work and industry collaborations helps graduates build a portfolio of practical experience valued by suppliers, OEMs, Tier‑1 companies, software firms and transport authorities.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick offers this MSc within an environment that brings together strong engineering, computer science and business expertise. The University has active research groups and centres working on connected and autonomous mobility, providing opportunities for students to engage with cutting‑edge projects. Warwick’s close links with industry, including automotive suppliers and technology companies, support applied projects and placements.

Students benefit from well‑equipped laboratories, simulation facilities and access to multidisciplinary supervision. The campus location and professional networks enable collaboration with regional and national initiatives in intelligent transport, making Warwick a practical choice for those seeking both technical depth and real‑world relevance in CAVs.