MSc Reliability Engineering and Asset Management

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Science
Duration
12 months full-time or 36 months part-time
Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this Master's course is a Second Class (2:1) UK honours degree or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.  In some cases we will accept a Second Class (2:2) honours degree where candidates have previous relevant industrial experience demonstrated by an up-to-date CV.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

For further information about making an online application for this MSc course, please see the guidance about  how to apply  on our department website.

If you have any questions about the application process or about our entry requirements please do contact us at  ream.admissions@manchester.ac.uk   and we will be happy to advise you further.

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc Y Y N Y

Course description

Our teaching style is unique compared to other postgraduate engineering courses. The taught units are explained through industrial case studies to demonstrate the application of theory.

Our MSc course offers excellent teaching with real industrial applications ranging from maintenance systems and modelling, audit maintenance, turnaround management, reliability and maintainability, approaches in condition-based maintenance (CBM) and maintenance in design. Many of the students on this course are professionals already working in the industry. However we also have recent graduates on the course who benefit from sharing classes with professionals with industrial experience and awareness of the real-world challenges in the workplace.

Prof Jyoti Sinha / Course Director

Reliability Engineering and Asset Management are critical to industries throughout the world.

It is estimated that a significant amount of annual plant cost is spent on maintenance. Maintenance costs are likely to influence competitiveness on a global scale and therefore those working in maintenance can impact their company's bottom line in a positive way.

This course intends to equip candidates to do just that. The MSc course embraces management techniques, organisation, planning and the application of substantial electronic, engineering and analytical knowledge to manufacturing processes, transport, power generation and the efficient operation of industrial, commercial and civic buildings. The aim of the course is to give companies the technical and managerial expertise to thrive in the global marketplace.

Course content

The course includes taught units which cover various aspects of applied management and technology in the field of reliability engineering and asset management. The course is designed to be suitable for professionals already working in the industry as well as recent graduates who have studied an undergraduate degree in this field. Our teaching staff are internationally recognised professionals with years of experience working in industry and academic institutions.

The course is offered as indicated below:

  • Full-time on campus, 1 year
  • Part-time on campus, 3 years  (4 x 1 week teaching blocks per year) This option is only available for Home students
  • Part-time distance learning, 3 years  (Students study two units per term. There is a one day webinar per unit. Attendance is not compulsory but is recommended)

We also offer Reliability Engineering and Asset Management as a Postgraduate Certificate (four taught units), a Postgraduate Diploma (all eight taught units) and as a Continuing Professional Development course in which you can study individual course units.

For further information about these course options, please see the Reliability Engineering and Asset Management PG Certificate and PG Diploma course page, or our Continuing Professional Development course page.

Open days

We're delighted to hear you're interested in specialising your skills with us.

Take a look at our Meet Us page to find out when our next information sessions are taking place, and when you can next join us at a study fair near you.

For any further questions, we encourage you to get in touch - we're happy to help.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £27,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £32,500
  • MSc (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £25,000 over 3 years, £8,334 per year
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,000 over 3 years, £10,000 per year
  • MSc (part-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £25,000 over 3 years, £8,334 per year
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,000 over 3 years, £10,000 per year

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses website for more information.

Contact details

Department
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
Contact name
REAM Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 543 4016
Email
Website
https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for this Master's course is a Second Class (2:1) UK honours degree or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.  In some cases we will accept a Second Class (2:2) honours degree where candidates have previous relevant industrial experience demonstrated by an up-to-date CV.

English language

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

  • IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6.0. 
  • TOEFL iBT: at least 90 overall with no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
  • Pearson PTE: at least 70 overall with no sub-test below 65.

Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .

If you require a student visa and choose to sit Pearson PTE, an overall score of 59 with no less than 59 in each component would be required.

Pre-sessional English

We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.

To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:

  • 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course:  Minimum 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.
  • 10 Week Pre-sessional Course: Minimum 5.5 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.

If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

For further information about making an online application for this MSc course, please see the guidance about  how to apply  on our department website.

If you have any questions about the application process or about our entry requirements please do contact us at  ream.admissions@manchester.ac.uk   and we will be happy to advise you further.

Advice to applicants

Please ensure you have all your supporting documents scanned and ready to upload with your online application.

We require the following documents before we can consider your application:

  • Transcript of your studies to date including credit weighting and grades achieved. If your academic documents are in languages other than English, please provide them in their original version and official translations.
  • An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study.  Please note : where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade. 
  • You will need to provide the name and contact details of one referee as part of your application.
  • Degree certificate if you have already graduated.
  • A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.

How your application is considered

We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant course units in our final decision making.

If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.

Interview requirements

No interview is required for this course.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

CAS Information

Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.

If you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.

You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.

Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please be aware there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

Reliability Engineering and Asset Management are critical to industries throughout the world.

It is estimated that a significant amount of annual plant cost is spent on maintenance. Maintenance costs are likely to influence competitiveness on a global scale and therefore those working in maintenance can impact their company's bottom line in a positive way.

This course intends to equip candidates to do just that. The MSc course embraces management techniques, organisation, planning and the application of substantial electronic, engineering and analytical knowledge to manufacturing processes, transport, power generation and the efficient operation of industrial, commercial and civic buildings. The aim of the course is to give companies the technical and managerial expertise to thrive in the global marketplace.

Course content

The course includes taught units which cover various aspects of applied management and technology in the field of reliability engineering and asset management. The course is designed to be suitable for professionals already working in the industry as well as recent graduates who have studied an undergraduate degree in this field. Our teaching staff are internationally recognised professionals with years of experience working in industry and academic institutions.

The course is offered as indicated below:

  • Full-time on campus, 1 year
  • Part-time on campus, 3 years  (4 x 1 week teaching blocks per year) This option is only available for Home students
  • Part-time distance learning, 3 years  (Students study two units per term. There is a one day webinar per unit. Attendance is not compulsory but is recommended)

We also offer Reliability Engineering and Asset Management as a Postgraduate Certificate (four taught units), a Postgraduate Diploma (all eight taught units) and as a Continuing Professional Development course in which you can study individual course units.

For further information about these course options, please see the Reliability Engineering and Asset Management PG Certificate and PG Diploma course page, or our Continuing Professional Development course page.

Teaching and learning

Full-time on campus

Students study full time on campus and undertake eight course units. Each taught unit lasts one week and is followed by time for coursework and revision for examinations. Students also submit a dissertation and the MSc is completed in one year.

Part-time on campus (only available for Home/EU students)

Students undertake eight units. Each course unit is taught over a one week period and is followed by time for coursework and revision for examinations. Students study four course units each year over the first two years and then they write their dissertation project in the final year. Therefore the duration of the part-time course is three years.

Part-time distance learning

Students undertake eight course units, all studied online, spending around 3 months on each course unit. Teaching will begin with a short introduction allowing students to acclimatise to the online system- our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard 9. The online teaching material includes text, images, video and animation and there is also regular and active communication online between groups of students and with academic staff. Distance learning students are invited to attend a webinar via the Blackboard virtual learning environment with the course leader twice per semester.  This is recommended but not compulsory. The MSc is completed in three years with students completing their dissertation project in the final year.

Coursework and assessment

Following each taught course unit, there are two assignments and an examination. Distance learning students take the examination at an approved higher education institute or the British Council in their home country.

The written assignment accounts for 50% of the grade for the unit, the examination 35% and an in-unit assignment the remaining 15%.

Examination period

Examinations for the semester one course content take place in January.

Examinations for the semester two course content take place in May/June.

Dissertation project

The dissertation project is intended to address and analyse a real issue in Reliability Engineering and Asset Management. Students select and research the issue and are expected to apply the theory they have learnt during the course. The dissertation should bring in case studies, reflect on potential solutions reported in the literature and suggest innovative proposals and field trials. All students have access to laboratory resources where appropriate.

Course unit details

The MSc consists of eight taught units.

 The earlier units address the management of the maintenance process, including such topics as asset management and maintenance strategy, advanced vibration monitoring, asset maintenance systems and condition monitoring. Later more specialised units deal with auditing, and reliability and risk. Our teaching offers a holistic approach in order to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply best practice in maintenance engineering and management. This allows our students to enhance plant and system reliability in the industry in which they work. 

All delivery modes (full time, part time and distance learning) cover the same syllabus and lead to the same qualification, however the duration of the course is different.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Dissertation (REAM) MECH60300 60 Mandatory
Asset Management Strategy & Organisation MECH68011 15 Mandatory
Safety, Legislation & Cost Effectiveness MECH68022 15 Mandatory
Asset Maintenance Systems DL MECH68032 15 Mandatory
Machinery Vibration-based Condition Monitoring MECH68041 15 Mandatory
Design for Reliability & Asset Management MECH68051 15 Mandatory
Auditing Asset Management & Maintenance Organisations MECH68062 15 Mandatory
Reliability, Maintainability & Risk DL MECH68072 15 Mandatory
Turnaround Management DL MECH68081 15 Mandatory
Asset Management Strategy & Organisation MECH69001 15 Mandatory
Safety, Legislation & Cost Effectiveness MECH69022 15 Mandatory
Asset Maintenance Systems MECH69032 15 Mandatory
Machinery Vibration-based Condition Monitoring MECH69041 15 Mandatory
Design for Reliability & Asset Management MECH69051 15 Mandatory
Auditing Asset Management & Maintenance Organisations MECH69062 15 Mandatory
Reliability, Maintainability & Risk MECH69072 15 Mandatory
Turnaround Management MECH69081 15 Mandatory
Displaying 10 of 17 course units

Facilities

You'll learn in our world-class £400m Home of Engineering and Materials , a building specifically designed to bring together all disciplines to create a connected and dynamic environment.

This space supports a variety of teaching and learning styles, through blended lecture theatres, multi-purpose study spaces and over 250 state-of-the-art laboratories. There is also a range of technical spaces, enabling you to shape your own learning environment.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

CPD opportunities

We also offer Reliability Engineering and Asset Management as a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or as individual course units for those who would like to select specific course units to support their continuing professional development.

Please see our website for full details of the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and the CPD options.

Careers

Career opportunities

From management techniques, organisation and planning, to the application of substantial electronic engineering, power generation, efficient operation of civic buildings and beyond - this course will provide you, and in-turn, companies, with the technical and managerial expertise needed in the global marketplace.

WHERE DO OUR GRADUATES WORK?

  • BP plc
  • Lukoil
  • Saudi Aramco
  • Merseyrail Electrics 2002
  • YPF
  • Cbre Gws - Local Fm
  • Saipem
  • Em&i Group
  • Shell

WHAT DO OUR GRADUATES DO?

  • Reliability Engineer
  • Engineering Manager
  • Upstream Asset Integrity Department Head
  • Reliability and Asset Management Unit Head
  • Mechanical Supervisor
  • Senior CBM Engineer
  • Damage Control Officer/First Assistant Engineer
  • Senior RAMS Engineer

Accrediting organisations

The  Institution of Mechanical Engineers  has accredited the  Reliability Engineering and Asset Management MSc  course under license from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

This allows satisfactory completion of the MSc to contribute towards the academic requirements for registration with the Institution as a Chartered Engineer.