There is a significant program of investment in the manufacturing sector and the importance of universities and colleges in developing the skills and networks is needed to enable this sector to exploit knowledge better. With increasing developments in technology, improving productivity and competitiveness, highly skilled professionals are in demand to adopt new innovations, increasing overall productivity and performance in manufacturing. Opportunities are diverse and international, with graduates progressing to senior positions in industry, studying a graduate manufacturing course can accelerate this process. Manufacturing graduates go on to a wide range of careers in manufacturing including; logistics, IT, business systems analysis, manufacturing management consultancy, research and development, and academia. If you want to be at the top of these professions then studying a graduate program in manufacturing will put you at an advantage.

Studying manufacturing at graduate level provides students with access to the skilled science and research base that is driving the growth in the manufacturing sector. At this level, students are able to specialise in key areas of interest and develop a competitive edge over other manufacturing graduates.

Which Graduate Manufacturing Course?

There are a number of considerations to make when choosing a graduate manufacturing course such as time and financial restraints. However, generally speaking, students who wish to undertake graduate study already have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as science, engineering, IT and business and wish to enter the manufacturing industry. Prospective students want to study a graduate manufacturing course to enhance their career progression and development. There has never been a better time to embark on a graduate manufacturing program, there are an increasing number of courses emerging at graduate level in a variety of subject areas.

Graduate manufacturing programs are generally taught or research based. Taught programs are largely facilitated through a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, workshops and individual and/or group projects, which will be assessed through examination or assignment. Taught programs in the UK for example generally fall into one of three qualifications: graduate certificate (PGCert), graduate diploma (PgDip) and Masters (scientific designation MSc). Research programs are generally assessed through a self-directed project, with a minor element of formal training.

Things to Consider

A number of factors are important in selecting a graduate course suitable for an individual. Some of these may include the quality or perceived reputation of the university or college. Other factors for consideration include:

• The relationship of the university or college to industry is very important. Research the balance of lectures to project work and the relationship of the college or university to industry. Projects in collaboration with industry provide opportunities for interaction and networking with prospective employers and possibly assistance with finance through sponsorship opportunities. Explore examples of student project work and employment uptake of former graduates.

• Consider the course structure and content. Weightings of the taught component to any research activity will vary. Some emphasis on management provides more general knowledge and expertise as well as personal transferable skills needed in project work and for a successful career in industry (or research).

• Consider resources and support at the university or college. A school or department that is devoted to only graduate study can offer a stand-alone Masters course which is based on industry requirements as opposed to the content of the undergraduate course.

• If the staff are actively involved in manufacturing research and/or consultancy with industry, then the teaching should be informed by high quality research and can also provide access to state of the art and/or unique facilities. A good staff-student ratio should provide great accessibility to staff, excellent support and direct access to the facilities.

 

Good luck with your application to a graduate manufacturing course. Remember to consider the factors cited above to get the pick the right graduate program for you and to set solid foundations for a successful and upward career in manufacturing.

 

With thanks to:
Hossein Soltan,
Programme Director,
MSc Manufacturing,
Cranfield University