Introducing Engineering Business Management (EBM) — University of Sussex

New skills are needed to keep on top in a rapidly changing world and doing a Masters course can help you do that. Zhengguo Sheng, a reader in the Department of Engineering and Design, and the course convenor of the MSc EBM, explains more

What is engineering business management?

It's a career path that brings together engineering and technological problem-solving ability with business, management and finance skills in order to master the operational performance of emerging engineering-driven enterprises.

What are the course's unique selling points?

The course is designed for students with an engineering background who want to become a technology leader or entrepreneur, or to create a start-up in their future career path. It develops blended skills, including business, management and finance, as well as advanced engineering topics - from mechanics and robotics, to 5G and AI.

What type of student would suit this course?

We welcome students from engineering and computer science backgrounds, but those from non-engineering backgrounds are also welcome.

Could you tell us about the industry-based project?

The industry-based project is created from academic research and industrial collaborations in our department, and often requires both practical and theoretical skills.

Project assessment can include interim reports, presentations and a dissertation. Some projects are undertaken in groups and replicate the type of professional teamwork expected in industry. A member of the faculty supervises the project with potential support from industry partners.

The project demands individual responsibility and promotes skills development in project management and planning, resourcing and scheduling, documentation and communication, and critical awareness and creative thinking.

There are many examples where mutual benefits have been developed by linking our students with industry. For example, we have EBM students employed by leading tech companies such as Google and Apple, and those that have created their own telecom startup company.

In return, those graduates are also actively contributing to our course project by giving industry talks and co-supervising our students.   

How does the course help students become employable?

The course focuses on the latest engineering skills such as robotics, 5G and AI, as well as reflecting new trends in industry 5.0, sustainability and Megatrends 2030. This combined with the teaching of soft skills, such as management and leadership, makes our course invaluable to any technology leader or entrepreneur.

What advice do you have for anyone considering the course?

• Check the course pathways and option modules. At the moment we offer three course pathways in advanced mechanics, robotics and 5G, and each pathway offers a different set of option modules. You need to assess the modules on offer and look at whether they match your goals.
• Plan ahead and do some background reading. The course is demanding as it combines both business management and engineering modules. We usually offer a list of reference literature for applicants to prepare, when issuing the offer. Spending time in the summer familiarising yourself with the course is always a good strategy to make your life easier.
• Contact me. As the course convenor, I offer one-to-one sessions to discuss your application. Please drop me an email if you have any questions.

How does the university support students?

We offer a supportive community including course and module convenors, a personal tutor and Student Centre to address any concerns during your time at the University of Sussex.

Find out more

• Take a look at the University of Sussex's MSc EBM.
• Read all about the engineering and manufacturing sector.
• Discover what’s on offer in the business, consulting and management sector.