The aim of ISMM is to equip numerate graduates with the academic skills, personal development and industrial experience to be immediately effective in their early careers in the industry. ISMM is very different from any other academic course: it combines traditional academic teaching material with a series of industrial visits, industrial seminars, skills development and projects in the industry. ISMM is a very intensive programme that gives a direct experience of many different industries, cultures and working environments. In addition to the lectures, the projects present real challenges in genuine industrial and business environments.

ISMM will broaden students' perspectives and experiences and open doors to a wide range of industrial careers. Many firms recognise the value of the course and target our graduates. Equally, for those who want to work in a smaller company, ISMM gives the confidence to start directly in a manufacturing engineering or management role. Those with entrepreneurial flair go on to set up their own companies.

The programme is structured around taught modules, company visits and in-company projects solving live business or technical problems. An overseas study tour offers a broader international context, and the individual research dissertation allows for greater depth of study in a specific area of manufacturing. (Please note that some company visits and in-company projects may take place online, particularly if necessitated by regulations surrounding the pandemic response; in-person visits and projects will be provided if possible.)

Learning Outcomes

Students follow a reinforcement learning-cycle of lectures, company visits and in-company projects:  'I hear, I see: I remember. I do: I understand'. They will be supported and mentored by both academics and industrial tutors, and encouraged to reflect on their activities, seek new ways of thinking and working, and put them into practice.

During the year, students will visit a wide variety of companies, large and small, chosen to cover all industrial sectors; they will absorb the different cultures and learn to identify strengths and weaknesses. (Please note that some company visits may take place online, particularly if necessitated by regulations surrounding the pandemic response.)

Skills acquired during the course include the following:

• critical analysis;
• creativity – the generation of innovative solutions;
• evaluation of designs, processes and products;
• balancing theory and practice;
• problem identification, definition and solution;
• data gathering, evaluation and analysis;
• effective communication is written, verbal and graphic;
• preparation of business and finance cases;
• presentation preparation and delivery;
• project management;
• report writing;
• team working;
• appreciating the responsibilities of leadership;
• a "can do" attitude.

Continuing

The MPhil combines professional engagement with a strong theoretical underpinning. Exceptional students seeking to apply for continuation to a PhD in Engineering at Cambridge would normally be expected to attain an overall mark of at least 70 per cent.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: