Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for leadership roles in modern manufacturing industries. This interdisciplinary course combines principles from engineering, management, and manufacturing technologies to prepare graduates for the complex challenges faced by industrial sectors today. Throughout the program, students explore a broad range of topics, including production processes, supply chain management, quality control, innovation management, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, project-based learning, and internships with leading industry partners.

Students are introduced to advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation, robotics, and information systems that drive Industry 4.0 transformation. The program also addresses key management skills such as strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational behavior, enabling graduates to effectively lead multidisciplinary teams and manage industrial projects. Emphasis is placed on innovation and continuous improvement methodologies, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset necessary for adapting to technological advances and market dynamics. The academic structure includes lectures, seminars, group projects, and industry visits, promoting active learning and real-world insight. Collaboration with industry professionals and research centers ensures that course content remains relevant and cutting-edge.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from Cambridge's renowned academic environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant community of scholars. The program culminates in a research project or industry-based thesis, allowing students to apply their knowledge to practical challenges and develop solutions that can impact the field. Graduates of the course are well-positioned for careers in manufacturing management, process engineering, operations consultancy, quality assurance, or further academic research. Overall, the Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management program at Cambridge offers a unique combination of technical expertise, managerial skills, and innovative thinking vital for advancing sustainable and efficient manufacturing industries worldwide.

ISMM starts at the beginning of October and consists of 11 months of taught programme plus one month of assessment. The taught programme is split as follows:

• Project work, during which you will tackle a number of projects
• Taught modules
• An overseas study tour either in mainland Europe or further afield.
• Two holiday periods - one at Christmas and one at Easter
• A long dissertation project where you will be working with researchers for the Institute for Manufacturing applying new theories to industrial applications.

ISMM is not just an academic course - the balance of activities shows clearly that the emphasis is on learning by doing - you will be solving real problems in live industrial situations.

Projects

Members of the course usually working in pairs, undertake a number of company projects. The projects improve analytic, communication and team working-skills, providing an excellent preparation for the working environment.

Each project deals with a live issue relevant to the company. At the start of the course you will be asked to express a preference for the projects you want to work on and, as far as possible, your preferences will be accommodated.

The work is supervised by the host company and you are treated as if you are a company employee. The projects involve framing the problem, understanding the issues, developing ideas for improvement and making recommendations to the company. The final deliverable of the project is a presentation to senior management followed by a technical report.

Projects are completed across the full spectrum of manufacturing, including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, lifting and excavating, FMCG, food and beverages. Project titles are varied and cover areas of operational improvement, strategic decision-making and organisational management. A typical project will analyse and improve one of the following areas:

• Production planning, scheduling and inventory optimisation
• Capacity utilisation
• Lead time reduction
• Quality improvement and control
• Make/buy decisions
• New product development process
• Effective maintenance
• Energy usage
• Layout floor planning
• Inter-departmental effectiveness
• Feasibility study in to a new technology

As well as the three operational improvement projects, you will undertake a marketing project following the sales, marketing and business strategy taught module. Typical projects consider new markets, products, company strategies, competitors and routes to market. The marketing project gives a wider context to the placement projects and provides essential skills for industry.

Dissertation

The long dissertation project gives course members the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in their key area of interest through an individual research project. The dissertations can be from any of the Institute for Manufacturing’s research groups:

• Design management
• Distributed Information and Automation Laboratory
• Industrial photonics
• Industrial sustainability
• Inkjet research
• International manufacturing
• Strategy and performance
• Technology enterprise
• Technology management

Taught Modules

The course modules are normally taught in Cambridge and consist of lectures, case studies, exercises and structured visits, all run either by University staff or by visitors, usually from industry, with a specific expertise.

Topics covered include:

• Manufacturing Systems, including both strategic and operational topics
• Manufacturing Processes, primary and secondary
• Management of People, covering administration and motivation
• Sales & Marketing, for both industrial and consumer markets
• Product Design & New Product Introduction
• Personal Development, including presentation and career management skills
• Business Strategy & Finance
• Technology and Innovation Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Management of Change
• Teamworking & Leadership

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
• ISMM Departmental Questionnaire 

The University of Cambridge offers a variety of financing options to support students pursuing the Master of Philosophy in Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management. Funding opportunities include government-sponsored loans, scholarships, and bursaries designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with postgraduate studies. Students from the United Kingdom can access government-backed student loans from the Student Loans Company, which cover course fees and living expenses, repaid after graduation based on income levels. International students are encouraged to seek scholarships provided specifically for overseas applicants; these include the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and other dedicated awards aimed at outstanding candidates. The university also offers a limited number of departmental scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit and financial need, which are highly competitive. Additionally, external organizations and industry partners occasionally provide funding opportunities, fellowships, or sponsorships for students engaged in research aligned with industrial management and manufacturing innovations. Students are advised to explore the university’s Graduate Funding Database and contact the Cambridge Trust to identify suitable financial support options. Many students also consider part-time work opportunities during their studies, including research assistantships and teaching roles, which can provide additional income and professional experience. It is essential for applicants to prepare a compelling scholarship application highlighting academic excellence, research interests, and financial circumstances. Securing funding often requires early application and thorough documentation. Overall, pursuing a degree at Cambridge in this field can be financially feasible through a combination of scholarships, loans, and personal funding, enabling students to focus on their advanced studies and research in industrial systems management and manufacturing technology.

Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management at the University of Cambridge is a specialized program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of industrial systems engineering, manufacturing processes, and management practices. The program emphasizes the integration of technical expertise with managerial capabilities, preparing graduates for leadership roles in manufacturing industries. Students engage with core topics such as production planning, quality control, automation, robotics, supply chain management, and systems optimization, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical experience through laboratory work, projects, and industrial placements. The curriculum is co-developed with industry partners, ensuring relevance to current technological advances and market needs. The program also fosters innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in manufacturing operations, reflecting the university's commitment to advancing industrial practices. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories equipped with modern manufacturing and automation technologies. The programme typically includes a research component and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to explore emerging trends such as Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, and smart factories. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in manufacturing management, industrial engineering, consultancy, and research and development sectors. The program also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing further studies or doctoral research in related fields. Cambridge’s renowned faculty members and industry expert speakers enrich the learning experience, fostering a vibrant academic environment. The program duration is generally three to four years, including options for integrated master's or combined degrees, with possibilities for study abroad or industrial internships. alumni of this program often secure positions in leading manufacturing firms worldwide, benefiting from the university’s global reputation and extensive professional network.