Motorsport Engineering with Foundation Year

Are you interested in the fast-paced world of motorsport and want to build a career in the motorsport engineering industry? Our Motorsport Engineering degree with Foundation Year is designed to provide a strong foundation in mechanical engineering aspects and the latest technologies used in the field. This course focuses on solving practical engineering problems and developing your skills as a design engineer who can work effectively in teams.

The course is centred around high-performance racing vehicles, teaching you about ride and handling requirements, as well as powertrain performance and efficiency. You will use industry-standard tools like Computer-Aided Design, Data Acquisition, and advanced simulation software such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). These tools are crucial for designing and refining vehicle components.

You’ll explore specialised areas including advanced engine design, powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and electrical control. Working on independent and group projects will deepen your understanding of these topics, giving you valuable practical experience. This hands-on approach prepares you for a career in the automotive and motorsport sectors, where the skills you learn can be applied to real-life Motorsport applications.

Environmental awareness is integrated into our curriculum, helping you learn about sustainable design and technology. This knowledge is increasingly important in the industry and opens up various job opportunities, particularly as the industry moves towards electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.

Students will also benefit from extracurricular activities that let them apply their knowledge to practical challenges, further enhancing their readiness for the workplace. The course provides comprehensive training in areas such as performance engineering, automotive and race car design, and electric vehicle technology.

Our programme is designed to help you succeed in both the local and global motorsport industry. Graduates often find rewarding careers in various fields related to motorsport engineering, including roles that focus on the development and testing of electric vehicles.

The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.

At our university, we emphasise a hands-on approach to learning. Our Motorsport Engineering degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring you develop the skills needed for the motorsport industry. You will engage in real-world projects, gaining valuable insights and experience to prepare for a successful career.

Year 1

In the first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and design engineering. You’ll start using essential tools like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Data Acquisition systems. This foundational year is crucial for building the basic skills necessary for more advanced studies and practical experience in motorsport engineering.

Compulsory

Introduction to Mathematics and Science (20 credits)
Academic Skills (20 credits)
Further Mathematics (20 credits)
Further Science for Engineering (20 credits)
Integrating Project (20 credits)
Introduction to Automotive Engineering (20 credits)

Year 2

In the second year, you will be introduced to core mechanical engineering principles and design engineering. You’ll learn to use Computer-Aided design and data analysis tools. This foundation will prepare you for more advanced topics and give you the basic skills needed for practical experience in the field.

Compulsory

Analytical Methods (20 credits)
Engineering Design & Materials (20 credits)
Engineering Science (20 credits)
Electrical Control Systems (20 credits)
Workshop & Practice (20 credits)
Motorsport Technology (20 credits)

Year 3

The third year focuses on high-performance racing vehicles and their ride and handling requirements. You’ll study vehicle dynamics, powertrain performance and efficiency, and aerodynamics. Advanced simulation tools like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be used to investigate and enhance vehicle designs.

Compulsory

Motorsport Dynamics (20 credits)
Alternative Propulsion Systems (20 credits)
Thermodynamics & Combustion (20 credits)
Engineering Management (20 credits)
Group Design Project (20 credits)
Stress Analysis & CAE (20 credits)

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll delve into specialist areas such as powertrain design, and electrical control. You will work on independent and group projects, applying your knowledge to real-life Motorsport applications. The course also covers the environmental aspects of design and technology, preparing you for a broad range of employment opportunities.

Compulsory

Independent Project (40 credits)
Advanced Motorsport Dynamics (20 credits)
Contemporary Powertrain Design (20 credits)
Structural Design & Fluid Analysis (20 credits)
Automotive Materials & Sustainability (20 credits)

The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, phase tests, presentations, vivas and examinations.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS