Motorsport Engineering with Professional Development BEng

About the Course

This specialist degree has arisen from the demand in the motorsport industry for graduates who have a rigorous and traditional academic education coupled with a well-developed appreciation of the highly competitive and commercial nature of this specialist and fast-moving industry.

The subjects studied are those that you would encounter on a mechanical engineering course, but with a strong flavour of motorsport in their application. Some modules are specific to the course and relate closely to racing vehicle materials, manufacturing methods, IC engines, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and electronics.

About Mechanical Engineering at Brunel

From jet aircraft to air conditioning plant, from tunnelling machines to body-scanners, from technical consultancy to financial services such as insurance, mechanical engineers deal with the design and production of the machines, systems and structures that are taken for granted in the modern world.

The range and diversity of career choice is consequently tremendous. In response to this diversity, we offer a variety of courses.

Interacting with students from different specialisms and with different interests is an important part of the University experience. To help with this, we have introduced a multidisciplinary project for Level 1 students. This is a design-based competition between teams made up of students from a number of subjects.

We also offer the Foundations of Engineering year.

The range of courses reflects several of our research interests:

• energy and environmental engineering;
• internal combustion engines and their fuels;
• structures and materials;
• fluid mechanics.

Aims

The BEng (Hons) (three years academic study) programme aims to produce graduates equipped to play leading professional roles in the motorsport, automotive and related industries.

The MEng (four years academic study) programme aims to produce graduates possessing qualities and transferable skills for demanding employment in the motorsport, automotive and related industries and in the public sector, where the exercise of leadership, initiative, personal responsibility and decision-making are required.

Levels 1 and 2 are designed to that ensure you have a firm grasp of the theoretical and practical elements of the discipline. Level 3 is directly related to motor racing engineering.

Enquiries

Mrs Petra Gratton
Admissions Tutor

School of Engineering and Design
Brunel University
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 3PH

Tel +44 (0)1895 266633
Email me-ug-admissions@brunel.ac.uk

Related Courses

• Aerospace Engineering BEng
• Aerospace Engineering MEng
• Aerospace Engineering with Professional Development MEng
• Aerospace Engineering with Professional Development BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics with Professional Development BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics with Professional Development MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design with Professional Development BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design with Professional Development MEng

Special Features

• Students have the opportunity to be part of the award-winning Brunel Racing Team, which involves designing, building and competing a high-spec racing car. Recent accolades include 6th place overall, and second place amongst UK universities, out of 87 international student teams in the 2009 Formula Student UK competition, held at the Silverstone Circuit.
  
  
• Much of our research is undertaken with collaborators outside the University, including major oil companies, vehicle manufacturers, and other leading industrial firms.
  
  
• You can enter the course on either the MEng or the BEng route. If you enter on the BEng route, you can transfer to the MEng programme at the end of Level 2 by obtaining an average of 60% at that level.
  
  
• Students benefit from laboratory facilities which are extensive, modern and well-equipped.
  
  
• You have the opportunity to study abroad, either in Europe as an Erasmus exchange student or at Iowa University in the US, during your second year.
  
  
• We have very good links with business and industry in the UK and overseas. This means that:

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which will allow you to train to become a Chartered Engineer in the future.

Facts and Figures

The School of Engineering and Design has about 1,900 undergraduate students, 800 postgraduates and around 150 teaching and substantial research staff.

Course Content

Both programmes (BEng and MEng) cover the same topics in Levels 1 and 2, allowing you the flexibility to transfer between them at the end of Level 2. You are normally required to attain an average of at least 60% at Level 2 to proceed onto the MEng degree.

Typical Modules

All students study a common set of modules at all levels to ensure that everyone graduates from the course with the same core knowledge and skills. Levels 3 and 4 are directly related to motorsport engineering.

Level 1

• Fundamentals of Solid Body Mechanics
• Fundamentals of Thermofluids
• Analytical Methods and Skills
• Engineering Materials, Manufacturing and Electrical Machines
• Introduction to Engineering Design  
• Motorsport Laboratories, Technical Drawing and Workshop Experience  
  

Level 2

• Solid Body Mechanics
• Thermofluids
• Computing, Analytical Methods, Control and Instrumentation    
• Professional Engineering Applications and Practice
• Principles of Vehicle Design
  

Level 3

• Major Individual Project
• Analysis of Vehicle Structures
• Racing Vehicle Design and Performance
• Numerical Modelling, Racing Legislation, Finance and Sponsorship
• Racing Vehicle Aerodynamics and Internal Combustion Engines
  

Level 4 (MEng only)

• Major Group Project
• Racing Team Management and Vehicle Testing
• Research Methodology and Innovation
• Advanced Vehicle Dynamics
• IC Engines, Materials and Manufacturing
• Advanced Thermofluids
• Advanced Solid Body Mechanics

Teaching and Learning

Hours

In Level 1 contact between students and academic staff is relatively high at 17 hours per week. This will assist you in adjusting from school/college to university life. As the course progresses the number of contact hours is steadily reduced as you undertake more project-based work.

How will I be taught?

Lectures – These provide a broad overview of the main concepts and ideas that you need to understand, and give you a framework on which to expand your knowledge by private study.

Laboratories – Practicals are generally three-hour sessions in which you can practice your observational and analytical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts.

Design Studios – In a studio you will work on group projects with guidance from members of staff. You may be required to design and produce an artefact or develop a solution to an engineering problem. These sessions allow you to develop your intellectual ability and practice your teamwork skills.

One-to-one – On registration for the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor whose role is to provide academic and pastoral support during your time at university. You will have one-to-one supervision on all Level 3/4 project work. If you go on an industrial placement, you will also be allocated an industrial tutor who will help you to achieve the training objectives necessary to satisfy the requirements for Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. You will also be visited by a member of the academic staff to monitor the progress of your training.

Assessment

Level 1 does not count towards your final degree mark but you have to pass this year to continue with the course. Students wishing to transfer from the BEng to the MEng must achieve at least 60% at Level 2.

Several methods of assessment are employed on the course. There are written examinations at the end of each term, but work is also continuously assessed throughout. You will undertake projects, assignments, essays, laboratory work and short tests.

Project work is commonplace and is usually completed in groups to imitate the everyday experience in an engineering firm, where specialists must pool their talents to design a solution to a problem. In this situation you can develop your management and leadership skills and ensure that all members of the group deliver their best. Group members share the mark gained, so it is up to each individual to get the most out of everyone else.

Employability

This degree is very popular in industry and consequently our graduates have a good employment record.

Careers

Pole position

The UK is one of the world leaders in motorsport technology in all its forms, from formula one racing and rally driving through to go-karts. In the most recent MIA National Survey, the industry in this country employed over 40,000 people (25,000 of whom were engineers), and achieved a turnover of nearly £5 billion.

The international business community looks to the UK for leadership in design, manufacture and consultancy, and skilled staff are always in demand. Motorsport is a high-tech, high profile and highly competitive global industry, and companies use state-of-the-art materials, designs and processes to stay at the top. Aerospace industries are not alone at the forefront of science and engineering progress.

Motorsport is constantly evolving as companies seek to gain an edge on their rivals, and the lifespan of products is very short. All aspects of the industry have to reflect this as the key to success is that vehicles have to be ready for the race, no matter what.

This pressure has resulted in some of the finest engineering solutions (both design and manufacturing) and team management techniques. In reaching for the common goal, close-knit teams mean that your effort is noticed and your contributions rewarded.

Past students

A number of Brunel graduates are currently working in motorsport or related engineering companies, some holding very senior positions. Destinations have included Force India F1, Lotus, Triumph Motorcycles, Ricardo, Cummins and Perkins Engines. Many keep in touch with Brunel, giving you potential access to future employers.

Research

Some of our graduates go directly into research, leading to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD), whilst others spend several years in industry first before studying for either a PhD or EngD (Engineering Doctorate). Opportunities for research are open to excellent graduates from the Motorsport Engineering course.

General Mechanical Engineering careers

Recent graduates from the School of Engineering and Design as a whole have gone on to work for prestigious companies such as Vodafone, Qinetiq Group, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, GE Energy, the Ministry of Defence and Thales.

Placements

You have the option to spend a year working in motorsport or a related industry between Levels 2 and 3. This industrial placement forms the basis of their major individual project for many students, and may lead to future employment. It also significantly enhances your CV, and increases your network of contacts.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £9,000 full-time; £1,000 placement year

International students: £15,000 full-time

We are introducing over 700 scholarships for 2013, meaning that one in five applicants who join Brunel next year will receive financial support from the University. See our fees and funding page for full details

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2013 Entry

• GCE A-level ABB, including Grade B in Maths and Grade B in Physics (General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted).
• Irish Leaving Certificate AABBB, including Grade B in Higher level Maths and Grade B in Higher level Physics.
• Scottish Advanced Highers ABB, including Grade B in Maths and Grade B in Physics.
• Advanced Diploma Progression Diploma Grade A in Engineering, plus the Specialist Unit in Maths for Engineers at grade C along with 1 AS-level (excluding General Studies) at Grade B for Additional and Specialist Learning.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD, including Distinctions in Further Mathematics for Technicians, and Further Mechanical Principles or equivalent.
• IBDP 33 points, including 5 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in Higher Level Physics.
• Foundations of Engineering See the course page; for external foundation courses, please contact the Admissions Tutor.
• Access Complete and pass Access to Engineering course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. All Maths and Physics units must be Distinctions at level 3.

For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English and Maths (please note that these must have been gained by the time you submit your UCAS application).

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.