Automotive Materials BEng (Hons) degree

Program Overview

Graduates gain a solid foundation in materials science, design, and manufacturing, preparing them for careers in the automotive sector. The program features state-of-the-art facilities, industry collaborations, and opportunities for international study and practical experience. Graduates are highly sought after by major automotive companies, ensuring successful career prospects.

Program Outline

Graduates will have the capability to explore and deepen their knowledge of advanced topics and the latest technological advancements in the area.

Objectives:

The course aims to:

• Provide a solid foundation in the principles of materials science and engineering.
• Teach students the application of materials knowledge to the automotive industry.
• Allow students to explore and deepen their knowledge of advanced topics in automotive materials.
• Equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in the automotive industry.

Description:

This program provides a unique blend of materials engineering knowledge linked to an appreciation of vehicle and engine design, along with the management skills and international awareness required of professional engineers. Additionally, graduates will benefit from national research and education leadership in materials and automotive engineering. The course also offers an optional year in industry, providing valuable practical experience and industry contacts.

Outline:

Content:

The Automotive Materials BEng curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to materials science and engineering, with a specific focus on their application in the automotive industry. Key areas include:

• Processes used to create automotive materials and components.
• Characterization techniques used to analyze automotive materials.
• Design and selection of materials for specific automotive applications.
• Mechanical testing and failure analysis techniques.
• Corrosion and fatigue behavior of automotive materials.
• Sustainability and recyclability of automotive materials.
• Manufacturing techniques for automotive components.
• The use of composite materials in automotive applications.
• The application of advanced materials in the automotive industry.
• Vehicle Loading and Suspensions
• Machine Elements and Automotive Materials
• Sustainable Processing Methods
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Structure:

The course is divided into three or four years of study, depending on whether a placement year is chosen. Each year is comprised of two semesters, and students will typically take a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab work, and independent study.

Course schedule:

The course schedule may vary from year to year, but a typical schedule for the first year might look like this:

• Semester 1: Mathematics for Materials, Experimentation & Practical Skills, Introductory Materials Science & Processing, Thermodynamics & its Applications, and Computer Aided Engineering.
• Semester 2: Materials Processing, Mathematics & Modelling for Materials, Materials in Service, Plant Engineering, Statistics, and Fracture Mechanics of Materials.

Individual modules:

• Mathematics for Materials: This module provides students with the mathematical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in materials science and engineering.
• Experimentation & Practical Skills: This module introduces students to the basic principles of experimental techniques used in materials science and engineering.
• Materials in Service: This module examines the behavior of materials in service, including corrosion and fatigue.
• Statistics: This module introduces students to the basic principles of statistics and their applications in materials science and engineering.
• Machine Elements and Automotive Materials: This module covers the design and selection of machine elements used in automotive applications.
• Sustainable Processing Methods: This module explores the application of sustainable processing methods in the automotive industry.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: This module provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the automotive industry.

Assessment:

Students are assessed by a mixture of coursework and written examinations. The typical ratio is 60/40 exams/coursework. However, this may vary depending on the specific module. Modules containing design-oriented work, individual and group projects, will also be assessed by oral presentation and, in some cases, poster presentation.

Teaching:

The course is taught by a team of experienced and enthusiastic lecturers with expertise in materials science, engineering, and design. The teaching methods used will vary depending on the specific module, but may include lectures, tutorials, lab work, and independent study. The course also leverages the expertise of external speakers from the automotive industry. The course benefits from Loughborough University's investment in teaching facilities. Students have access to state-of-the-art experimental labs to complement their lectures and will have the opportunity to use high-tech facilities like the FEGSEM microscopy suite, rheometers, and X-ray powder diffractometers.

Careers:

Graduates of the Automotive Materials BEng program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the automotive industry. Potential career paths include:

• Materials engineer
• Design engineer
• Research and development engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Project manager
• Quality control engineer
• Sales engineer
• Technical specialist
Recent graduates have found employment at major automotive companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Bentley, Aston Martin, AMG-Mercedes, and JCB.

Other:

• The course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required by the industry.
• The course also offers the opportunity to study abroad for a year, providing students with the chance to gain international experience and expand their knowledge base.
• The University offers a dedicated careers service to help students find employment opportunities after graduation.
• Loughborough University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK.
This ensures that students receive an education that is informed by the latest research and advancements in the field.

UK fees Full-time course per annum £9,250 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee International fees Full-time course per annum £28,600 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Additional costs Materials students are provided with an excellent general Materials textbook, a laboratory workbook, a lab coat and other necessary protective equipment when required. However your tuition fee doesn’t cover everything. For instance, it doesn’t cover the cost of any stationery, printing, additional books or re-assessments which you might need. What's included in your tuition costs Fee status Accommodation and hall fees