BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-28 | - |
2025-09-28 | - |
Program Overview
Students gain a thorough understanding of vehicle design, development, and performance, with a focus on the specific demands of motorsport applications. The program features hands-on learning experiences, including involvement in the design, build, and competition of a Formula Student car, and offers strong industry connections for career opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Name:
BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport
Duration:
3 years full-time, 4 years with sandwich placement
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Overview:
This program offers a thorough education in automotive engineering with a specialization in motorsport. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of vehicle design, development, and performance, with a focus on the specific demands of motorsport applications.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the automotive and motorsport industries.
- Provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, with specialized focus on automotive systems and technologies.
- Foster practical skills through hands-on learning experiences, including involvement in design, build, and competition of a Formula Student car.
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities through project-based learning and industry collaboration.
Program Description:
- Students will delve into various areas of automotive engineering, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, vehicle dynamics, and control systems.
- The curriculum incorporates motorsport-specific knowledge, covering areas like aerodynamics, high-performance engine design, and race car engineering.
- The program features a unique opportunity to participate in the design, build, and compete of a Formula Student car, providing students with a valuable real-world project experience.
- The University of Hertfordshire has strong links with the motorsport industry, offering students access to industry experts, guest lectures, and potential placement opportunities.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Introduction to Automotive Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Statics and Dynamics
- Automotive Engineering Fundamentals
- Applied Design
- Electrical Science
- Programming for Engineers
- Engineering Professionalism
- Introduction to Mechatronic Systems (Automotive)
Year 2:
- Automotive Electronics and Control Systems
- Fluid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Materials in Engineering
- Automotive Sustainable Design
- Dynamics & Vibrations
- Automotive Structures
- Motorsport Design
- High Performance Engine Design
Year 3:
- Motorsports Engineering
- Vibration, Noise & Vehicle Dynamics
- Renewable Energy and the Environment
- Vehicle Design and Body Engineering
- Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chains
- BEng Individual Project (Automotive)
Optional Sandwich Year:
Students have the opportunity to undertake a one-year placement in the industry, gaining valuable work experience and developing their professional skills.
Modules:
- Statics and Dynamics: Covers the analysis of forces, moments, and motion in engineering systems.
- Automotive Engineering Fundamentals: Introduces students to the fundamental concepts of automotive engineering.
- Applied Design: Focuses on the design process, including concept generation, 3D modelling, and prototype development.
- Electrical Science: Provides an understanding of electrical circuits, components, and systems.
- Programming for Engineers: Develops skills in programming languages and their application in engineering.
- Engineering professionalism: Introduces students to professional ethics, codes of conduct, and career development.
- Introduction to Mechatronic Systems (Automotive): Covers the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems in automotive applications.
Year 2:
- Automotive Electronics and Control Systems: Explores electronic systems used in vehicles for control and automation.
- Fluid Mechanics: Examines the behavior of fluids and their application in automotive engineering.
- Thermodynamics: Covers the principles of energy conversion and heat transfer in engines and powertrains.
- Materials in Engineering: Explores the properties and applications of materials used in automotive construction.
- Automotive Sustainable Design: Focuses on design principles and technologies for sustainable vehicles.
- Dynamics & Vibrations: Analyzes the dynamic behavior of automotive systems and vibration control techniques.
- Automotive Structures: Covers the design and analysis of vehicle structures for strength and safety.
- Motorsport Design: Explores specific design considerations and technologies used in motorsport vehicles.
- High Performance Engine Design: Focuses on the design and development of high-performance engines for motorsport applications.
Year 3:
- Motorsport Engineering: Provides an in-depth understanding of tools and techniques used in motorsport engineering.
- Vibration, Noise & Vehicle Dynamics: Examines noise and vibration control, and their impact on vehicle dynamics.
- Renewable Energy and the Environment: Explores the role of renewable energy technologies in transportation.
- Vehicle Design and Body Engineering: Covers the design and development of vehicle bodies and structures.
- Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chains: Introduces students to lean manufacturing principles and supply chain management.
- BEng Individual Project (Automotive): Allows students to undertake an independent research project in an area of their interest.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary between modules but typically include a combination of:
- Coursework: Assignments, reports, presentations, and projects.
- Examinations: Written and practical exams.
- Laboratory work: Experiments, simulations, and data analysis.
- Individual project: A major research project in Year 3.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered by a team of experienced lecturers and researchers with expertise in various areas of automotive engineering and motorsport.
- Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical labs, group projects, guest lectures, and industry visits.
- Students have access to a range of facilities, including automotive workshops, modelling and simulation labs, and a dedicated Formula Student workshop.
- The University of Hertfordshire is a member of the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) initiative, which promotes active learning and project-based education.
Careers: Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of careers in the automotive and motorsport industries. Potential career paths include:
- Automotive engineer: Design, development, and testing of automotive systems and components.
- Motorsport engineer: Design, build, and race motorsport vehicles.
- Powertrain engineer: Design and development of engines and transmissions.
- Vehicle dynamics engineer: Analysis and optimization of vehicle handling and performance.
- Vehicle safety engineer: Design and development of safety systems and features.
- Manufacturing engineer: Overseeing the production of automotive components and vehicles.
Other:
- The program offers opportunities for students to study abroad or undertake a placement year in industry.
- Students can join the Formula Student team and gain practical experience in designing, building, and racing a car.
- The University of Hertfordshire has strong links with the automotive and motorsport industries, providing students with access to guest speakers, career opportunities, and research collaborations.
- Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers and have excellent career prospects.
UK Students Full time £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year