Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc

Program Overview

The Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc at Cranfield University combines intensive teaching and motorsport-related project work to prepare students for successful careers in the highly competitive field of motorsports. The program focuses on developing a profound understanding of the scientific, engineering, and managerial principles underpinning motorsports, and equipping graduates with the skills and expertise to design, construct, and operate competition vehicles. Students benefit from small class sizes, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry links, providing valuable networking opportunities and potential employment prospects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc

at Cranfield University combines intensive teaching and motorsport-related project work to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. This program focuses on preparing students for successful careers in the highly competitive field of motorsports. It aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and expertise to become leaders in the design, construction, and operation of competition vehicles and related engineering areas.

Objectives:

• Develop a profound understanding of the scientific, engineering, and managerial principles underpinning motorsports.
• Implement these principles within a high-performance technology context.
• Design, construct, and operate competition vehicles, while also exploring relevant aspects of materials science, aerodynamics, structural analysis, vehicle systems, and related management techniques.
• Plan, execute, and report on motorsport projects, preparing graduates for diverse applications.
• Analyze and interpret data acquired in motorsports, using it to optimize the performance of competition vehicles.
• Participate in practical sessions, working with Cranfield's facilities and equipment under the guidance of experienced academic staff and technicians.
• Engage with industry practitioners and participate in motorsport-related projects.
• Gain valuable experience working within multidisciplinary teams on real-world challenges faced by the motorsport sector.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program consists of nine assessed one-week modules, eight of which are assessed, and run from October to February.
• Students also undertake a group design project and an individual thesis project.
• The group design project offers students the opportunity to apply core knowledge and skills acquired during the taught modules to real-world challenges faced by the motorsport industry.
• Individual thesis projects provide students with the opportunity to deepen their technical understanding and research skills in a specific area of interest related to motorsports.

Modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Induction and Introduction to Motorsport:
This module introduces the key concepts and principles of motorsports engineering and mechatronics, while also covering the structure of the program, career opportunities, and ethical considerations.
• Motorsport Structural Analysis: This module covers the selection, processing, design, and analysis of competition vehicles, including materials properties, structural responses, and failure modes.
• Motorsport Electronics and Data Acquisition: This module focuses on the electronic and data acquisition systems used in modern motorsport vehicles and how data is acquired, analyzed, and interpreted to optimize performance.
• Motorsport Vehicle Dynamics: This module explores the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics, focusing on limit behavior, tire characteristics, suspension geometry, steady-state turning, yaw/sideslip handling, and stability and controllability.
• Motorsport Aerodynamics: This module delves into the aerodynamic principles relevant to competition vehicles, including wing and diffuser design, drag reduction, and experimental methods used in wind tunnel testing.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics for Motorsport: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its applications in simulating and analyzing the flow of air around competition vehicles.
• The Business of Motorsport: This module provides students with an understanding of the business environment and management challenges specific to the motorsport industry, covering topics such as marketing, sponsorship, finance, and project management.
• Composite Structures for Motorsport: This module focuses on the design and manufacturing of composite materials commonly used in racing car structures, covering material selection, component design, manufacturing techniques, and crashworthiness concepts.
• Motorsport Powertrains: This module covers the principles and design of high-performance engines used in motorsport vehicles, including performance characteristics, combustion processes, fuel systems, and hybrid and electric powertrains.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Individual Modules:
A variety of assessment methods are used for individual modules, including written examinations, coursework assignments, and presentations.
• Group Design Project: This project is assessed based on a presentation of the project to academic staff and industry representatives, as well as a team report
• Thesis Project:
The thesis project is assessed based on a written thesis report and a presentation of the research findings.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Individual Modules:
Assessment criteria may include knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, problem-solving skills, critical analysis, communication skills, and project management abilities.
• Group Design Project: Assessment criteria may include the technical quality of the project, the team's ability to work effectively together, and the
• Thesis Project:
Assessment criteria may include the originality and depth of the research, the quality of the written thesis, and the presentation of the research findings.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• A mix of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and group-based projects is employed to provide a varied and engaging learning experience.
• Lectures are used to introduce students to key concepts and principles.
• Tutorials provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive individual support from academic staff.
• Practical sessions allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and develop practical skills.
• Group-based projects encourage students to work collaboratively, develop communication and teamwork skills, and solve complex engineering challenges.

Faculty:

• Experienced and internationally recognized researchers from Cranfield University's Centre for Advanced Motorsport Engineering.
• Industry experts who contribute to guest lectures and provide insights into the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field.

Unique Features:

• Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and close interaction between students and staff.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels, vehicle dynamics simulators, and motorsport workshops.
• Strong links with industry, providing opportunities for students to undertake placements, internships, and thesis projects with leading motorsport companies.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Automotive and Motorsport Engineering:
• F1 Performance Simulation Engineer
• Vehicle Test Engineer
• Engineering Team Lead
• Race Engineer
• Simulation Development Engineer
• Senior Performance Simulation Engineer
• Senior Project Engineer
• F1 Tyre Engineer
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
• Stress Engineer
• Powertrain Calibration Engineer
• Performance Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Other Engineering Sectors:
• Design Engineer
• Development Engineer
• Research Engineer
• Project Manager
• Technical Consultant
• Aerospace Engineer
• Marine Engineer

Employment Prospects:

• Graduates of the Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc are well-prepared for a career in the competitive field of motorsports engineering.
• The program's strong industry links provide students with valuable networking opportunities and access to potential employers.
• Many graduates go on to work for leading motorsport companies such as Red Bull Racing, Williams F1, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
• Other graduates find employment in other engineering sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and marine.

Other:

• The MSc in Advanced Motorsport Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).