Automotive Engineering with a Foundation Year - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

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This four-year BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering degree program equips students with technical skills, creative thinking, and practical application of engineering science to real-world problems. Students learn from industry experts in areas such as stress analysis, drivetrain systems, suspension, body engineering, design, and management. The program offers an optional industrial placement year, strong industry links, and prepares students for Chartered Engineer status.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This four-year BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering degree program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute significantly to the automotive industry, which is undergoing a period of significant transition. The program focuses on developing students' technical skills, creative thinking, and practical application of engineering science to real-world problems. Students will learn from industry experts and gain knowledge and application skills in areas such as stress analysis, drivetrain systems, suspension, body engineering, design, and management.

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Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

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Foundation Year (120 credits):

• Mathematics for Engineers 1 (20 credits): This module aims to develop proficiency in engineering models and arguments, including their interpretation in mathematical language.
• Engineering Science 1 (20 credits): This module provides knowledge and problem-solving skills in physical science to prepare students for the next module in the science theme, Engineering Science 2, and the first year of an engineering degree.
• Practical Skills 1 (20 credits): This module focuses on practical and professional skills, preparing students for the next module in the practical theme, Practical Skills 2, and the first year of an engineering degree.
• Engineering Science 2 (20 credits): This module provides knowledge and problem-solving skills in physical science, covering material relevant to an A-level physics course and preparing students for the first year of an engineering degree.
• Practical Skills 2 (20 credits): This module focuses on practical and professional skills, concentrating on the practical aspects of engineering science and preparing students for the first year of an engineering degree.

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First Year (120 credits):

• Engineering Principles 1 (20 credits): This module provides underpinning knowledge and problem-solving skills in engineering science, preparing students for the next module in the theme, Engineering Principles 2, and the second year of an engineering degree.
• Engineering Practice (20 credits): This module develops professional skills, including those required for conceiving, designing, implementing, and operating engineering solutions.
• Integrated Engineering Project (20 credits): This module provides practical and professional skills, preparing students for the second year of an engineering degree.

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Second Year (120 credits):

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics (20 credits): This module provides a basic understanding of thermodynamic and fluid mechanic concepts, focusing on energy transfer within systems and efficiency improvements.
• Numerical Analysis (20 credits): This module introduces mathematical concepts such as transform calculus and matrix theory for solving systems of differential equations relevant to engineering disciplines.
• Design and Materials (20 credits): This module focuses on design, sustainable development, teamwork, and communication, with a focus on real international development projects.
• Leading Engineering Endeavours (20 credits): This interdisciplinary module develops engineering leadership skills and experience in creating and delivering purposeful visions.
• Design and Manufacture (20 credits): This module develops research skills, idea generation techniques, and the ability to create CAD models and manufactured components.
• Mechanical Science (20 credits): This module applies principles of engineering, physics, and materials science to the design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance of mechanical systems and components.

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Final Year (120 credits):

• Computer Aided Engineering (20 credits): This module explores the role of computer analysis in the development cycle of components, processes, and systems.
• Vehicle Electronics and Control (20 credits): This module focuses on the analysis, modeling, and design of modern vehicle instrumentation and control systems.
• Body and Chassis Performance (20 credits): This module examines the structural behavior of automobile bodies and their relationship to the vehicle.
• Individual Honours Project (40 credits): This module allows students to undertake a sustained, in-depth, and research-informed project exploring an area of personal interest.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules and may include:

• Written assignments
• Examinations
• Presentations
• In-class testing
• Practical simulation and design exercises
• Individual and group projects

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Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Problem-based learning
• Case studies
• Interactive learning
• Computer applications
• Practical workshops
• Industry-standard software training
The program benefits from strong industry links with companies such as Jaguar LandRover, Norton Motorcycles, and Continental Engineering Services.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are highly sought after by the automotive industry and typically enter roles with blue-chip engineering companies. Potential career paths include:

• Automotive Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Performance Engineer
• Automotive Marketing
• Research and Development
The program aims to prepare students for Chartered Engineer status.

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Other:

• The program offers an optional industrial placement year between the second and final year of study.
• The program is open to international students.
• The program benefits from a £6.5 million investment in facilities, including a new maker area, engineering labs, and equipment.
• The program is a partner of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) and has secured £1.1 million of government funding for investment in new equipment and facilities.
• The program is committed to developing inclusive engineers and works in partnership with EqualEngineers.

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International students:

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students. Award: BEng (Hons) Starting: Sep 2024 Mode Duration Fees Full Time 4 years £16,085 in 2024/25