Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: H335
International Code: EECU088

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MEng:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Start date

September 2022
January 2023

How to apply
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

This Motorsport Engineering BEng and MEng integrated master’s course, which is currently accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), has been designed to respond to the demand for Motorsport Engineers with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to ensure the industry remains at the cutting edge of innovation.

  • Successful motorsport engineers may work on the design, testing and production of performance vehicles or become part of a racing team responsible for improving performance before, during and after a race.
  • Alongside the Motorsport specialisations you will study, you will also have the opportunity to develop your broader Mechanical Engineering and professional skills. Consequently, our Motorsport graduates are highly sought after across a broad range of engineering industries.
  • The course offers you the chance to specialise in performance engineering, covering design for performance, construction and operation of competition vehicles, alongside related aspects of materials science, aerodynamics, structural analysis, vehicle systems. We also aim to provide you with a sound understanding of the commercial context of motorsport engineering, together with the commercial and technical risks associated with innovation.
  • The IMechE Formula Student project aims to provide an all-round experience – from opportunities to undertake full cost analysis and produce the business and manufacturing case to designing a vehicle and planning a limited production run. Working to a set of international rules with fixed delivery targets and deadlines, you should gain practical experience in planning, executing and reporting on a motorsport project. You will also have the opportunity to improve your digital literacy by submitting CAD models, technical drawings, design posters, as well as a couple of technical reports on their designs.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • Regular free to attend lectures delivered by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) (subject to availability)
  • Current close links with potential employers in the performance engineering industry, including Red Bull Racing, the Auto-Cycle Union, Lotus Cars, Penske Racing and Triumph Motorcycles
  • Study in our modern Engineering and Computing building, which features two Cruden F1 6DoF simulators, a 20% scale Mercedes AMG designed wind tunnel and a full CNC manufacturing centre.
  • Opportunity to participate in field trips which have previously included observing crash tests at the GM Milford site and a tour of the Ford F150 factory in Detroit, USA and a visit to the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne, Germany, which has included a visit to the Toyota Motorsport Group facility*
  • On and off site access to commercial engineering software, such as 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Systems for design and simulation, as well as training in industry standard Catia, HyperWorks, STAR-CCM+, SIMPACK software
  • Access to extensive cutting-edge facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, which houses a 20% scale model wind tunnel (designed and built by the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team), composites lab, metrology lab, flow lab, AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a full size Harrier Jet, three further simulators, civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of CNC machinery and a laser workshop
  • Free student membership of the IMechE
  • Free student membership of WES, the Women’s Engineering Society which is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity society open to all regardless of gender identity.
No. 7

for Mechanical Engineering

Guardian University Guide 2022

Accredited by:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers logo

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

These degree-level courses are accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Successful completion of an accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) (subject to IMechE requirements).

If the accreditation of this course and/or the modules on this course change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible. Please visit the IMechE website for further information. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degree courses, and an accredited degree course is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

  • The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.
  • The accredited BEng (Hons) will also automatically meet in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

The accredited MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements, for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Coventry University Alumni, Rob Thomas talks to Coventry University about his time at Coventry and his role as Chief Operating Officer at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team.

Pit Stop Challenge

The Pit Stop Challenge is an activity-led assessment completed by first year undergraduate automotive and motorsport students as part of their Engineering Design module.

Learn more about the Pit Stop Challenge
Students working on the pit stop challenge

My placement at Boutsen Ginion Racing

Automotive Engineering student Oleg Karchevskyy shares his experiences of undertaking a placement year with a Belgian racing team currently competing in Touring Car Cup Europe and GT World Challenge series.

Read Oleg's story
Boutsen Ginion Racing

What you'll study

In the first year, you will have the opportunity to study subjects that have been designed to broaden your perspective and understanding of the underlying engineering principles to bring you to a level where the detailed work in motorsport can be studied.

Modules

  • This module is designed to provide an integrated introduction to engineering materials and manufacturing processes. Common processes will be analysed which are used to convert materials into all types of engineering products from a variety of industrial sectors, i.e. aerospace, automotive and electronics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide the essential and fundamental knowledge of mechanical science needed by all engineering students, whilst laying the necessary foundation for more advanced mechanical engineering studies.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to present a structured approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to the writing of a Product Design Specification ready to issue for manufacture. Various design process models and methodologies will be introduced together with creative thinking and problem solving techniques.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop the students' competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop a practical understanding of engineering products, components and systems, and of the processes of bringing them into being, including design, analysis, materials and manufacture and an awareness of industry and society.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide a broad basic introduction to electrical machines and science for non-specialists. It places an emphasis on d.c. circuit theory, electrical supply and rotating machinery.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

This year aims to further your analytical skills and knowledge of the fundamental scientific and managerial concepts of engineering required to carry out a comprehensive range of mechanically related tasks, in areas such as stress, temperature, kinematics and dynamics.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the details of vehicle technology and to introduce a range of basic physical and virtual experimental methods as used in Automotive or Motorsport applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to build upon the basic principles covered in Mechanical Science and to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of rigid body mechanics and stress analysis. It will teach students to correctly apply solid mechanics theory to design problems by means of practical examples.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to build and develop the fundamentals of thermo-fluids introduced in year 1 by applying the laws of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to engineering applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides students with a range of analytical tools needed for solving modern engineering problems. Students are introduced into the fundamental concepts that an engineer needs to understand in order to formulate and analyse practical problems, and taught to apply their skills to real-world applications.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop the student’s holistic knowledge and understanding of engineering management. It will enable the student to apply theory, exercise judgement, utilise relevant analytical tools & techniques and work in project teams to solve a range of engineering management problems.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop a number of key capabilities required in the mechanical/automotive product innovation process. Specifically these include: creativity, management, experimental methods, analysis and synthesis, and the application of information technology tools.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution*.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your final year you will have the opportunity work on your professionalism and employability for preparation upon graduation, as well as participate in individual and group projects. Individual projects can be selected according to your personal interests or future aspirations. Group projects will be based around the Formula Student engineering competition.

Modules

  • This module aims to equip engineering students with the generic skills and knowledge to enable them to contribute effectively in their professional careers.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate a student's capability in undertaking a complete Motorsport product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce students to the software techniques and the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in modern engineering design and analysis. Students will use industry standard FEA software to model, analyse, simulate and optimise structural components and systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to cover the underlying principles governing the flow behaviour associated with ground vehicles aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

  • The individual final year project aims to:

    • Give the student a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.
    • Be a vehicle for integrating the knowledge gained in several subject areas of the degree course.
    • Allow the student to develop their personal qualities such as initiative, imagination, creativity, communication, organisation, employ IT effectively and solve non-routine problems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate a student's capability in undertaking a complete Motorsport product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s capability in analysis and design of typical powertrain systems as used in motorsport applications.

    Compulsory

  • The individual final year project aims to:

    • Give the student a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.
    • Be a vehicle for integrating the knowledge gained in several subject areas of the degree course.
    • Allow the student to develop their personal qualities such as initiative, imagination, creativity, communication, organisation, employ IT effectively and solve non-routine problems.

    Optional

  • The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate a student's capability in undertaking a complete Motorsport product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s capability in analysis and design of typical powertrain systems as used in motorsport applications.

    Compulsory

With the aim to deepen your Motorsport knowledge of powertrain, electric vehicle technology, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, this course offers the chance to complete new challenges. You will continue to work on the Formula Student project, with the chance to provide leadership and mentorship to students in the years below you, as well as the opportunity to work with our industry standard Cruden F1 simulators performing race data analysis with Cosworth F1 toolkit.

Choice of 1 of 3 Pathways, aligning you with your preferred technical specialisations.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is for the students, working in groups, to formulate a project proposal based on the research and/or development of an innovative design for a product, system, component or process that will fulfil new needs.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is for students, working in groups and in conjunction with industry, to demonstrate an ability to conduct research and/or development of an innovative design for a product, system, component or process that will fulfil new needs.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide students with the ability to develop and implement business innovation and intrapreneurship within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability.

    Compulsory

  • Engineering Simulation and Analysis – 20 credits
    The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical understanding of the analytical techniques commonly used to evaluate and optimise engineering products, components and systems.

    Vehicle Structures, Safety and Impact Analysis – 20 credits
    The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical and analytical understanding of automotive crashworthiness simulation applied to full vehicles and components.

    Optional

  • Vehicle Development and Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ capability in the planning, management, running and data analysis of experimental methods that are commonly used throughout the motorsport industry.

    Advanced Ground Vehicle Dynamics and Aerodynamics – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to build on previous knowledge gained in the subject at level 6, by taking into account specific applications relating to the automotive and motorsport operational objectives.

    Optional

  • Vehicle Development and Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ capability in the planning, management, running and data analysis of experimental methods that are commonly used throughout the motorsport industry.

    Advanced Powertrain – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to critically analyse the major aspects of the powertrain in automotive engines. Students will extend their knowledge of mechanical engineering into the areas of engine performance and its relation to engine sizing and transmission.

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

My teaching philosophy is to make sure that students remember, retain, and engage with the knowledge that they have gained. For this to happen, I not only need to continually improve teaching but also learn. This is possible by having the backing of excellent colleagues and also student feedback which helps me to adapt my teaching over the course of the semester. Education and learning should be fun, interactive, and as thought-provoking as possible. I tapped into my past industrial and research peers to establish projects that are engaging and innovative.

Balaji Aresh, Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, 2022
Balaji Aresh leaning on a table smiling

How you'll learn

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst:

  • Lectures with associated practice
  • Laboratory and workshop exercises and tutorials
  • Problem-based learning in groups with tutor or industrial mentor support
  • Group learning
  • Formative modelling exercises
  • Independent research of library resources, the internet and engineering companies.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14 contact hours per week in the first year, second year and third year of the BEng (Hons), and around 15 contact hours per week in the MEng year.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • Coursework
  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Formal examinations
  • Practical or project work
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • Analysis of the performance of products and systems associated with motorsport by selectively using appropriate engineering science and mathematics.
  • Evaluation of the significance of the properties of current and future materials used in automotive engineering, and more specifically motorsport vehicle structures and power plant, to make appropriate material selections.
  • Selection of manufacturing processes appropriate to the fabrication and forming of motorsport components and systems.
  • Selection of appropriate design tools and methodologies and their use in producing and communicating design solutions.
  • The commercial and economic context within which motorsport activities take place, identification of changes within this environment and their effects on viability of motorsport events.
  • Constraints and regulations within which motorsport operates, and their influence on vehicle design and safety.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Model and analyse established engineering systems using appropriate engineering science and mathematical analysis techniques.
  • Synthesise solutions to develop engineering designs appropriate to the application.
  • Select appropriate instrumentation and systems to support development and test work.
  • Search for and evaluate information sources to identify information essential to solving engineering problems.
  • Use test equipment for experimental work to support product development.
  • Use commercial software in the solution of engineering problems.
  • Communicate graphically the design of a component or system through sketches, CAD, etc.
  • Practise general and specific workshop skills to an appropriate standard.

International experience opportunities

The university is committed to providing a global educational experience and this course aims to produce some of the world’s best motorsport engineers upon graduation.

We regularly invite international guest lectures (subject to availability); for example, a leading automotive engineering professor at Heilbronn University previously gave our students a presentation on the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) research and the motion platform driving simulator they have built at Heilbronn. We also provide opportunities to participate in a number of field trips*, which in the past have included test work at the GM proving ground; a tour of the Ford F150 factory in Detroit, USA; a tour of Hirata, a Japanese Tier 1 automotive supplier for Ford, Chrysler and GM; participation on a certificated training course with Altair on Inspire; and visits to Mahle Powertrain, the University of Michigan and Chrysler Building.

You will be encouraged to undertake a placement year or study year abroad after your second year of study* Previously, students have studied at HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and Esslingen University in Germany. We have also begun an online international learning (OIL) project with FACENS University in Brazil linking the Formula student team with their Brazilian counterparts to discuss designs and implementation of the vehicle.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation or access course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. You can also explore our International foundation year courses.

Explore our foundation courses

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment.

Formula one simulator being used by young students

Cruden F1 simulators 

Our industry-standard simulators provide a realistic experience of working for a race team in a high-pressure environment. The simulators include the same software and calculations used by professional racing teams.

Motorsport students welding in a laboratory while reading through documentation

Chassis Fabrication Facility

This area is used by our motorsport students for any welding, cutting and shaping of materials requirements. It is used mainly for the fabrication of components or chassis design and build.
 

Young student polishing a model car

Wind Tunnel

Built and tested by the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One team, our open jet single return wind tunnel has been designed to accommodate 20 per cent scale open-wheel racing car models, with a maximum air velocity of 45 m/s.

Careers and opportunities

Fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the 2022-2023 intake, the course is recognised in industry, designed to provide credibility of the technical standard of our graduates among potential future employers, and provide the opportunity to enhance your potential future career options upon successful completion.

Where our graduates work

Some examples of our past graduate positions include: Red Bull Racing, Mercedes HPP in engine design and manufacturing, McLaren Automotive, Renault F1 in composite design and manufacturing, Royal Enfield Motorcycles in chassis design, Triumph Motorcycles, Tata Technologies, JLR and Bosch GMBH.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Automotive Engineering MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).

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