Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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The BEng and MEng in Motorsport Engineering course looks at the low volume and high-performance world of Motorsport Engineering.

Course option

Year of entry

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

UCAS codes

H335 / H340

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

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Course overview

The course seeks to produce Motorsport engineering graduates with the versatility and depth of understanding to deal with new and unusual challenges, alongside the necessary imagination and creativity to innovate.

  • The course takes the knowledge given in the lecture theatre and provides you with design, experimentation, analysis and practical skills using live projects from industry and international student competitions (subject to availability and successful application)2.
  • The course offers you the chance to specialise in performance engineering, covering design for performance, construction and operation of competition vehicles, alongside core mechanical engineering topics. It also aims to provide you with a sound understanding of the professional context of motorsport engineering.  
  • You will be taught by academics with wide ranging industrial experience including, for example, automotive and race car deign with AEG, JLR and BMW. Many are actively involved in cutting-edge commercial and academic research in areas such as vehicle dynamics, electric vehicle technology, light weighting, advanced simulation, future concepts and crash protection. (Please note that staff are subject to change.) 
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • Our current close relationship with the UK performance engineering industry helps to ensure course content reflects current trends and challenges, as well as the latest technologies, design systems and testing processes in this fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
  • Teaching is highly practical, focused on providing a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of motorsport engineering and, more importantly, how this knowledge is applied in the industry. You will have the opportunity to work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice2. 
  • 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 facility2.
  • 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 workshop4.
  • 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+, and SIMPACK software4.  

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degrees are accredited1 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). 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). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. 

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Students successfully 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).

IMechE Membership Partner

We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.

We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation, and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.  

We want your degree to fit around you, so upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).   

Common first year courses

  • Automotive Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
  • Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
  • Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field. 

Modules

  • 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 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 such as aerospace, automotive and electronics. It covers the four main classes of engineering materials: polymers, metals, ceramics and composites.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to present a structured approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to the output of a feasible and well-engineered solution with use of industry-standard modelling techniques, processes and software.

    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 awareness of industry and society. It will involve experimental methods and the application of information technology. 

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop your 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. You will learn to analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques carrying out the manipulation yourself using modern mathematical software. 

    Compulsory

  • The module introduces the basic concepts and principles used in electrical and electronic engineering. Learning is enhanced using computer circuit simulation and basic programming. The module will cover fundamental DC and AC circuit analysis, energy storage components, magnetic circuits and their applications, basic digital logic and power generation methodologies. 

    Compulsory

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with design and sustainability, thermofluid mechanics, and analytical modelling, amongst others. 

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to familiarise you 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 your knowledge and understanding of rigid body mechanics, dynamics and stress analysis. It should teach you to correctly apply solid mechanics and dynamics 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 one by applying the laws of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to engineering applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides you with a range of analytical tools needed for solving modern engineering problems.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop your holistic knowledge and understanding of engineering management.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop several key capabilities required in the mechanical/automotive product innovation process.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.   

Modules

  • The module aims to give you a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.

    Compulsory

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

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to continue the development and demonstration of your capability in undertaking a complete Motorsport product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    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

  • The aim of the module is to give a thorough understanding of powertrain systems in the motorsport domain.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concept of Vehicle safety, including its place within the vehicle design process and occupant injury processing.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to give you a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to continue the development and demonstration of your capability in undertaking a complete Motorsport product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to give a thorough understanding of powertrain systems in the motorsport domain.

    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 toolkit2.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is, while 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 you, 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 you with the ability to develop and implement business innovation practices within the appropriate frameworks to comply with current and future requirements for sustainability.

    Compulsory

  • Choice of 1 of 4 Pathways, aligning you with your preferred technical specialisations.

    Pathway 1 Analysis

    • Engineering Simulation and Analysis - 20 credits
      The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical and practical 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.

    Pathway 2 Dynamics

    • Vehicle Development and Analysis - 20 credits
      The aim of this module is to develop your 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 previous years by considering specific applications relating to the automotive and motorsport operational objectives, through the further advanced study of the subjects of vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics and their interactions with one another.

    Pathway 3 Powertrains

    • Vehicle Development and Analysis - 20 credits
      The aim of this module is to develop your 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 different motorsport propulsion and drivetrain systems.

    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.

What I really like at Coventry is that the degree is not fully dependent on exams. About 75% of the grades are on coursework and group projects in which you get a problem, and you need to research and deliver a solution, then present it in the form of a proper engineering document.

Ines Marokovic, Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) quoted June 2023
Ines kneeling down beside the Mercedes company sign

How you'll learn

The course features a wide range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative Activity-Led Learning (ALL) approach.

We encourage you to learn through stimulating activity, such as a project, problem, scenario, case study or enquiry in a classroom or laboratory (subject to availability). This practical approach has been proven to engage students and creates challenge, relevance, integration, professional awareness and variety to help give you the chance to learn technical, personal and professional skills.

You will have the opportunity to dismantle a previous vehicle to explore how to improve your future designs, and to better understand the design of individual motorsport systems2. You could work in groups to design and build a single seater racing car in the final year to be entered in the IMechE’s Formula Student competition2. Past students have won the Fuel economy event in the competition and been the highest placed UK electric team.

The full range of teaching methods include: lectures with associated practice, laboratory, workshop exercises and tutorials; problem-based learning in groups with tutor or industrial mentor support2; group learning; formative modelling exercises; and independent research of library resources, the internet and engineering companies. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.

The university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment 

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

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Time constrained assessments (i.e. Exams)
  • Individual assignments
  • Laboratories

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

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 strive to 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 Heilbronn2. We also provide opportunities to participate in a number of field trips2, 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 study2. 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 vehicle2.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU support bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment4.

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

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.

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.

Upon graduation, career options may include becoming a race mechanic or race engineer or roles as a manufacturing assistant engineer, composites laminator, design engineer, dimensional management engineer or operations manager in motorsport engineering or related industries.

This degree-level course is designed to meet an identified need for graduate level professionals to work in specialist areas such as vehicle/component design, powertrain and chassis development and testing, as well as supervisory and business roles. Our past graduates have secured positions with teams such as Red Bull, Williams, Ducati, Triumph, Pilbeam Racing, McLaren and Prodrive.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

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

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    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.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due 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.

    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 2023/24 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.

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