Prepare to make your mark in the highly competitive global motorsport industry. Offering exciting practical experience and strong employer links, our BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering gives you a smooth route to success.
Take your first steps towards becoming a Chartered Engineer – this degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council so it partially meets the academic requirement for you to register as a CEng
Hone your skills in our state-of-the-art workshop complete with a rolling road and digital diagnostic and set-up equipment
Study a wide range of vehicles and systems, from racing motorcycles to dragsters
Take part in challenging live projects such as Formula Student, IMechE Railway Challenge, IMechE Drone and Shell Eco-marathon
Gain inspiring industry insights at exhibitions and race meetings
Enhance your employability – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree: (HESA 2016).
Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
In-depth knowledge
Set yourself apart as an innovative and resourceful motorsport engineer – ready to work with top teams or high-profile manufacturers.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of topics such as advanced power train engineering, motorsport chassis design and computational fluid dynamics.
We also expect you to take an active role in project work, whether designing supercharger applications or building your own telemetry equipment. We have a great range of vehicles and systems for you to study, from racing motorcycles to dragsters.
In tune with the industry
We boast strong links across the industry, so you will keep up to date with what's new and next in the world of motorsport. The course features regular guest lectures from companies such as Red Bull Racing, Bloodhound and Jaguar Land Rover through the IMechE Automobile East Midlands Division. Companies sometimes set interesting projects for our students too.
Real-world experience
We give you the opportunity to take part in a range of events where you can gain hands-on experience, including scrutineering and marshalling training, exhibitions and race meetings.
Exciting projects like Formula Student - the world’s biggest student motorsport competition – could also become a highlight of your studies. Team Derby Motorsport entered this competition for the first time in 2015 and won the Formula Student Rookie Team Award. This success resulted in a £3,000 grant for the team from the IMechE.
This module is an introduction to Mathematics in an engineering/technical context. It will concentrate on the principal mathematical tools of Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry and Calculus and will introduce you to the fundamental use of Maths in understanding and predicting the behaviour of engineering and technical processes and systems work.
A crucial stage in the development of the student is in the assumption of responsibility for learning. The student must be self-motivated, organised and independent. The development of critical thinking and meticulousness is fundamental to university study. This module provides the student with a variety of scholarly and communication competencies necessary for a successful career in the engineering and technology fields. The module aims to develop the ability of the student to investigate, analyse and communicate technologic concepts effectively.
The module will develop your ability to work independently and safely, to carry out effective investigation within this technical field, and to apply relevant practical techniques.
This module deals with basic engineering science concepts, together with analytical and practical applications in mechanical engineering science, providing a broad foundation of knowledge required by students in engineering and therefore preparing them for further studies in specific fields such as mechanical / manufacturing engineering.
This module also enables students to use fundamental mathematical techniques for the evaluation, analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems. It also aims to develop an understanding of basic electrical and electronic theory and principles.
Engineers require different levels of knowledge in terms of structural behaviour, material properties and design choices, and an adequate understanding of these key areas in order to appreciate the role of structural theory.
This module provides the fundamental concepts, together with elementary analytical and practical applications in engineering disciplines in order to reinforce students’ knowledge in scientific principles and thereby prepare students for future engineering studies. It also provides a framework for developing a good knowledge of the important theories, principles, procedures and codes that form the basis of structural analysis and design. It provides the student with basic analytical skills and an appreciation of how this knowledge might be applied in practice.
This module provides you with an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to use appropriate computer software as an aid to design for the engineering industry. The difference in approach between manual and computer aided design (CAD) is explained. The production of two/three dimensional drawings to introduce basic system commands is investigated.
This module concentrates on CAD using software for the production of two dimensional models of engineering components and assemblies. Industry standard layer convention and libraries of standard symbols along with system procedures and functions are used to speed up the drawing process. The three dimensional model is utilised to produce elevations, perspective various views and 3D models. Text insertion and automatic dimensioning to a drawing are investigated.
An awareness of the wide range of materials and manufacturing methods is essential if the designer is to optimise the product for a competitive market with due regard to environmental considerations in terms of energy and resources. The module will emphasise the requirement for interactive consideration of materials, manufacturing method and design in an examination of established and innovative methods of producing to meeting market demands.
The aim of this module is to give students an opportunity to experience the process of carrying out a design and build project. It will enable them to appreciate that design involves synthesising parameters which will affect the design solution.
The module will introduce them to the workshop and a number of manufacturing process including turning, milling and sheet metal forming.
These elements will allow the student to carry out a design and build project fully with the aim being to produce a working prototype/ model of the finished product.
This module challenges the student to produce professional communications based on research into a range of engineering processes and procedures that are necessary to operate in a competitive global market. Students’ skills are developed using a range of current computer based software packages and tools in order to produce outstanding output for professional development planning and continuing professional development.
The primary aim of this module is to provide the analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully undertake the technical elements of the first year of Engineering Degree.
It deals with basic concepts, together with analytical and practical applications in engineering science, providing a broad foundation of knowledge required by students in engineering and therefore preparing them for further studies in specific fields including analytical methods and mathematics, needed for the more advanced optional units. The module has been designed to enable you to apply algebra, trigonometry, vectors, and calculus to the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems found at degree level and in the professional workplace.
Success in Motorsport engineering requires an appreciation and working knowledge of the processes used to service, measure and assemble the working systems of a 4 wheeled vehicle. This module is intended to develop knowledge and understanding of four key areas of vehicle engineering: Power unit, Transmission, Chassis and Electrical systems.
The emphasis will be on practical application with essential student participation in all workshop activities. The practical content will be supplemented by context specific tutorials during the activities and formal lectures delivering theoretical and technical knowledge essential for a complete engineering understanding.
The growing use of Parametric modelling has transformed the Solid Modelling domain into an extremely powerful, near essential tool for the modern day engineer and designer. This inclusion allows you to retain full control over the models definition and scope and further allows the reduction of lead times in the case of variant production of the model.
This module, after ensuring that you are comfortable with the utilisation of modern engineering workstations, aims to cover the essential elements of parametric modelling and further concentrates on the parametric aspects from 2-dimensional parametric profiling to 3-dimensional parametric modelling including profile sweeping and primitive manipulation.
Motorsport chassis engineering and vehicle dynamics revolve around the understanding of tyres behaviour. Achieving good chassis performance and handling, relies on the engineer’s ability to design an optimal suspension kinematics that maximises the use of the tyres. The rational of this module is to equip students with appropriate knowledge of tyre behaviours and suspension kinematics, which leads to the understanding of chassis engineering.
Electronics plays a vital part in modern Motorsport, in everything from engine management and transmission control to the data acquisition and telemetry systems currently in use. Continuous advances in cost effective electronic systems makes this a challenging and rewarding module with the Motorsport specific applications having many parallels with current industrial instrumentation practices The module is designed to help students understand and make valued judgements concerning applied modern electronic control systems and circuitry.
Motorsport Powertrain Technology and Professional Development
The aim of this module is to give students in-depth technical information concerning the design, and operating principles of the modern power unit and its associated systems and the modern types of transmission system, and to further their understanding of applications in Automotive Engineering and Motorsport.
The engineering designer must have knowledge of the opportunities available, the creative tools and the restraints imposed by manufacturing systems, and processes and materials in order to achieve the design of competitive products.
This module will teach you about the important techniques in design for manufacture using appropriate methodologies and selection procedures. You will also become experienced in choosing the optimum material and manufacturing method using design requirements, but with regard to costs and environmental considerations.
An understanding of the effects of different loading types (bending, shear) on engineering components is vital to ensure that a component can perform satisfactorily during its service life.
This module develops basic stress concepts following those covered in the stress section of the Applied Scientific Methods based modules into more complex real-life loading situations. Many actual engineering situations are complex and basic structural calculations can only give approximate answers.
Engineers also need to optimise materials selection for different designs and sections. This can be assisted through the use of Performance Materials Design Indices. The skills to address these needs will be developed in this module for different loading situations. They will then be applied to real problems by using a materials selection package to select the most appropriate material for a component with regards to mass, cost and environmental impact.
This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting.
The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives you the opportunity to relate your academic knowledge to the work environment.
Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline.
During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.
Students will be able to develop a systemic understanding of the combined effects of temperature, environment and stress upon the service life of materials and formulate essential property requirements that will enable you to select materials to satisfy conditions in their application to prevent failure.
They will also be able to enhance the quality and performance of an engineering system, process or product taking into account pressures due to environmental concerns in additional to financial or technical considerations.
The individual project is regarded as an important element of the specialist degree. It provides students in their final year with a challenge to identify and undertake an original and detailed study and present a major piece of relevant work to a critical and informed audience.
It aims to develop the student's power to work independently, researching in depth a topic of their choice, using relevant concepts and techniques.
The aim of this module is to give students an in-depth technical information concerning the design, operating principles of the modern high-performance power unit and its associated systems and to the modern types of transmission system used in Automotive Engineering and Motorsport, and for them to critically evaluate the systems, apply techniques and analyse the processes concerned. Students will also be given an awareness of the environmental aspects and impacts of engine design and emissions outputs.
The modern race car is very demanding in terms of the limits of handling, braking and cornering performance that is capable of achieving. The modern race car engineer will be required to fully understand aspects of suspension design, tyre behaviour, handling dynamics and aerodynamics.
The rationale for this module is to build on the students’ knowledge and understanding of race car chassis engineering to include the design and analysis of race car suspension, steering systems and aerodynamics.
Rapidly advancing technology in the area of 3-Dimensional Parametric Solid Modelling and Profiling has caused a significant shift in the working practices of traditional design engineers.
This module aims to impart a significant understanding of parametric principles and will update the student's skills to the application of such techniques in a 3-Dimensional Parametric Solid Modelling/Conceptual Design environment using enhanced modelling techniques. It is essential that such a designer be able to parametrically specify and functionally examine models constructed from initial concept.
Computational Fluid Dynamics is critical to modern mechanical design analysis. This module will enable you to understand the principles governing computational fluid dynamics in relation to modern mechanical problem solving.
20 Credits
optional
Coursework
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Campus Tours
Campus Tours are a great way to explore our campuses, facilities and halls of residence. We’ll be running the tours in two-hour timeslots, giving you the best possible experience while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Delve deeper into the course with our Virtual Open Day, packed with subject and course information to help you make your choice, including tours of facilities, 360° views of award-winning accommodation plus advice and insight from students and academics.
There are opportunities for you to go on an optional work placement as part of the BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering.
The course also includes field trips to local race circuits for testing and visits to a number of exhibitions where you can strengthen your professional networks. You will also attend guest lectures as part of the annual IMechE series.
How you are assessed
Assessment is through a mixture of coursework assignments, examinations and formal presentations.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
IELTS
6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - MPP
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Our focus is on ensuring you are work-ready and this course will give you the all the confidence and skills you need to progress directly into the international motorsport arena.
Graduates have secured employment with companies like Cosworth, Zytec, JLR, Pirelli and EPM Composites. They have also raced all over the world and worked with international race teams in F1, GP2, FIA-GT and with a variety of national teams.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
Use of fully equipped motorsport workshops
PPE kits (safety boot, safety googles and ear plugs), one T-shirt
Fieldtrips and visits, depending on trip requirements costs can vary
Industry speakers
Small allowance for final year project
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Equipment approx. £30
T-shirt approx. £30
Workshop Materials approx. £120
Industry Visits approx. £70
Additional expenses for final year project approx. £50
Printing approx. £120
Optional costs not included in your fees
Not required but useful: a personal computer or tablet computer approx. £400
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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