Automotive Engineering MSc

This module covers the basic elements of a variety of braking, steering, and suspension systems in depth to evaluate their kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Their design features are investigated to establish how they currently satisfy the appropriate automotive regulations. The influence of X-by-wire (any electrically actuated system) regarding vehicle development and future legislation is considered with regard to safety, ethical issues and advanced vehicle control. Wheel and tyre design are explored to establish features such as slip characteristics, construction, and deformation during steady state and transient cornering. The normal operating forces at the tyre/road interface are considered to establish the safe operating boundaries of a vehicle. Traditional and modern suspension systems are studied for commercial vehicles, high volume production cars and high performance cars. Comfort and ride characteristics are related to wheel loads and differing road features. The use of software packages (typically ADAMS and SolidWorks) may be used for kinematic and force analyses of suspension systems.

This module aims to investigate the operating characteristics and limitations of modern internal combustion engines and hybrid configurations. You’ll be introduced to software packages used by commercial organisations so you can undertake engine performance analysis, including the effects of exhaust system routing, turbochargers and superchargers. You'll have the opportunity to study the forces exerted on a vehicle during steady state and transient cornering with regard to road loads, roll over, banked tracks and adverse camber. Front, rear and 4-wheel drive configurations will be compared.

This module uses theory and practice with 3D modelling software to design a working gearbox from a range of applications such as automotive, marine and industrial. You will select a category and develop a design that is appropriate to your specific interest. The assignments are progressive, the first being the design of a suite of gearbox components followed by the assembly of a complete virtual unit, thus demonstrating your ability to design to a professional standard using a high level CAD package, such as Solidworks.

This module aims to extend your knowledge of the scientific principles used in more advanced static analysis of mechanical components and systems and to understand the role that mathematical and computer based modelling plays in this type of analysis. The module allows you the opportunity to gain experience in the use of commercial analysis software to solve non-linear structural problems.

This module aims to combine theoretical and practical analysis of dynamic motion with a focus on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). You’ll have the opportunity to study both vibration and control techniques with topics including vibration theory, mechanical control, forced vibration, resonance, Sdof (Single degree of Freedom) and MdoF (Multiple degrees of Freedom) systems and NVH applications.

This module has been designed to be offered to students who have a basic understanding of operations management, quality assurance and control, together with the statistical techniques employed in probability theory. The module aims to build on this knowledge, giving you the ability to implement and operate quality systems, maintenance regimes and reliability trials.

This module combines the use of theoretical, experimental and computational tools to help you develop a thorough understanding of aerodynamic features associated with moving vehicles as well as air handling requirements. The module introduces you to various commercial computational fluid dynamics packages.

This is an innovative module which delegates will find not only challenging but also very rewarding as it will extend the way they think about management excellence and research application. Through interactive module content, based upon the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence, you will be guided through the theory and practice of professional development and research. Through the use of a number of diagnostic instruments and application tools, you will be able to benchmark your leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills, thereby providing a firm foundation for reflective career planning through portfolio development. On completion, you will be equipped to manage your career through to professional registration and have the ability to lead complex research projects. This activity will be supported by seminars led by experts in the field of research and development from academia and industry, prior to the delivery of equally weighted group and individual project assessments.

The project provides the opportunity to undertake a major programme of advanced independent work. Where possible the project is carried out in collaboration with an industrial company and takes place at the company. A project supervisor is then allocated at the University who would check and confirm if the project is suitable for a Master's level course.

The course is taught principally through lectures, tutorials, studio-based assignment work and lab-based research activities.In the lab-based work you will have access to our facilities such as four-post ride simulator, two-wheel dynamometer, three engine test rigs, one transient engine test rig, wind tunnel, thermal camera and modal analysis equipment.

We aim to arrange your major project in relation to an existing industrial automotive or general engineering problem, with contact and supervision from a major automotive supplier. If this is not possible we ensure that the project relates to an area of automotive engineering.

17.4% of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

Assessment methods reflect the emphasis of the course on the ability to apply knowledge and skills, and are diversely linked to examination, assignment, project work, research and lab activities.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.