Two students wearing safety goggles working under the bonnet of a car

Course details

Year of entry

2024

Duration

1 YR (FT) 2 YRS (PT)

Institution Code

G53

Location

Wrexham

Course Highlights

Strong

links to local, national, and international companies.

 

Access

to specialist equipment and various vehicles.

 

Top 10

in the UK for teaching quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

Why choose? this course?

The MSc Automotive Engineering programme contains a set of key modules covering the essential aspects of modern automotive engineering. This provides a solid background for a successful career in the automotive engineering sector (manufacturers, OEM, R&D) or in motorsport.

The knowledge and the skills delivered in the MSc Automotive Engineering course are transferable to other engineering fields.

The programme provides the opportunity to combine practical aspects of automotive engineering as well as simulation-based projects using industry-relevant software. An open and friendly atmosphere enhances your learning experience. Strong links to local, national, and international companies ensure the standard of teaching is industry relevant to provide you with the best possible starting point for your professional career paths.

  • Lectures and assessments are generally based on real case scenarios and industrial needs.
  • Laboratories are equipped with up-to-date specialist equipment and various vehicles including kit cars, race cars, and electric and hybrid powertrains.
  • Lecturers and supporting staff have the required industrial experience and are practitioners (i.e., track racing & car building).
 

Key course features

  • Open door policy to meet with tutors
  • Additional support provided through workshops
  • Select from optional modules to enhance your curriculum pathway
 
 

What you will study

MODULES

Full Time

Semester 1

  • Engineering Research Methods & PG Studies (Core)
  • Engineering Design & Innovation (Core)
  • Mechanical Engineering Systems Modelling & Simulation (Core)

Semester 2

  • Renewable Technology & Storage Integration Engineering (Optional)
  • Intelligent System Design & Control Engineering (Optional)
  • Design with Composites-Theory & Practice (Optional)
  • Advanced Automotive Chassis Design (Core)
  • Modern & Innovative Powertrains (Core)

Semester 2/3

  • Dissertation (Core)

Part-Time

Year 1 – (Every Friday)

Semester 1

  • Engineering Design & Innovation (Core)
  • Mechanical Engineering Systems Modelling & Simulation (Core)

Semester 2

  • Renewable Technology & Storage Integration Engineering (Optional)
  • Intelligent System Design & Control Engineering (Optional)
  • Design with Composites-Theory & Practice (Optional)
  • Advanced Automotive Chassis Design (Core)

Year 2 – (Every Thursday)

Semester 1

  • Engineering Research Methods & PG Studies (Core)

Semester 2

  • Modern & Innovative Powertrains (Core)

Semester 2/3

  • Dissertation (Core)

 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

 
 
 
 

Entry requirements & applying

Normal entry requirements for full-time and part-time intake will be one of:

  1. A Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree, or other Bachelor Honours Degree, normally with an honour’s degree with at least a 2:2 classification or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline.
  2. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement but have substantial professional experience in a relevant specialist area may be accepted, subject to interview and references.
  3. Equivalent qualifications of another overseas country are deemed satisfactory by the program team.

Normally, the applicants who applied through entry points (b) and (c) will be required to attend an interview. This is not always possible, e.g., for overseas students, in which case the application form and ‘home’ tutor’s recommendations will be used to decide suitability; phone, internet and video conferencing may also be used. Places on the programmes will be offered based on applicants’ background qualifications and, where appropriate, experiences.

Non-standard entry criteria

According to the Regulations for Wrexham University: ‘Taught master’s Degrees’, it is possible for a non-graduate to be admitted to candidature provided that:

  1. They have a non-graduate qualification which Wrexham University has deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission, and
  2. they held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the programme to be pursued within the previous five years.’

Irrespective of a candidate’s entry qualifications, the student must provide evidence to the satisfaction of the interview panel of his/her ability to complete academic work of the required standard to successfully complete the scheme of study proposed.

 
 
 
 

Teaching & Assessment

The programme is informed and guided by the Active Learning Framework (ALF), which incorporates a blended learning approach. This approach is a key part of the delivery and involves teaching, learning support, and the delivery of online sessions. The embedding of ALF provides students with a more flexible approach to their learning and is fundamental in giving all students equal opportunities to succeed.

The learning and teaching methods adopted to reflect the QAA Master’s degree characteristics descriptors in the following ways:

  1. Lectures are used to impart key information and showcase new ways of working which will enable students to develop a sound understanding of the principles of their field of study as well as identify new ways of working.
  2. Case studies, role plays, and group work will be used to facilitate the application of the principles more widely. They will also be used to prompt discussion and practise problem-solving skills. This will also allow students to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems.
  3. The use of portfolios facilitates reflection on the qualities necessary for employment, requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Additionally, they will allow students to identify the limits of their knowledge and skills and identify strategies for development.
  4. Assessments are used to facilitate learning as well as to provide an indication of student achievement. The programme provides opportunities for formative, diagnostic and summative feedback. The assessment methods used reflect the needs of the student group and allow for the knowledge and learning outcomes of the programme to be tested as well as allowing for the development and assessment of practical and transferable skills.

Where assessed group work is undertaken, you will be expected, through the production of meeting notes and action plans, to demonstrate that you have contributed equally to the task. This element of personal contribution will determine your overall module assessment. i.e., not all students within a group should expect the same mark.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping you deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, student-led seminars and guided research.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject-specific and key skills. This is promoted through guided study or feedback given to students.

 
 
 
 

Career prospects

The MSc Automotive Engineering programme facilitates the needs of a range of diverse industries at local, national, and international levels, to provide them with potential future employees of the highest calibre. The programme has been devised to give you opportunities to demonstrate their relevant technical expertise, innovation, commitment, and sound judgment. Thereby producing students who are Engineering professionals and a sought-after asset to future employers. Previous students are either in full-time employment or pursuing a PhD.

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The course equips you with thorough knowledge and skills in engineering at the forefront of new and emerging technologies. Graduates will be well placed to become subject specialists within the industry or to pursue research careers within academia.

 

 
 
 
 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

 

 
 
 
 

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section