Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To supply the automotive industries with postgraduates having a good grounding in relevant engineering principles and the subsequent practical application to relevant product design.
• To provide a broad-based and sound education in advanced topics of relevance to automotive  engineering via in-depth study and an understanding of selected engineering science topics and the application of fundamental principles to the design and development of engineering products and systems.
• To develop an integrated systems engineering viewpoint for automotive product, design and manufacture, with specific skills in formulating engineering systems in terms of function and performance and to provide insights into the essential skills, such as multi-criteria decision-making and other facets of a systems approach to managing complex projects.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering
• QAA for Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
• EC (UK) Specification for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC)
• I.Mech.E Educational Base

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate

• knowledge and understanding of a systems viewpoint for automotive product development and manufacture together with an ability to formulate automotive engineering systems in terms of their function and performance
• a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning Automotive Systems Engineering
• a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of theoretical methods and their use for modelling, analysis and design in Automotive systems
• an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, theories and current practice in automotive product development and the limitations of such concepts, including a critical awareness of current issues and future prospects at the forefront of the discipline
• a wide knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of complex vehicle systems and the ability to analyse and synthesise such systems.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

• demonstrate an integrated systems engineering viewpoint for automotive product design, development and manufacture and specific skills in formulating engineering systems in terms of function and performance
• integrate knowledge in the automotive field using mathematics, science, information technology, design  and engineering practice
• model and analyse complex automotive systems using appropriate concepts, scientific principles, mathematical methods, while recognising the limitations of such analysis
• innovate in solving novel and challenging problems and be aware of the limitations of the solutions
• apply the concepts of sustainable engineering while solving problems and being aware of future trends.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate the practical skills of 

• applying modelling techniques and software to engineering problems
• conducting  and analysing experiments, adapting experimental procedures to novel situations if necessary, analysing experimental data in detail, and drawing comprehensive conclusions
• independent planning and execution of projects which relate to Automotive systems engineering.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

• communicate effectively
• generate and analyse data to solve complex engineering problems
• optimise use of resources and time in project planning and implementation
• undertake technical roles in a team working the development of vehicle systems
• learn independently and be familiar with how to access key information
• sort, manipulate and present data in a way which facilitates effective analysis and decision making
• Critically appraise engineering problems.

4. Programme structure

The Programme comprises:

- For Full-Time candidates, taught modules with a total modular weight of 120 credits together with Project modules with a modular weight of 60 credits.

- For Part-Time candidates, taught modules with a total modular weight of 120 credits together with a Project module with a modular weight of 60 credits which will, subject to satisfactory arrangements for supervision, be carried out in industry.

4.1       COMPULSORY MODULES 

4.2          OPTIONAL MODULES

Candidates must take further modules from the list below to bring the total modular weight to 180.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 All candidates are required to make themselves available for an oral examination on their project work.

5.3 Full-Time candidates must submit a written project report on the Project module to the Programme Tutor by the 15^th September following commencement of the programme. Part-Time candidates must submit a written project report on the Project module to the Programme Tutor on or before the date specified in the academic year in which the Project is undertaken. A Project module for which a report is not received by the due date will receive a zero mark.

5.4 Re-assessment of modules for candidates eligible under Regulation XXI may take place in the University’s Special Assessment Period where suitable modules are available.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification