MSc in Racing Engine Systems

Program Overview

The MSc in Racing Engine Systems from Oxford Brookes University is a unique postgraduate degree that prepares engineers for advanced design roles in the motorsport industry. Combining theory, simulation, and hands-on experience, the program focuses on cutting-edge technologies in race engine design, powertrain systems, and electric powertrains. With unparalleled industry access and connections, students gain real-world insights and prepare for careers in Formula One teams and leading automotive companies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Racing Engine Systems is a postgraduate degree that prepares graduates for advanced design roles within engine manufacturers and their supply chains. It's the only degree of its kind globally and is designed to meet industry requirements. The program aims to teach students about race engine theories and the design of winning engines, as well as the development of hybrid and electric engines for the future. Oxford Brookes University's location in the UK's motorsport valley provides students with unparalleled access to the industry, offering practical insights and real-world learning opportunities.

Outline:

The program combines practical experience, theory, and simulation to provide a comprehensive understanding of racing engine systems.

Course Structure:

The curriculum includes modules such as Racing Engine Systems, Advanced Powertrain, and Electric Powertrain. Students learn to review powertrain performance, understand the business requirements behind engineering, and predict engine fracture and failure.

Dissertation:

The dissertation module allows students to study a specific topic of their choice in-depth, developing their research, planning, and project management skills. Students can choose to take on industry-sponsored projects from companies like Ford, AVL, or local racing teams. Alternatively, they can work on their own projects in the UK or abroad, collaborating closely with research or commercial organizations.

Modules:

Compulsory Modules:

• Advanced Powertrain Engineering (20 credits): Provides an understanding of areas such as powertrain system requirements, energy flow in the driveline, engine and powertrain modeling concepts for evaluating the performance of powertrain systems.
• Engineering Business Management (20 credits): Provides an understanding of the management skills and knowledge crucial in engineering industries.
• Advanced Strength of Components (20 credits): Develops knowledge and skills in fatigue and fracture analysis to predict conditions for fatigue failure and fracture, and the life of mechanical components.
• Racing Engine Systems - System Integration (20 Credits): Focuses on advanced racing engine design subjects.
Students learn about theoretical and practical considerations associated with the design and functioning of racing engines, energy recovery and storage systems specific to racing applications, and advanced design analyses using various tools.
• Electric Powertrain Systems (20 credits): Provides an understanding of areas such as electric powertrain system requirements and modeling concepts for evaluating the performance of electric powertrain systems.
• Racing Engine Systems - Thermal (20 Credits): Covers advanced racing engine design subjects, focusing on principles for designing and optimizing thermal systems of the racing engine.
Students learn to perform analyses using various tools to select and optimize the performance of racing engines.
• MSc Dissertation (60 credits): An individual project on a topic from race engineering, allowing students to specialize in a specific area related to high-performance engines.
Students can choose industry-sponsored projects or develop their own projects in the UK or abroad, working with research, industrial, or commercial organizations.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Coursework exercises
• Essays
• Presentations
• Laboratory exercises
• Examinations

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures and seminars to provide a theoretical foundation
• Practical work to demonstrate important aspects of theory or systems operation.
Visiting speakers from business and the motorsport industry provide valuable insights to enhance student learning.

Careers:

Many students secure employment before completing their dissertation. Graduates work for motorsport companies, Formula One teams and their suppliers, and research laboratories. They are involved in developing next-generation engines. The university's careers support system is available to provide assistance and advice on career development.

Other:

• Oxford Brookes University has excellent links with high-tech businesses and the industry.
• The Racing Engine Systems module meets the FIA Formula One Powertrain Regulations.
• All Engineering and Motorsport courses are moving to brand new custom-designed buildings at the Headington site.
These buildings are expected to open in September 2024, offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• The emphasis in research groups is producing high-quality research for the real world.
• Staff have close links with industry through research projects and consultancies.
• The department's research is internationally recognized, with a high percentage judged to be of world-leading quality or internationally excellent.

2023 / 24 Home (UK) full time £9,300 Home (UK) part time £4,650 International full time £17,800 2024 / 25 Home (UK) full time £9,750 Home (UK) part time £4,875 International full time £18,500 Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year. The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. How and when to pay Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.