Foundation Degree in Automotive Engineering

About this course

Is this course right for me?

Our Foundation Degree will take you take you on a journey through the world of Automotive Engineering. From initial concept and design to research, development and testing, this is a dynamic sector with plenty of potential for critical thinkers who are passionate about coming up with new concepts and developing new ideas. Our vocational course has a strong practical element and you will need to be employed in a relevant industrial company to benefit from our work-based learning programme.

What makes WCT the best?

Our excellent links with employers in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and advice from people already working in the industry. Our natural progression routes between different programmes and courses make it easier for you to improve your qualifications and enhance your learning experience, and our part time study options make it easier to fit your education around work and family commitments.

How will I learn?

Our Foundation Degree is a part-time day release course delivered over two years in conjunction with full-time employment. You will need the support of your employer to assist you with this course.

What will I be doing?

In your first year, you will gain underpinning knowledge of subjects such as maths, science and business. You will explore different design processes and investigate the materials and processes used in manufacturing components.  You will also study a unit in Mechanical Principles, which will help you to develop the mathematical calculations required for stress, strain and dynamics.

Your second year is based on the practical application of engineering topics such as CAD (Autocad and Solidworks), Pneumatics and Hydraulics (Automation Studio simulations and Advanced Vehicle Systems.  You will also complete an individual project, which will enable you to investigate theoretical ideas involved in company practice.

You will study the following modules:

Advanced CAD
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Advanced Vehicle Systems
Applied Mathematics
Design Tools and Techniques
Electrical Science
Engineering Business Management
Manufacturing Control Systems
Manufacturing Technology and Materials
Mathematics for Engineers
Mechanical Science
Solid Mechanics
Work based Project

Entry requirements

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of group assignments, individual projects and internally set examinations. All work is assessed by the College and externally validated by Coventry University.

What next?

The Automotive industry offers some of the most exciting and rewarding career opportunities in Engineering. From motorsport and mass manufacturing to lightweight materials and fuel cells, Automotive Engineers use the most advanced technologies on earth to create products that inspire the senses and help improve personal mobility.

Automotive Engineers work on the development of ground-based vehicles, such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles. They are also involved in improving the vehicle in response to customer feedback once on the market.

Their activities largely fall into either:

• design (new products or revising existing ones)
• research and development (finding solutions to engineering problems)
• production (planning and designing new production processes)

As an Automotive Engineer, you could choose to specialise in areas such as aerodynamics, alternative fuels, chassis, electronics, emissions, ergonomics, manufacturing, materials, motorsport, powertrain, rapid prototyping, vehicle and pedestrian safety or supply chain management. Whichever career path you choose, you will be utilising traditional methods and state-of-the-art technology to engineer vehicles to high standards of performance, safety & reliability.

end

For help applying call 01905 743456