Course summary

The Brunel Automotive Engineering MEng gives students interested in pursuing careers in automobile engineering an extra year of advanced study and training that will deepen their knowledge of the subject, expand their skill sets and put them on a fast-track to becoming a Chartered Engineer. As with our Automotive Engineering BEng degree, you’ll get a solid grounding in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, including maths, engineering science and design, and an in-depth knowledge of the technical workings of current and future automotive systems. You’ll study all aspects of automotive development and manufacture from vehicle design and performance, to engine and transmission systems, to materials, structures and safety. You’ll also get hands-on practice troubleshooting engineering problems that inevitably arise during the construction and testing processes. Your education will profit, too, by your access to the work done at our Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels (CAPF). One of the largest and most active engine research groups in the UK, CAPF focuses on minimising pollutant emissions and improving fuel efficiency while maintaining performance levels. In your final year, along with studying specialist topics taught at master’s degree level, you’ll take part in a major group project to design, manufacture and test an automotive product, typically aimed at low-carbon use. This will give you valuable experience working in a team-based environment and on-the-job opportunities to develop your leadership and management skills, competencies sought by employers. A current project concerns the use of mechanical kinetic energy recovery to help eliminate the feel of turbocharger lag in future fuel-efficient road vehicles. The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). It fulfils the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). It is also the quickest route for gaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status as you can apply for the qualification upon successfully completing this course. Throughout your studies, you’ll have use of our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, which comprise our motorsport workshop, and 24-hour access to industry standard specialist software for engineering design at dedicated computer clusters on campus, so you’ll have the opportunity and equipment to explore ideas and tackle problems. We offer two study options. You can choose four years full-time, or five years full-time with a professional placement that will allow you to put what you’ve learnt into practice in real world situations. If you start on the full-time course, you can transfer to the professional development option, which includes the placement, at any time before the end of Year 2. In an industry facing the challenges of rapidly changing technology, heightened customer expectations and growing environmental concerns, employers are looking for graduates with the technical and managerial skills to keep ahead of the changes. Your Brunel MEng will give you this and equip you to play leading roles in industry and public service.