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FdSc Motorsport Competition Car Technology

About the course

This course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Students may also be required to attend workshop sessions at the University for some modules.

The United Kingdom is the hub of the Motorsport industry worldwide, employing highly skilled professional people in all aspects of design, manufacture, competition and support. The Myerscough Motorsport course provides employability skills that help make a team successful and provides an in depth understanding of the sport. We pride ourselves on our extensive Motorsport contacts, with all our teaching staff having experience in the industry.

A blend of classroom and workshop sessions involve aspects of construction, preparation and set-up of competition vehicles. This course gives you the opportunity to specialise in the technology and working practices employed by the industry and includes hands on work preparing competition cars, designing components and investigating the technical systems involved in this fast paced and dynamic sport. Each year, our students have the opportunity to work with external partners in the industry both on and off the track.

Course modules

Year 1

Business Management

This module introduces key areas of management activity such as human resource management, leadership, marketing and finance to allow students to develop further knowledge and skills to improve future employability in land based industries

Competition Car Preparation

The aim of this module is to enable students to explore the fundamental operating principles of competition Vehicles. Including the selection of components for competition vehicle preparation, race vehicle set-up, adherence to regulation and working to motorsport industry standards.

Engineering Principles

To provide students with the knowledge and practical experience of the most commonly used manufacturing processes, including; health and safety, Fitting and Sheet Metal, Lathework, Measurement and inspection, Milling, CNC Machining and Welding. Skills learned in this module will be transferable throughout the motorsport industry.

Academic and Vocational Skills

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Logistics Management in Motorsport

Students will study how equipment, resources and people are transported throughout the UK and the EU. This will include various forms of legislation and learning how to comply with these regulations. Students will develop problem solving skills as well as being able to evaluate different solutions to given logistical problems. A major part of the assessment for this module is being able to evaluate the various logistical constraints and their impact on each other.

Fundamentals of Motorsport Data

The methods used to collect data and the subsequent analysis techniques are a fundamental part of functioning within a scientific discipline. Furthermore, technical professions require graduates who can solve problems through the use of background research and are capable of testing concepts using the appropriate methods. Students will be taught to design experiments so that the data collected can be assessed for accuracy and reliability.

Year 2

Competition Vehicle Dynamics

The purpose of this module is to develop the skills, techniques and experienced gained from the competition car preparation module. The student will gain a better understanding of vehicle dynamics, application and fault finding. Developing motorsport problem solving solutions and applying principles to scenarios. Simulation software will be utilised to put theory to practice.

Industry Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the industry project module. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, and work with their supervisor in developing and managing the project and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Advanced Motorsport Data

Data is essential to teams at all levels of motorsport. Data loggers and their software are key to exploiting performance from vehicles, when used skilfully. This module aims to explore a range of data logging systems. The module will explain data capture and sensing systems. Hardware and software technology will be applied in commercial situations. Students will analyse and critically evaluate data, using their understanding of vehicle and operating dynamics.

Competition Vehicle Assembly (Double Module)

Building a competition vehicle or assembly from scratch is a challenging and enjoyable technical process. Students must evaluate appropriate materials, develop problem solving and technical skills and organise and analyse team operations in a vehicles/machinery context. This module looks at composition and properties of materials, whilst simultaneously engaging in a challenging project build of a full competition vehicle or subsystem.

Computer Aided Design

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

  • 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
  • BTEC/C&G Level 3
  • 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
  • 3 Irish Highers at C or above
  • International Baccalaureate at 24 points
  • NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
  • Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, and Myerscough’s virtual learning environment learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including formative and summative assessment, essays, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and case studies based on work experience.

Additional Information:

Students are encouraged to work with Race and Rally Teams independently and tutors introduce students to team principals in the service and paddock areas. Modules may include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off-site visits to areas of environmental significance may also be undertaken.

What work experience can I get?

There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.

There is the option to intercalate and take a gap year to work in the industry anywhere in the world. This enables students to gain experience in a real working environment as well as increasing employment prospects.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply to top-up to a full Honours Degree in one year, for example BSc (Hons) Motorsport Competition Car Technology (Top-up).

Careers

Students gaining the Foundation Degree may seek employment in the motorsports industry and opportunities exist in all sections of the sport. Positions such as a technician or mechanic in any field of motorsport, sub-assembly or component specialist are all possible career paths.

Professional accreditations

Students will be encouraged to form links with national motorsport organisations such as the Motorsport Industry Association and Motorsport UK (MSUK), to join the MSUK accredited Myerscough College Motor Club, to register and undertake online marshal training and apply for the free MSUK RS Clubman competition licence.

Special requirements

Steel toe capped footwear and flame proof overalls are required. A race team shirt is also necessary.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

· Flame proof overalls and safety footwear - £85

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· Accommodation and subsistence on field trips, visits and race events - £100

· Race Team shirts - £30