The course is taught in our modern, purpose-built premises, which have impressive facilities. During Year 1, as well as studying mathematics, engineering principles, design and management, you will also undertake relevant practical work to gain familiarity with motorsports systems and engineering manufacture.
In Year 2 you will develop your analytical skills through studying dynamics, thermo-fluids, and stress analysis. Additionally you will undertake group design tasks and utilise engineering analysis software. You also have an option of undertaking a placement before progressing to third year of academic study.
In the final year you will study specialised automotive engineering and motorsport subjects, such as vehicle aerodynamics, automotive engines, motorsport vehicle performance and chassis engineering. You will also choose optional modules and select a project of personal interest.
If you wish to extend your degree you may seek selection for the four-year MEng course. The first three years of the MEng run parallel with the BEng course, while the final year of the MEng allows you to broaden and deepen your studies. You may enrol on either course when joining the university but progression onto the MEng is only possible for the most able students. You can also apply from elsewhere to join our MEng in the third year.
Study modules
As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules available may vary from those listed here.
Year 1
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling I (double)
- Engineering Design and Practice I (double)
- Introduction to Thermo Fluids
- Introduction to Materials
- Introduction to Stress Analysis
- Introduction to Statics and Dynamics
Years 2 to 4
Year 2
- Design and Practice II (double)
- Stress Analysis and Dynamics (double)
- Automotive Electronics
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling II
- Thermo-Fluids
- Materials Engineering
Year 3
Compulsory
- Engineering Project (double)
- Management, Ethics, Energy and Sustainability (double)
Optional, 2 from:
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Vehicle Aerodynamics
- Automotive Engines
Optional, 2 from:
- Motorsport Vehicle Performance
- Design of Machines
- Vehicle Crash Design
Year 4 (MEng)
Compulsory
- Group Design Project (double)
- Advanced Engineering Management
Optional, 1 from:
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamics
- Advanced Vehicle Aerodynamics
- Advanced Materials and Strength of Components
Optional, 1 from:
- Data Acquisition Systems
- Laptime Simulation and Race Engineering
- Advanced Powertrain Engineering
Optional, 1 from:
- CAD/CAM
- Computation and Modelling
- Sustainable Engineering Technology
- Engineering Reliability and Risk Management
- Vehicle Crash Engineering
Work placements
Our work placement programme has been commended by professional bodies as a model of excellence. We have placement opportunities with local, national and international Engineering companies. These are advertised through our placement office and support and guidance in applying for placements is provided.
You will be encouraged to undertake a work placement for one year between the second and final years of your course. Placements are highly valued by prospective employers, as they recognise the benefits of obtaining industrial experience. The placement helps with consolidating their understanding of mechanical engineering in general and having the opportunity to apply their knowledge in an industrial environment. On returning to the university for their final year, the experience they have gained invariably improves their academic performance.
Students will typically have to arrange their own accommodation during their placement year and will have to cover their own transport and living costs.
Previous students have gained placements with companies such as:
- Red Bull Racing
- Mercedes AMG HPP
- Nitron Racing Systems
- AP Racing Ltd
- Sahara Force India F1
- X-Trac Ltd
- Lotus F1
- Mercedes AMG Petronas
- Williams Grand Prix Engineering
We have an excellent record of graduates gaining full-time employment with their industrial placement-year company.
Study abroad
Great opportunities to study or work abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year.
Studying abroad provides an amazing opportunity to add value to your studies by:
- increasing your employability within an international market
- boosting your language skills
- building your confidence in adapting to new situations
- improving your knowledge of different cultures.
While on exchange you will gain credits which count towards your degree.
We have more than 100 partner universities around the world. Funding is available through the Erasmus scheme, and also via some international programmes such as the Santander Student Awards.
There is also a European work placement programme which gives you the chance to work abroad as part of your studies.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.
Additional costs
First year Engineering students spend some time in laboratory sessions as part of the course for which protective equipment is mandatory. This typically costs around £25-40 although you are able to use your own, if suitable.
Programme changes
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published
on the website. For more information, please visit our
Changes to programmes
page.