BEng (Hons) Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) with foundation year
Course Overview
A career in the motorsport industry allows you to work at the cutting edge of engineering technology. By studying for your BEng (Hons) in Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) at the University of Bolton, you will develop the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to design, develop and deliver advanced engineering solutions at the highest levels of the motorsport or automotive industries, while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focussed, multicultural campus.On this course, you'll focus on the core themes of design, engineering, and analysis.
The foundation year is the first year of this degree, offering an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of engineering, electronics and mathematics. It's designed to prepare you for degree-level study.
Following on from this, you'll develop fundamental skills in computer aided design (CAD) using industry-standard software tools and processes. We'll also give you the opportunity to turn this into an industry-recognised professional CAD certification. Industrially focussed group design projects will let you use your design skills to develop innovative solutions to real-life challenges in motorsport.
You'll study core engineering subjects, including maths, engineering science, materials, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. You'll also study motorsport-specific subjects, which will develop your understanding of motorsport systems and applications, vehicle dynamics, and control.
Building on your core engineering knowledge, you learn how to apply computer aided engineering (CAE) tools to complex problems in motorsport and automotive engineering. You learn the theory and application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using industry-standard software.
In collaboration with the University of Bolton's Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, you'll learn the fundamentals of manufacturing technology, starting with manual and CNC machining, fabrication and composite manufacturing. You'll have access to advanced manufacturing facilities, including polymer and metallic additive manufacturing,
You'll learn from our lecturers' motorsport and automotive industry experience as well as guest lectures, masterclasses from industry experts, and factory visits, ensuring you gain valuable insights into the operation of motorsport and automotive organisations, race teams and manufacturers. You'll also develop an understanding of engineering and operations management in the motorsport and automotive industries.
We embed employability skills in our course, and you'll have our support to apply for a range of placements and internships with our partner race teams, manufacturers and suppliers. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
Highlights
- This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
- We have industry-standard, purpose-built workshops and laboratories, and advanced manufacturing facilities.
- We offer the opportunity to apply for placements and internships with our partner race teams, manufacturers and suppliers.
- We are based in the purpose-built National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME).
- We help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
Key Features
- The University of Bolton has a distinguished history in engineering education.
- We have a student-centred approach to teaching and learning, with personal academic tutor support and a favourable staff-to-student ratio.
- You'll benefit from open access and skills development in industry-standard computer aided design, manufacturing and analysis software.
- Course materials are available online in our virtual learning environment (VLE), allowing you to prepare work at home and make the most of the highly interactive in-class tuition.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, and the Northwest of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline, and heritage.
Entry Requirements
- 48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant mathematics, engineering or science-related subjects are preferred.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English, Mathematics and Science.
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
This course focuses on developing the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to design, develop and deliver advanced engineering solutions at the highest levels of the motorsport or automotive industries. In addition to technical knowledge, this programme offers you the opportunity to develop a range of key employability skills. These include using specialist knowledge creatively and innovatively to solve problems, producing and interpreting technical solutions, and explaining design ideas. You'll also learn to communicate effectively (via speech and writing) and possess good teamwork, project and time management, and strong decision-making skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification to enter a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some possibilities include:
- Research and development
- Design engineering
- Test and development engineering
- Manufacturing engineering
- Operations management
- Materials science
- Project management
- Quality management
- Consultancy
- Technical sales
Professional Recognition
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
| Year of study | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | 2028/29 | |
| 2024-25 | £9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 | - | £37,000 |
| 2025-26 | - | |||||
International Fees
| Year of study | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | 2028/29 | |
| 2024-25 | £15,950 | £15,950 | £15,950 | £15,950 | - | £63,800 |
| 2025-26 | - | |||||
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BEng (Hons) Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Bolton Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton
For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Bolton BEng (Hons) Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) - 22 September 2025
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
You'll be expected to attend formally timetabled classes, including lectures, tutorials, and tutor-led in-class exercises, and engage with case studies, laboratory activities, investigations and assignments, in groups and individually. All these activities are designed to help you acquire and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. Our personal tutor system underpins all our teaching and provides one-on-one support, peer support and individual care and attention.
Other teaching methods, such as open-ended projects, and design, make and test activities, provide opportunities to develop creativity and innovation skills. These are designed to meet the professional body accreditation requirements and help you apply, assimilate, and integrate your understanding of the course material.
Personal study time is required, and we'll assess your progress through a strategic blend of project or design reports, examinations, portfolios, presentations, blogs and other assignments. Some assessments contribute to your final module marks, while others are designed to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and where you need to seek extra support from course tutors.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Foundation Principles 0
- Foundation Principles 1
- Foundation Principles 2
- Engineering Study Skills
- Engineering Technology
- Engineering Skills and Practice
- Engineering Design 1
- Engineering Mathematics 1
- Engineering Science 1
- Engineering Materials
- Motorsport Engineering Applications
- Advanced Computer Aided Design
- Engineering Design 2
- Engineering Mathematics 2
- Engineering Science 2
- Motorsport Systems
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Individual Project
- Product Engineering and Innovation
- Engineering Analysis
- Vehicle Dynamics and Control
- Engineering Management
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Coursework 100% |
| Level 1 | Coursework 82% Written exams 18% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 58% Practical exams 7% Written exams 35% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 70% Practical exams 5% Written exams 10% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Guided independent study 58% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 42% |
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 67% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 33% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 77% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 77% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
