What you'll study

Automotive Research, Strategy and Environment (Layer 1 - Global & Customer Motivations)

The introductory module of the new ‘Sustainable Automotive Electrification’ course. Content focuses on the motivations for electrification and hybridisation in the automotive industry: global warming and pollution. The module then introduces the overarching legislative and regulatory frameworks alongside the organisational and strategic approaches of manufacturers in response to the problem.

Automotive Hybridisation and Electrification (Layer 2 - Vehicle)

This module covers the principles and concepts behind the engineering of hybrid and electrified vehicles at the vehicle system layer. Customer requirements, such as performance feel, efficiency and sound quality, are introduced. This will be consolidated with a thorough understanding of how technical solutions, and verification methods, are delivered to ensure that the product meets customer needs and expectations. Propulsion architectures, control methods and integration issues are covered in detail and a thorough understanding of the process is gained.

Energy Storage Systems (Layer 3 - Systems)

There are many complexities and challenges in introducing high-voltage technology to passenger vehicles. This module provides a comprehensive study of energy storage systems for hybrid and electric vehicle applications in the automotive industry. You will gain hands-on experience in battery and hydrogen fuel-cell testing, which includes the wide and varying conditions of real-world applications.

Electrical Drivetrains (Layer 3 - Systems)

Advanced propulsion technologies will lead the way for a cleaner and greener world; these technologies are especially important and appropriate for hybrid and electric vehicles and will be a core part of your learning in this module. You’ll also look at how to design, drive and control the electric machines of the future. The module includes a significant practical element where students gain hands-on experience in electric machine characterisation and testing, as well as classroom-based investigation and consolidation of the control technology employed.

Systems Engineering and Functional Safety (All layers)

Developing complex automotive systems requires an in-depth understanding and awareness of essential processes – this includes user cases, requirements and specifications through to validation and verification of functional and safe systems. Systems Engineering is the industrial framework for developing complex systems, and functional safety ensures that any such systems are fit for their intended purpose. Starting with Systems Engineering, you’ll cover the principles and concepts of complexity and systems thinking; lean engineering; system architecture; and model-based systems engineering. On the functional safety side, you’ll learn how to incorporate the systems engineering principles through the safety life-cycle by looking at hazard and risk analysis; system development; safety and change management; confidence levels; and verification.

Modelling and Simulation of Systems (All layers)

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of the modelling and simulation of physical systems within an automotive context. Developing both theoretical and practical understanding of the derivation of ordinary differential equations, applicable numerical methods and the construction of models to solve problems in both time and frequency domains.

Elective modules

In addition to your core modules, you will be required to select two elective modules, to achieve the required credits to successfully complete the course. These modules will allow you to gain further specialist, technical understanding. You will select your elective modules from options provided to you at the start of the academic year, but an indicative list can be found below. Please note, these elective modules could be subject to change.

• Battery Electrochemistry, Design and Manufacturing (Layer 4 - Component)
• Power Electronic Converter Design and Manufacturing (Layer 4 - Component)
• Electrical Machine Design and Manufacturing (Layer 4 - Component)
• Smart Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Fundamentals (Layer 2 - Systems)

Teaching and learning

A combination of teaching methods is employed to maintain engagement and maximise learning including online, blended and face-to-face practical sessions in our labs.

The 5-day intensive taught weeks are preceded by two weeks for online scheduled introductory sessions and pre-work.

Assessment is predominantly written coursework based. Each module is assessed individually and has been diversified to include written as well as oral assessments, along with group activities and individual study.

Entry requirements

You should be currently employed and able to prove company support because you’ll need to apply your studies directly to your work environment. You should possess at least a second-class honours degree in a STEM subject and at least English and Maths at Level 2 before the End Point Assessment.

How to apply

To enrol on the programme, you must have the support of your employer as we only offer this as a closed programme. If you are already in work, please talk to your employer about potential opportunities to partner with us.

Employers

If you are interested in this programme, please email us and we will get back to you to discuss your requirements.