Automotive and Motorsport Engineering Technology - Foundation Degree

Course Detail

Taught over two-years, this Foundation Degree provides students looking to progress their careers in the automotive and motorsport industries with all the expertise and knowledge necessary to transition successfully into highly skilled and well-paid employment both locally and nationally.

What's more, B&FC benefits from coveted STEM-assured status, a superbly equipped £10.5 million Advanced Technology Centre and strong employer relationships that support work-based learning.  

The support we offer is second to none and if you’re returning to education after some time you needn’t worry – our dedicated higher education learning mentors will support you with every aspect of your learning journey. 

Successful students have the option of ‘topping up’ this qualification to a full BEng (Honours) Degree with either a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time, programme of additional study. 

Both qualifications are delivered here in Blackpool and awarded by Lancaster University (ranked in the UK’s top 10 institutions by The Complete University Guide). 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points (excluding Functional Skills) from an appropriate discipline:

• Motor Vehicle Level 3 Extended Diploma
• Motorsport Level 3 Extended Diploma
• Vehicle Body/Paint Level 3 Extended Diploma
• Other engineering-related Level 3 Extended Diploma
• A-level qualifications (including engineering or science-based disciplines).

UCAS Tariff Points Calculator

If you haven’t got the qualifications required for this foundation degree, please apply for the Foundation Degree in Automotive and Motorsport Engineering Technology with Foundation Year, which includes a one-year bridging programme. 

Qualification Obtained

FdEng Automotive and Motorsport Engineering Technology

Industry Placement and Field Trips

The Work Based and Placement Learning module at Level 5 will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a minimum of 96 hours’ work placement in an appropriate area.

During this placement you will be able to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios and gain invaluable experience before embarking on your professional career.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Other Costs and Equipment

We provide all specialist software requirements, most of which is available to use on your own devices.

You will need to provide your own protective overalls and safety boots for carrying out practical activities in workshops and laboratories.

You will also need a scientific calculator and technical drawing apparatus.

You should be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

With the emergence of new technologies and the focus on delivering more sustainable transport options in the future, there has never been a more exciting time to work in the automotive industry since the inception of the motor car itself. We envisage that graduates from this programme will become the next generation of automotive engineers, designers and researchers developing and transforming these new technologies to make the sustainable and potential self-driven vehicles of the future. More specifically, graduates can look forward to lead roles in:

• Design, research and development
• Manufacturing
• Automotive systems and competence testing

Our alumni are working with prestigious employers including Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Motor Company as well as with luxury marques like Bentley and Lotus. Graduates have also secured employment with highly regarded specialists in the automotive and motorsport sectors such as M-Sport and JE Powertrain.

Students committed to further study can progress to B&FC's BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering and Technology course - where an honours degree can give them a further competitive advantage – and beyond, to postgraduate study including Lancaster University’s MSc Mechanical Engineering.