TTPT02/TTP205
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Programme Specification
Automotive Systems Engineering
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that students are expected to achieve if full
advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, and learning and assessment methods of
each module can be found in Module Specifications and other programme documentation
and online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar
The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and may be
checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Awarding body/institution;
Loughborough University
Department;
Aeronautical & Automotive Engineering
Teaching institution (if different);
Details of accreditation by a
professional/statutory body;
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Award;
MSc, PGDip or PGCert
Programme title;
Automotive Systems Engineering
Length of programme
Seven years from initial registration
UCAS code;
N/A
Date at which the programme
specification was written or
revised.
April 2010
1. Programme Aims:
To supply the automotive industries with postgraduates having a good grounding in relevant
engineering principles and the subsequent practical application to relevant product design.
To provide a broad-based and sound education in advanced topics of relevance to
automotive engineering via in-depth study and an understanding of selected engineering
science topics and the application of fundamental principles to the design and development
of engineering products and systems.
To develop an integrated systems engineering viewpoint for automotive product, design and
manufacture, with specific skills in formulating engineering systems in terms of function and
performance and to provide insights into the essential skills, such as multi-criteria decisionmaking and other facets of a systems approach to managing complex projects.
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2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference
points used to inform programme outcomes:
QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering
QAA for Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
EC (UK) Specification for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC)
I.Mech.E Educational Base
Course Industrial Advisory Committee
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate
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knowledge and understanding of a systems viewpoint for automotive product
development and manufacture together with an ability to formulate automotive
engineering systems in terms of their function and performance.
a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles
underpinning Automotive Systems Engineering
a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of theoretical methods and
their use for modelling, analysis and design in Automotive systems.
an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles,
theories and current practice in automotive product development and the
limitations of such concepts, including a critical awareness of current issues
and future prospects at the forefront of the discipline.
a wide knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of complex vehicle
systems and the ability to analyse and synthesise such systems
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
Taught modules are delivered as week-long residential courses supported by pre and
post residential material delivered by distance-learning. A variety of teaching methods
are employed, such as: taught lectures, workshops, group work and computer
laboratory work. The modules are delivered by teaching teams that include external
presenters, who are practising experts in the subject matter. Modules are assessed
either by a combination of written examinations and written coursework or by a series
of written assignments.
3.2
Skills and other attributes:
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to
 demonstrate an integrated systems engineering viewpoint for automotive
product design, development and manufacture and specific skills in
formulating engineering systems in terms of function and performance
 integrate knowledge in the automotive field using mathematics, science,
information technology, design and engineering practice
 model and analyse complex automotive systems using appropriate concepts,
scientific principles, mathematical methods, while recognising the limitations
of such analysis
 innovate in solving novel and challenging problems and be aware of the
limitations of the solutions
 apply the concepts of sustainable engineering while solving problems and
being aware of future trends
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
Generally achieved through substantial coursework assignments which are assessed
through written technical reports, group presentations and in class tests. In addition
formal written examinations are also held.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate
the practical skills of
 applying modelling techniques and software to engineering problems
 conducting and analysing experiments , adapting experimental procedures to
novel situations if necessary, analysing experimental data in detail, and
drawing comprehensive conclusions
 independent planning and execution of projects which relate to Automotive
systems engineering.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
Students undertake a major individual project investigating a real-life research, plant
operational or management problem, either in the Department or at their place of
work. As a component of the Project, full-time students undertake assessed exercises
in project management; information gathering; technical report writing; formal
technical presentations and engineering ethics. The Project is carried out over the
Summer following the completion of the taught programme in the case of full-time
students or generally within three years by part-time students. It is assessed by
written report, oral presentation and judgement on diligence and ability to plan and
perform the work.
c. Key/transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to
 communicate effectively
 generate and analyse data to solve complex engineering problems
 optimise use of resources and time in project planning and implementation
 undertake technical roles in a team working the development of vehicle
systems
 learn independently and be familiar with how to access key information
 sort, manipulate and present data in a way which facilitates effective analysis
and decision making
 Critically appraise engineering problems.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
Students will gain an insight into the practical, work-related aspects of the subjects
studied through sharing experiences with their colleagues and presenters and by
taking part in workshops, group exercises, vehicle testing and case studies. Part-time
students in industry will have to manage their time effectively over an extended
period.
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4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:
Full details can be found in the Programme Regulations at:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/lps/progreg/year/1112/index.htm
5. Criteria for admission to the programme:
Full-time candidates should have a 1st or 2:1 engineering or physical science first degree, or
equivalent.
Part-time candidates should have an engineering or physical science first degree or
equivalent together with, preferably, 2 or more years company service and a company
management recommendation.
6. Information about assessment regulations:
The pass mark to achieve credit for a module is 50%. There is also a minimum performance
level, which is set at not less than 40% of the module assessment.
In order to pass the MSc students must:
 take modules with a total credit weight of 180, to include the project module;
 obtain 160 credits, with 60 credits from the project module;
 pass modules with a further credit weight of 20 at the minimum performance level.
In terms of marks in the module assessments, this means that students must obtain:
 50% or more in their project module (60 credits);
 50% or more in modules with a credit weight of 100;
 40% or more in further modules with a credit weight of 20.
In order to obtain distinction in the MSc, students must obtain 180 credits and have a
weighted average assessment score over all offered modules of at least 70%.
7. What makes the programme distinctive:
The programme content has been developed in conjunction with Ford Motor Company.
Full-time students are taught alongside part-time students who are full-time employees of
automotive companies.
The programme is accredited by IMechE.
8. Particular support for learning:
See:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/templateshop/notes/lps/index.htm
9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:
See
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/templateshop/notes/lps/index.htm
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