Six reasons to mechanical, automotive and aeronautical engineering at the University of Brighton
Engineers are responsible for the creation of the systems we use, whether the components of a toaster or the design of an aeroplane control mechanism.
Courses
We offer mechanical engineering courses at every level:
Covering everything from materials science to engine testing, these courses will give you the scientific basis, technical capability and business skills needed to launch your engineering career. Learning the principles of efficiency, safety and sustainability, you will graduate ready to improve the lives of those affected by your products.
Undergraduate degrees
You will gain a broad background in mechanical engineering and a foundation for design in your chosen subject. You'll get plenty of hands-on experience with projects in fields such as microlight aircraft design, combustion modelling and computer aided design, and there are opportunities for industry collaboration. In your final year you will specialise in areas such as Power Train Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, and Product Innovation and Management. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills within industry and build contacts and experience for your career. We can help you find a paid work placement after your second year. You will also have the chance to apply your knowledge to the final-year project, developing the transferable skills that employers seek.
In Aeronautical Engineering, you will use the facilities at Shoreham Airport, try out the University's flight simulator and have lectures by aeronautical design specialists.
As an Automotive Engineering student, you will be in one of the UK's leading engine research departments, benefiting from its wide-ranging industrial links and comprehensive test facilities.
The Mechanical Engineering course will give you commercial and industrial insight, preparing you for a wide range of careers. Final-year projects in this area have ranged from the recycling of blow-moulded car windscreen washer bottles to implementing production line efficiency improvements at Norit Bodycare Toiletries.
On the MEng you will receive extra management and business skills training, and undertake an interdisciplinary team project. This will complete the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status.
- Find out more... about mechanical engineering undergraduate study.
Postgraduate
Modern vehicles represent an incredibly complex and diverse set of disciplines. On the Automotive Electronic Engineering MSc you will learn to bring together real-time software, safety critical constraints, sensor electronics, control algorithms, human factors, legislation and ethics into a working package that satisfies multiple stakeholders.
You will cover control, power, embedded processor and communications systems; sustainability, engine control, sensors and microcontrollers, ending with an individual project in which you build in-depth research and engineering skills.
Offered jointly by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, the Automotive Engineering MSc offers you research expertise and strong industrial links with companies such as Ford, Ricardo and BMW. You will learn how to model automotive systems, design vehicles and test engines, while covering subjects like computational fluid dynamics and power train engineering. Recent MSc theses included:
- The effect of under body air flow on road vehicle aerodynamic performance
- Development of a Shell Eco-Marathon Car
- Low cost methods for exhaust gas analysis.
You can also complete part of the MSc course to gain a PGCert or PGDip award.
- Find out more... about mechanical engineering postgraduate study.
Research study
Our research focuses on the automotive industry, where our new analytical and computational techniques have transformed the design of next-generation energy-efficient power systems. We work closely with the world-renowned automotive consultancy Ricardo UK LTD, and have jointly opened the Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories, one of the foremost centres for automotive engine research in Europe. We have enabled the internal combustion engines industry to increase brake power, reduce fossil fuel consumption and limit environmental impact. 70% of our latest research submission was rated as internationally excellent or world leading and 95% was internationally recognised in the latest Research Assessment Exercise.
Recent PhD theses included:
- Modelling of fuel droplet heating in diesel engines
- Characterisation of multiple-injection diesel sprays at elevated pressures and temperatures
- Spark ignition and spark assisted controlled-auto ignition in a top entry direct-injection gasoline engine
- Numerical simulation of the cavitation process in diesel fuel injectors.
- Find out more... about doctoral study.
Professional and industry links
We work closely with industry to ensure that you will graduate well equipped for your chosen career. Our courses are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers., with the Mechanical Engineering awards also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology preparing you for future Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
Placements
To boost your CV further our dedicated placements unit will help you find a paid placement after two years where you can really put your new skills into practice.
Graduate outcomes
Recent graduates have begun successful careers in a range of industries from defence and aerospace to automotive and general manufacturing. Some have continued to study for postgraduate qualifications leading to successful research careers. Many have quickly achieved middle-management positions shortly after qualifying. After satisfactory completion the students may also go on to further study at MSc or PhD level within the school or elsewhere.
Facilities
We work closely with the world-renowned automotive consultancy Ricardo UK LTD, and have jointly opened the Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories, one of the foremost centres for automotive engine research in Europe. To enhance aeronautical engineering study you will have access to a flight simulator, the Socata Rallye TB9. Our school also provides well equipped laboratories, workshops and computer suites.
