BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry)

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a unique and highly specialized BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry) program. This extended degree provides an exceptional grounding in the mechanical engineering aspects specific to motorcycles, encompassing both fundamental principles and advanced technologies used in the field, crucially incorporating a year of practical experience in a professional setting. It is particularly attractive to those with a profound passion for motorcycles and motorsport, offering a blend of rigorous theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on application. The program emphasizes high-performance racing vehicles, with special attention to ride and handling requirements, powertrain performance, and efficiency, alongside crucial environmental considerations like sustainable design and electric vehicles. Students gain proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Ricardo WAVE engine simulation software. The program is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), meeting, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration, and the integrated year in industry significantly enhances graduates' employability by providing invaluable real-world experience.

Curriculum: The BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry) curriculum at UWTSD is designed to progress from core mechanical engineering principles to highly specialized motorcycle-specific topics over four years, including the industrial placement. Initial modules typically include "Analytical Methods," "Engineering Design & Materials," "Engineering Science," "Motorcycle Technology," "Electrical Control Systems," and "Workshop & Practice," providing a solid engineering foundation. As the course advances, it focuses on high-performance motorcycles, with modules such as "Motorcycle Dynamics," "Alternative Propulsion Systems," "Thermodynamics & Combustion," "Engineering Management," "Group Design Project," and "Stress Analysis & CAE." The third year is dedicated to the "Year in Industry," allowing students to apply their academic learning in a professional engineering environment. The final year delves into specialist areas like "Automotive Materials & Sustainability," "Contemporary Powertrain Design," "Motorcycle Design & Innovation," and a compulsory "Independent Project" applying learned knowledge to real-life motorcycle applications. The program incorporates diverse assessment methods, including examinations, coursework, practical activities, and presentations, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of skills and knowledge.

Research Focus: The research focus within the BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry) program at UWTSD is heavily concentrated on the practical application of engineering science to solve real-world problems in the motorcycle industry. The program emphasizes advanced competition engine design, vehicle dynamics, and the environmental aspects of design and technology, including sustainable fuels and advanced battery technology. Students are encouraged to use advanced simulation tools like CFD and FEA to investigate and enhance motorcycle designs. The independent and group projects provide significant opportunities for students to conduct in-depth research in areas of special interest, often drawing on insights gained during their year in industry. The academic staff often work at the highest levels of motorcycle sport, bringing current industry challenges and research insights directly into the curriculum, and contributing to students' understanding of cutting-edge research in the field.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD's BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry) program boasts exceptionally strong and long-standing relationships with the motorcycle industry on an international level, with academic staff maintaining regular contact with key players, including direct links to teams in MotoGP, Moto2, and World SuperSport championships. The mandatory "Year in Industry" is a cornerstone of this engagement, providing students with invaluable practical experience in a professional engineering environment, applying their academic learning to real-world projects and building vital industry contacts. Students have access to specific motorcycle workshops, engine diagnostic laboratories, chassis dynamometers, and hybrid powertrain facilities, replicating industry environments. The hands-on approach, combined with the use of industry-standard tools and opportunities to engage with student-led race teams and extra-curricular activities, ensures that graduates gain the practical skills and professional network needed to excel in the competitive motorcycle and motorsport sectors.

Global Perspective: The BEng (Hons) Motorcycle Engineering (with a year in industry) program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a strong global perspective due to the international popularity and nature of motorcycling and motorsport. The curriculum addresses global trends in powertrain performance and efficiency, as well as the increasing importance of environmental considerations and sustainable design across international markets. Students are exposed to the design and development processes used by leading motorcycle manufacturers and racing teams worldwide, with the program's direct links to international championships like MotoGP and World SuperSport providing a clear global context for the engineering principles taught. The year in industry further enhances this global perspective by potentially exposing students to international companies or supply chains. By preparing graduates with skills relevant to a global industry and fostering an understanding of international advancements in motorcycle technology and sustainable practices, the program equips students to contribute effectively to the worldwide evolution of motorcycle engineering.