Motorsports: Performance and Automotive Technology Foundation Degree

This programme has been developed in consultation with local motorsport employers in order to meet regional priorities for higher level skills shortages. The qualification is validated by Oxford Brookes University.

As well as being enrolled at Banbury and Bicester College you will also be enrolled with Oxford Brookes University and so will benefit from the same facilities and services as on-campus students. These include: use of Brookes’ libraries, Centre for Sport and Students’ Union, study support and mentoring and professional advice and information from Brookes’ Career and Employment Centre.

Upon successful completion you will be awarded a Foundation Degree (Science) in Motorsports: Performance and Automotive Technology from Oxford Brookes University.

Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary from that shown here:

Level 4
• Engine Technology
• Graphics and Design
• Engineering Science
• Basic Mathematical Methods I
• Managing Resources
• Composite Materials Technology
• Manufacturing Technology
• Work-based Assessment

Level 5
• Computer-aided Design
• Vehicle Technology
• Performance Engineering
• Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
• Road and Race Car Aerodynamics
• Basic Mathematical Methods II
• Project (double)

Teaching and learning experience

Throughout the programme, you will:
• Participate in lectures, seminars and workshops which will develop your knowledge and understanding of issues related to your role in the Motorsports environment
• Work in groups to examine and discuss issues
• Compile portfolios
• Work with a wide range of practical resources, including appropriate computer hardware and software, and
• Undertake projects to benefit your employers and your own professional development

Resources

You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending College that will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. Additionally, the College offers a wide range of other resources and facilities which will be available to you, further details of which can be found in the Higher Education Student Handbook.

Our centre houses industry-standard workshops which include:
• Fabrication and welding - featuring the latest TIG welding technology
• Engineering machining - including CNC machining and material testing
• Composites - featuring a full size Autoclave
• Hand fit workshops
• Computer Aided Design - with 2D and 3D software and Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Motorsport workshop – including sub-assembly and engine rebuild with numerous open wheeled cars from numerous formulas
• Specialist projects workshops

Study support

If you do not have a recognised disability or specific learning difficulty, but feel that you require additional support with your studies, you may be eligible to access some discrete sessions in one of the following areas:
• Assistive software training
• IT upskilling
• Essay planning and structure
• Proof reading and editing written work
• Bibliographies and referencing
• Time management and personal organisation
• Revision and exam tips
• Presentation techniques

N.B. Your eligibility for any of the above support will be reviewed with your course tutors and a member of the study support team on your campus.

The Foundation Degree (Science) in Motorsports: Performance and Automotive Technology has been developed by Banbury and Bicester College at our Bicester Campus and Oxford Brookes University as preparation for a range of careers in the motorsport industry. The UK motor industry employs thousands of graduates each year and has a highly successful motorsport sector.

You will be working, or expecting to work, in a motorsport environment. You will want to gain a higher level qualification in relation to your skills and knowledge and to build on any experience you have of the motorsport or related industries.

Assessment methods.

During each module you will undertake assignments which will count towards the assessment of the module. Some modules are assessed entirely by assignments; a few, however, also require you to take a timed examination. All modules are designed to enable you to engage in new areas of knowledge, acquire practical experience of a range of activities relevant to your employment within the motorsports industry and encourage you to engage in critical reflection.

You will participate in lectures and workshops, plan and deliver presentations to your peers, research areas of relevance to the degree programme, critically evaluate the validity and implications of information and work with a wide variety
of computer hardware and software.

During the programme you will develop transferable skills in self-management, learning, communication and problem solving, teamwork and information technology. These skills will help you to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in your own area of employment, promotion to supervisory or management roles, or from general changes in the motorsport industry.

Entrants to the Programme should normally possess the following:

Either:
• a minimum of two years’ relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting, and
• a line manager’s letter of support and recommendation

Or:
• a minimum of one pass at A-level or 6-unit Vocational A-level, plus three passes at GCSE (grades A–C), or O-level (grades A–C), normally including Mathematics and English Language
• a National Certificate or Diploma or other equivalent qualifications, such as GNVQ/NVQ or other Level 3 vocational qualifications.

A typical offer would be a Grade C at A-level in either Mathematics or Physics or a BTEC National Diploma at merit level.

Admission with credit

Applicants with prior certificated or experiential learning may be admitted with credit for up to a maximum of 120 credits at level 4.
English

English language what do I need?

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable, by achieving a score in a recognised test such as:
• British Council IELTS: normally minimum level 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in the reading and writing components
• TOEFL minimum score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based or 80 internet-based

The Foundation Degree in Motorsports - Performance and Automotive Technology will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment or for progression to an honours degree. Students who successfully complete the FdSc in Motorsports: Performance and Automotive Technology are able to progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Motorsport Technology programme at Oxford Brookes University