Automotive and Motorsport Engineering BEng(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement

UCAS Tariff

120-112

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Our Common First Year helps you explore Electronic, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering before specialising in the field that suits you.
  • Gain practical experience by working on real-world projects and scenarios in preparation for a role in the automotive industry.
  • In year four, you’ll complete an individual research/design project and have the option to link it to Team HARE, our Formula Student team.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Our Automotive and Motorsport graduates have realised their dreams of working in Formula 1, the domestic car market and a huge range of suppliers to those industries. Our course also provides opportunities for you to apply the knowledge learnt in the classroom into design projects that lead to real products, so you’ll be ready to play a key role in the future of the industry. This experience will help you secure your dream job which could have substantial earning potential, enabling you to shape the life you want in the future. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Automotive and Motorsport courses are Mechanical Design Engineers, Design Engineers, Electrical Design Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Electrical Engineers*.
Our Automotive lab has industry standard kit which gives you exposure to a laboratory where you can experience dynamic analysis of vehicles, engine mapping and analysis which gives you the opportunity to build your practical skills directly related to your sector.
From fuel cells to the challenges of vehicle autonomy, you’ll study the fundamental principles of mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow with manufacturing technologies. These are then related directly to your automotive specialism through the investigation of propulsion systems, power transfer and chassis dynamics. Project work on real world scenarios will then complete your preparation for a career in the automotive sector.
During your first and second year, you will be part of our programme: EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment). This will see you work on projects to develop your technical knowledge and skills. EnABLE aims to boost your confidence, helping you when undertaking an optional placement in your third year, or when securing your first graduate role post-university.
This course is also accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which means it will help you toward achieving Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status partly meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate.

Career opportunities after the course *

Mechanical Design Engineers

Design Engineers

Electrical Design Engineers

Electronics Engineers

Project Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level. A Levels must include A2 Mathematics (Use of Mathematics is not an acceptable A Level) and at least one other Science/Technology subject (or equivalent qualification) from the list of A Levels in Additional Information.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which must include the accepted qualifications as listed in Additional Information.
Merit at T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing (Core) Full Qualification.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Science is not acceptable without an additional A Level Maths at Grade C.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above in relevant Science/Technology subjects.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which must include Higher Level Mathematics and another Higher Level Science/Technology subject as listed in Additional Information.

Additional Information

Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

Progression to MEng from the BEng(Hons) course is possible if an average of above 60% is achieved and maintained on the first two years of the course.

In addition to A2 Mathematics, A Levels must include one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further and Additional Mathematics, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Product Design or Statistics.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas Engineering - please note that we do not accept BTEC Computing and Operations as a qualification for entry to this course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

The module provides a comprehensive foundation in Engineering Mathematics, equipping you with the essential mathematical tools and techniques required to tackle complex engineering problems. It covers key topics such as functions, linear mathematics, calculus, and numerical methods, with a strong emphasis on applying these concepts to real-world engineering scenarios. You will develop your analytical skills and learn to model engineering problems using MATLAB, a powerful tool for solving and visualizing mathematical models. The integration of theory with practical applications ensures that you are well-prepared for the more advanced analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course as well as for your future careers in engineering. This module lays the groundwork for successful problem-solving and mathematical modelling, essential skills in the field of engineering.

This module provides you with an appreciation of the broad role of the engineer and technologist in society, including responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and contribution to the business team. It will introduce you to the personal and professional skills required to succeed as both students and professional engineers. You will acquire skills related to study techniques, research and analysis, project management, academic writing and communication and you will be introduced to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). In addition, this module aims to give you a foundation in computer programming. You’ll be introduced to coding, testing and documenting software appropriate for engineering systems. You’ll be supported in developing your knowledge and understanding of the underlying syntax and logic structures specified by the programming language by solving practical problems in dedicated lab sessions. You’ll be expected to design and implement a software solution to a given problem specification.

In this module, you will explore the science of flow in engineering systems, focusing on three core areas: mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. First, you will study the dynamics of mechanical systems, understanding the forces, energy, and motion that govern their behaviour. Topics such as forces and equilibrium, linear and angular motion, and work-energy principles will help you grasp the fundamental concepts driving mechanical systems. Next, you will investigate the flow of fluids, learning how pressure, viscosity, and flow dynamics affect fluid movement in pipes, open channels, and thermofluid devices. The principles of thermodynamics, steady and unsteady flow, and the application of Bernoulli’s theorem will give you insights into how energy is transferred and conserved within fluid systems. Finally, you will delve into the behaviour of electric currents and electromagnetic fields. You will examine the fundamentals of electrostatics, current flow, and the principles of inductors and capacitors, applying these concepts to analyse circuits using network theorems and complex impedances. You will also explore the behaviours of electrical systems, developing an understanding of their dynamic response. Through theoretical learning and practical applications, you will build a comprehensive understanding of how motion and flow operate in engineering systems.

In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of analogue and digital electronics. It begins with electric circuit theory, and circuit analysis techniques, before exploring how these concepts are applied to produce systems. The module then introduces the operation and characteristics of systems along with a how these systems may interconnect. You will explore these through practical labs and guided tutorials. You will gain an overview of an sensors, actuators, interfacing System-on-Chip (SoC), and intelligent systems.

Explore how engineering ideas evolve from concept to prototype through a blend of digital design and hands-on problem solving. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of interdisciplinary engineering practice, combining creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through a series of structured, project-based activities, you will engage in real-world challenges that develop your understanding of the engineering design process. You will also build foundational skills in interpreting and producing technical drawings, as well as prototyping and testing basic electrical circuits. Working individually and in teams, you’ll develop confidence in applying design principles, communicating technical ideas, and progressing from initial concepts to working solutions. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical insight into the thinking, processes, and teamwork that underpin effective engineering design in professional contexts.

Discover how materials shape the world around us and how forces keep structures standing. In this module, you will explore the fascinating science behind different materials and learn how they behave under various conditions. You will dive into the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, understanding their properties from the atomic level to real-world applications in mechanical, civil, and electrical systems. On the mechanics side, you will investigate how forces, moments, and stresses act on structures, leading to insights into equilibrium, bending, shear, and torsion. You will develop practical problem-solving skills by analysing beams, trusses, and other structural components. Through a mix of assessments, practical experiments and interactive simulations, you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You will also explore materials testing techniques and learn how to evaluate the strength and behaviour of different materials under load. By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of how materials and mechanics influence the design and performance of engineering systems, giving you the confidence to approach complex engineering challenges.

In this module you will cover kinematics, kinetics (particles and rigid bodies) and one degree of freedom vibration. You will learn about rectilinear and curvilinear motions including rectangular and polar coordinate systems, relative motion, work and energy and energy conservation. In addition, you will be introduced to free and forced vibration systems with and without damping. You will gain fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills for dynamic systems.

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of material behaviour in conventional and bio-engineering environments and to develop your ability to analyse solid objects subjected to static loads in the light of this knowledge. You will learn to understand and explain the behaviour of materials at a microscopic level and appreciate the relationship between this scale of behaviour and the properties of bulk material. You will cover the classical techniques of stress and strain analysis that allow component behaviour to be related to material behaviour. Your understanding will allow you to select appropriate material and component characteristics for particular operating conditions in conventional and bio inspired applications.

In this module you will focus on Engineering Design understood as a set of tools and methodologies required to integrate mechanical and electrical elements of the design process into a cohesive functional product. The majority of products such as automotive, home appliances and hand tools represent design challenges that require both mechanical and electrical elements. The module will inspire your creativity and encourage you to develop and use your analytical abilities and knowledge in engineering and science. You will find out that Engineering Design is a complex process that always requires methodical and iterative approaches. You will uncover the importance of information resources and computer-aided design tools that exist to support modern design engineers. In addition to the technical competences, you will develop your sense of responsibility as a future practising engineer and the professional work ethics.

In this module you will be introduced to the essential principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, and their applications in thermo-fluids engineering systems. You will learn about the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, combustion process, refrigerators, turbomachines, heat exchangers, fluid conveyance and flow control systems. This module will equip you to design, analyse and predict the performance of thermo-fluids engineering systems.

In this module you will be introduced to the major classes of manufacturing systems, from jobbing to mass production with consideration of relevant production technology issues and requirements for systems from design through to production and control. You will focus on the interface between product development stages from design, to manufacturing and inspection, and the dependency to each other. The implications for product specification and design are considered and reinforced through your study of examples involving a practical problem-based approach. Emphasis will be given to aspects such as, design to production along with quantity forecasting implications and the significance of inspection and quality within a production system.

In this module you will learn about automotive propulsion systems and the engineering principles governing the operation of automotive powertrain units. You will consider both the traditional internal combustion (IC) engine powertrain and electrified automotive powertrains as well as power drivetrain systems. For IC engines you will study a range of fundamentals and be introduced to engine testing methods. For electrified powertrains you will cover: pure electric and hybrid electric and fuel cell systems, including: powertrain components, their characterisation, interconnection, and their control.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of fluid dynamics in general and aerodynamics in particular. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of aerodynamics ranging from bluff body aerodynamics to compressible flows. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with experimental and numerical tools to establish aerodynamic characteristics of important industrial systems encountering fluid flows.

In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

In this module you will discover the principles behind Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This is increasingly becoming an integral part of the design process and has recently been linked to optimisation methods within many commercial computer packages. You will develop the understanding of the theoretical foundations and limitations of these methods for their effective application in practical contexts. In addition, you will gain an invaluable experience of using state-of-the-art commercial software of this type to equip you with the skills of carrying out accurate and cost effective finite element and optimisation analyses.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module will introduce you to suspension, steering and braking systems for ground vehicles. Various systems, associated components and characteristics will be discussed and analysed. The analysis is taken to the point where leading design parameters are calculated. Forces exerted on a vehicle during linear motion are analysed. Drivetrain requirements are established and the characteristics of power plant and transmissions are studied. Engine performance is examined in terms of fuel consumption and other performance related factors. Acceleration and braking performance are analysed for different vehicle configurations, performance requirements and operating conditions, enabling you to understand the performance and handling of the vehicle.

This module will let you develop knowledge and understanding of dynamic systems related vibration and its analysis and control in machine systems. The module uses selected topics to give you an understanding of the analytical tools applied to vibration in mechanical systems and the ability to synthesise and analyse complex mechanisms. The module focuses on mathematical models of physical systems which are key elements in the design and analysis of control systems through theory and practical examples. Mathematical and analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

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Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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Interested in a placement?

Placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students have previously secured placements with companies such as Red Bull Racing, Schaeffler, Cummins, Aston Martin Lagonda and Triumph.

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University adds to your skill set gradually during the course, but I think the placement gives you that booster so you can acquire new skills and also get the opportunity to showcase them.

- Huzaif Banday
Automotive and Motorsport Engineering BEng(Hons), Industrial Engineer, Schaeffler Group

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from this course have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as supplier quality Manager, vehicle engineering manager, design engineer, lead engineer, Vehicle Dynamics Engineer and test engineer in organisations including McLaren Automotive Ltd, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar TCS Racing and Bentley Motors Ltd.**

**Source: LinkedIn

100%
Percentage of graduates from this subject area who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

* (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

My Huddersfield experience seemed to be much more personal with lecturers knowing everybody's name and always having time to talk to students about anything they may have queries with. The Uni has a friendly nature, amazing facilities and well-structured course covering all essential content.

- Jake Metson
Automotive and Motorsport Engineering BEng(Hons), Platform Systems Graduate Engineer, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Advanced Engineering Exhibition and Silverstone Museum. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.
Depending on the student's choice of project, may incur costs on project materials, but many materials available from the department. (final year and masters only)

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We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Student working on a Formula Student car

Group work in one our our engineering laboratories

Group work in one of our engineering laboratories

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Institute of Railway Research, railway test rig

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Student observing robotic arm

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Students observing mechanical machinery

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Mechanical Engineering at Huddersfield

Watch and listen to staff and students at the University of Huddersfield - including Dr Frankie Jackson - highlight their favourite aspects of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Huddersfield and the various routes available to students in this subject area.

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Why Hud

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Engineering may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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