Automotive Engineering

The automotive industry is changing fast with electrification, connectivity and digital technologies driving a new era of innovation. Manufacturers now face increasing pressure to shorten development times, cut costs, and embrace digital engineering.

Our Automotive Engineering degree is designed to prepare you for this exciting future. You’ll gain specialist knowledge in areas shaping the next generation of ground transport, from new powertrain architectures to cutting‑edge digital design.

With more than fifty years’ experience working alongside major UK industries, the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering draws on deep industry links and a proud heritage. From day one, you’ll study core engineering principles using real automotive examples, ensuring everything you learn is relevant to today’s challenges.

Practical experience is at the heart of the course. You’ll put theory into practice through immersive, hands‑on activities, including sessions at the Horiba MIRA proving ground, where you’ll learn how to collect and analyse vehicle handling, braking performance, noise measurement and wet‑weather driving data.

Beyond technical expertise, you’ll also develop vital teamwork and management skills through group projects, such as designing a vehicle of the future, and complete a research project in your final year tackling a real‑world engineering challenge.

Taught by active researchers in air and ground transport, this course combines world‑class facilities, expert teaching and strong industry connections to prepare you for a successful career at the forefront of automotive innovation.

What's the difference between MEng and BEng?

Both the BEng and MEng share the same structure for the first two years, giving you a solid foundation in core engineering principles and automotive‑specific content from the very start.

The main difference is in the level of study and the depth of experience. The BEng is a three‑year degree (or four with placement), designed to give you a strong grounding in automotive engineering and prepare you for professional practice.

The MEng is an integrated master’s degree that continues for an additional year, taking your learning further with advanced technical, research and management topics. You’ll also have the chance to study a modern language and complete a substantial final‑year project, often in collaboration with industry or at an overseas university, to develop your expertise and professional skills.

Both degrees also include the option of an industrial placement year, typically taken after your second year, though MEng students may choose to complete theirs after the third.

If you begin on the BEng, you can transfer to the MEng by the end of your second year, providing you meet the progression criteria.

Course Modules

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

You are assessed by a mixture of coursework and written examinations, the percentage of which varies from module to module. Design-orientated work is assessed through group assignments using modern digital techniques including 3D printing. The individual project is assessed by oral presentations and a written report. Digital skills and social media development are encouraged.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
• Aeronautical Society, Royal