Automotive Engineering

This degree offers the in-depth technical training and hands-on experience you need to build industry-ready skills and thrive in the fast-paced automotive industry. You first gain a broad basis of knowledge before specialising in rapidly developing areas such as automotive systems and electric vehicles, all while benefiting from practical collaboration with industry leaders. In addition, you develop the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills needed to succeed in this progressive field.

Course accreditation/endorsements

This course is accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council UK, meaning it fully meets the academic requirement for registration as an incorporated engineer and partly meets the academic requirement for registration as a chartered engineer.

It has also been designed to meet the requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), enabling you to apply your skills in the modern automotive engineering industry, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Contemporary STEM building with high-tech general engineering and electronic engineering labs, providing you with a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

• Industry-standard engineering software suites such as AutoCAD; Ansys; MATLAB; and COMSOL Multiphysics.

• Specialist automotive engineering lab with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced automotive engine demonstrators, 3D printers, motorcycles, go-karts, welding bay, metal workshop and subsonic wind tunnel.

Career-powered links

Take on real-world work projects in collaboration with industry partners such as The Welding Institute and Jaguar Land Rover.

Your student experience

Start by learning alongside our other engineering students, benefiting from the sharing of ideas and knowledge, then specialise in rapidly developing topics at the forefront of your field.

Study under the guidance of academic staff who have worked in the motorsport and automotive industries, and whose active roles in research and consultancy ensure the course is always up-to-date with the latest developments in industry.

Collaborate with local companies either on campus or in nearby company workshops.

Learn from sector-leading enterprises such as Jaguar Land Rover and The Welding Institute (TWI) through industry visits and interactive demonstrations.

Enter competitions and get involved in opportunities such as the prestigious, IMechE-run Formula Student competition to design, build and compete in a formula-style race car.

Benefit from the support of our dedicated academic success tutors.

Course Modules

Year 1
Introduction to software development - How to model software problems and develop solutions using a high-level programming language. Engineering mathematics – Solve real-world engineering problems using different mathematical approaches. Engineering design and manufacture – Gain understanding and skills in engineering design and manufacture, using industry-relevant software. Mechanics and heat transfer – Explore engineering mechanics and heat transfer, applying your skills to solve problems in heat-transfer systems.

Year 2
Engineering structure, materials and analysis - Understand how structural parts behave under stress and learn to match material properties to engineering needs. Fluid dynamics, thermofluids and modelling – Explore the properties and principles of fluid and flows, thermodynamics and thermofluids. Vehicle electronics and control – The role of vehicle electronics and control systems, and how they work. Vehicle dynamics and chassis technology – Gain understanding of vehicle dynamics, and the chassis system and its components.

Year 3
Vehicle powertrain technology – Learn about powertrain technologies and produce preliminary designs for a whole power system or sub-systems. Automotive systems and design – Understand automotive systems, including those for electric vehicles and racing cars. Research methodologies and project management – Plan your Honours project, using research to back up your proposal. Undergraduate project – Work independently to develop and complete a major project on a topic of your choice, solving a complex problem.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.