Automotive Engineering (with foundation year) | Coventry University

You are viewing our beta course page.

Course summary

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from Coventry University campus.

Let your passion for cars, engineering and design be the drive to become a professional automotive engineer, ready to innovate in a rapidly evolving, global industry.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BEng option.

Foundation year
This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree
With the rise of electrification, autonomous systems and sustainable design, engineers are at the forefront of solving today's transport and environmental challenges.

Ideal for those passionate about shaping the future of mobility, this course blends mechanical engineering fundamentals with automotive applications. It is designed to prepare you for careers in R&D, manufacturing and sustainability.

Key highlights:

Core engineering and automotive specialism: master vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, powertrains and autonomous systems.
Future-focused skills: tackle electrification, sustainability and ethical engineering challenges.
Transferable expertise: build strong mathematical, problem-solving and design skills applicable across engineering sectors.

Why you should study this course

Future-focused expertise: study electric and autonomous vehicle systems, lightweight composites, aerodynamics, and propulsion to prepare for the industry's transition to net zero.
Real-world experience: apply skills through industry placements and collaborative projects. Previous students worked on Shell Eco Marathon and Formula Student vehicle development.
Contemporary facilities: design and manufacture your own designs using high-performance labs, full-motion vehicle simulators, VR Power wall, composites laboratory wind tunnels, engine dynamometers and 3D immersive tech for advanced prototyping and testing in our High-Performance Engineering Centre and Beatrice Shilling Building.
Industry connections: located at the heart of the UK automotive industry, benefit from strong links with leading automotive and engineering manufacturers and suppliers. Our employability experts can help support you in securing placements and graduate roles, both in the UK and internationally. Placements are subject to competitive applications.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:: H3DF
Institution code:: C85

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Open days

CU London (Dagenham) - Open Event
4 Mar 2026, 16:00
London
CU Scarborough - Open Event
11 Mar 2026, 16:00
Scarborough
CU Coventry - Open Event
18 Mar 2026, 16:00
Coventry
Coventry University - Undergraduate Open Day
25 Apr 2026, 08:30
Coventry
Coventry University London - Undergraduate Open Event
29 Apr 2026, 14:00
London
Coventry University London - Postgraduate Open Event
29 Apr 2026, 17:00
London
Coventry University - Undergraduate Open Day
27 Jun 2026, 08:30
Coventry

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Automotive Engineering (with foundation year) at Coventry University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

Amber
Coventry University
Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Currently I am studying for my Masters in Mechanical engineering and working on my dissertation on Nuclear NDT methods and techniques. I have worked at Sellafield Nuclear during my placement industrial year as a nuclear construction engineer specializing in mechanical engineering. In my spare time I attend the crafting society and go hiking and running, whilst catching Bake Off every week for new recipes.
Chat with Amber
Wanita
Coventry University
Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Hi! I am Wanita. I am currently a third-year Mechanical Engineering student. At the end of this course, I would like to go into sustainability or energy industries. I am happy to answer any questions you may have :)
Chat with Wanita
Daniel
Coventry University
Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
I am a first year motorsport engineering student from Stockport near Manchester. I love cars and motorsport and hope to get a career in motorsport after my degree. I am a race marshal at Oulton Park race track and have joined the Tennis team at Coventry University. I am a Christian and go to Christian union meetings and Hillfields church. To relax i enjoy watching films, TV and playing video games.
Chat with Daniel
Nefeli
Coventry University
MSc Psychology
Hi! I am Nefeli. I am doing a master's degree in Psychology at Coventry University. When I can, I work as a Student Ambassador and help guide students not only around the campus but also throughout the process of getting in university.
Chat with Nefeli
Rhythm
Coventry University
Product Design BA (Hons)
Hi, Im Rhythm currently studying Product Design. I have also done a foundation year in Art, design & Media at Coventry University. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about uni life, I'm happy to help :)
Chat with Rhythm
Rangeshh
Coventry University
Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Hi, I'm a 4th Year Integrated Master's Student in Mechanical Engineering with a placement year at Tata Steel UK. I love to explore new topics and expand my knowledge in my free time and I always keep up to date on the newest shows & television.
Chat with Rangeshh
Adam
Coventry University
Sports Coaching BSc
Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏
Chat with Adam
Kishore
Coventry University
Economics BSc (Hons)
President of the Economics Society and a driven aspiring Investment Banker, I believe that stepping out of your comfort zone is the key to unlocking true potential. Embracing this mindset allowed me to seize numerous opportunities at university, from participating in diverse societies and sports clubs to contributing to various committees. These experiences have not only enriched my university journey but also equipped me with essential skills and insights that are vital for success as a graduate.
Chat with Kishore
Sanam
Coventry University
Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons)
Hi! I'm Sanam and i'm in my final year studying Forensic investigations BSc. After my studies, i am interested in becoming a detective, working within the law sector or becoming a certified court interpretor. Alongside my studies i'm a student ambassador, and have an interest in learning about my culture.
Chat with Sanam

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

90 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.