Mechanical Engineering / Automotive with Industrial Placement Year

Summary

Automotive engineering is about more than building cars. It is about designing systems that balance performance, efficiency, comfort and safety in a rapidly evolving industry.

On this integrated master’s, you will explore the full range of automobile systems, from vehicle structures and dynamics to noise, vibration and human interaction. You will build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering while developing the specialist knowledge needed for a career in the automotive sector.

In your first two years, you will study the core principles of mechanical engineering alongside systems design, modelling and computing, as well as aspects of law and management. This will give you the skills to take a product from concept through to development and delivery.

In your third and fourth years, you will focus on automotive engineering, developing expertise in vehicle design and performance. You will complete an individual project in your third year, before applying your knowledge to a real-world challenge through a group design project in your final year.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional engineering environment.

Key features of the course

Develop specialist automotive expertise. Study vehicle structures, dynamics, noise and vibration, and human factors.

Build strong foundations. Gain a broad understanding of mechanical engineering principles in your early years.

Learn through application. Individual and group design projects allow you to tackle real engineering challenges.

Gain real-world experience. An optional Industrial Placement Year gives you the chance to work in industry and develop professional skills.

Access advanced facilities. These include the largest wind tunnel of any UK university, a high-resolution 3D imaging centre, dedicated design studios and workshops, and the materials and structures research facilities in the National Infrastructure Laboratory.

Prepare for your future career. This course is fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, supporting your route to chartered status.

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.

You will be part of a collaborative learning environment, working with students and staff focused on engineering innovation.

Further information

You will study in a setting designed for hands-on and project-based learning, helping you to develop both technical expertise and professional skills.

The skills and experience you gain will prepare you for careers in the automotive industry and related sectors, including design, manufacturing and advanced engineering.

Course Modules

Typical modules include:

Year one: An Introduction to Engineering Design; Electrical and Electronics Systems; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment; Mechanics, Structures and Materials; Mechanical Systems Analysis; ThermoFluids.

Year two: Engineering Management and Law; Fluid Mechanics; Materials and Structures; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II; Mechanics, Machines and Vibration; Systems Design and Computing; Thermodynamics; Electronics and Control.

Year three: Individual Project; Automotive Chassis and Powertrain; Automotive Mechatronics; Engineering Design with Management; Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics; Heat Transfer and Applications; Manufacturing and Materials.

Year four: Group Design Project; Advanced Electrical Systems; Automotive Propulsion; Materials, Manufacturing, and Supply Chains; plus module options to deepen your knowledge.

Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem-solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.

The Industrial Placement Year is assessed via an individual reflective report.

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

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
• Accreditation of European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE)
• Engineering Council