Automotive Engineering

Prepare yourself for a varied career in mechanical engineering, the electric and hybrid automotive industries, and motorsport.
The development of hybrid, electric and autonomous vehicle technology is already transforming the automotive engineering sector. From 2035, all new vehicles sold in the UK must be electric, meaning the next generation of automotive engineers is needed to meet the demands of this rapidly changing industry.
Studying automotive engineering at Leeds will develop practical skills and knowledge, while our close industry links ensure you’ll be prepared to meet the pressing needs of the automotive and motorsport sectors. From your first day, you'll be encouraged to join our Formula Student team,  Leeds Gryphon Racing, and engage in the development of racing cars. Early participation in Formula Student and motorsport activities has helped some of our students secure industrial placements with leading automotive companies, Formula E and F1 teams.
In this highly practical course, you’ll engage in computer-aided design (CAD) work and computational modelling for aerodynamic analysis, and learn how to conduct rapid prototyping. You’ll also develop your programming skills to analyse vehicle performance and safety. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and skills to kickstart your automotive engineering career.

Why study at Leeds

• Highly regarded: This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

• Work on your own mechanical projects: Put your learning into practice by designing, manufacturing and assembling devices and testing their performance.

• Globally-renowned research: Our academics shape what you learn with the latest thinking so you can solve real-world mechanical engineering problems.

• Access specialist facilities: These include a high-spec computer cluster and extensive laboratory space.

• We have strong university links: Benefit from the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Robotics Leeds, the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects: Access our industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.

• Transfer to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng): At the end of your second year, there’s the possibility of transferring onto a Masters to fast-track your career.

• Make the most of your time at Leeds: Join our student society MechEngSoc. It’s a great opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who share your passion for mechanical engineering.

Rankings and awards
Top 100 in the world for Engineering and Technology, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Top 10 in the UK for Mechanical Engineering, Complete University Guide 2026

Where this degree could take you
Here are some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Flight Physics Graduate, Airbus UK

• Graduate Engineer, Bentley Motors

• Offshore Wind Research Engineer, EDF Energy R&D UK Centre

• Driveline Systems Development Engineer, JTEKT Corporation

• Chassis Project Engineer, McLaren Automotive

• Graduate Track Engineer, Motor Insurance Research Centre

• Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Network Rail

• Graduate Engineer, Nissan

• Junior Systems Design Engineer, Red Bull Racing

• Mechanical Engineer, Rolls Royce

• Automotive Engineer, Triumph Motorcycles

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

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

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of