Automotive Engineering (Industrial) BEng

Course overview

This course will prepare you for a career in both traditional mechanical engineering and in the electric and hybrid automotive industries, as well as in motorsport sector.

From 2035, all new vehicles sold in the UK must be electric, which means that the next generation of automotive engineers needs to be trained now to meet the needs of this rapidly changing industry. The development of hybrid, electric and autonomous vehicle technology to replace traditional internal combustion engines is already transforming the automotive engineering sector.

The key issues facing automotive engineers include designing sustainable hybrid and electric vehicles that meet increasing safety and performance standards and challenging cost-efficiency targets. As well as in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering, specialist knowledge and skills are also needed to succeed in this sector. That’s why you’ll learn both traditional automotive engineering and electric, hybrid vehicle technology. You’ll also develop an awareness of the commercial issues that impact design and production processes.

Studying automotive engineering at Leeds will develop your abilities, knowledge and skills – and our close links with industry ensure that you’ll be prepared to meet the most 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 an IC, electric or autonomous race cars. Early participation in Formula Student and motorsport activities has helped some of our students secure industrial placements with leading automotive companies, Formula Electric and Formula One teams.

This is a practical course, so you’ll benefit from specialist facilities including extensive lab space and equipment, our high-spec computer cluster for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) work and computational modelling, in aerodynamic analysis for example, and workshop facilities for various rapid prototyping systems. You’ll also develop your programming skills in industry standard languages like Matlab/Python and C++ for microprocessor systems, giving you everything you need to get started on your career in modern engineering.

Our active Industrial Advisory Board helps inform the development of this course to ensure that it is up to date with industry developments and requirements. That’s one of the reasons why our graduates are so in demand from industry, and why our courses are accredited by the leading professional bodies.

Industrial placement year

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited and BMW Group UK.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
• Work on your own mechanical projects, putting into practice what you have learned by designing, manufacturing and assembling devices and testing their performance.
• Our globally-renowned research here at Leeds helps to solve real-world mechanical engineering problems and feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial placement year.
• Access specialist facilities, including a high-spec computer cluster and extensive laboratory space.
• We have strong university links with the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Robotics Leeds, the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
• At the end of your second year, there’s the possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng).
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MechEngSoc. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds who share your passion for mechanical engineering.

Accreditation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This BEng degree is accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course details

The first two years of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In your final year, you’ll take specialist modules in automotive engineering.

You’ll also study engineering ethics throughout your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of study. This training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

This course also gives you the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement year. It’s ideal way to start building invaluable work experience and industry links for when you graduate.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Automotive Engineering (Industrial) BEng in the course catalogue

Years 1 and 2

You’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll design, build and test four-wheel buggies and take part in ‘The Daring Dash’ competition. The challenge is to build an autonomous, electric-powered buggy to travel over an uneven course and stop on a bull’s-eye.

Since many mechanical engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll also develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Computers in Engineering Analysis – 20 credits

This is an introductory module that aims to equip you with a practical set of computing skills using MATLAB and Arduino-based microcontroller systems, enabling you to solve engineering problems. Computing skills are increasingly important to engineers seeking to measure, analyse and control physical systems and are hugely valuable when you’re working in industry.

Design and Manufacture 1 – 20 credits

Explore the engineering design of simple assemblies using an engineering methodology, including preparation of simple specifications, sketches and a solid model using a CAD system. You'll also get hands-on experience, manufacturing a simple mechanical prototype using workshop hand tools.

Thermofluids 1 – 20 credits

Discover the fundamental theories of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, along with their practical application. The module covers fundamental concepts of fluid statics and dynamics, as well as the conservation of mass, energy and momentum, applying these to engineering problems. In thermodynamics, you’ll be introduced to real/perfect gases and thermodynamic cycles. This module also includes four laboratory practicals.

Solid Mechanics – 20 credits

Learn the basic engineering principles required for analysing motion and the forces that produce it. You’ll also develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural analysis and its application to the general field of engineering. You’ll be able to apply structural analysis techniques to tackle typical dynamics and structural problems and produce solutions for applications in mechanical engineering.

Engineering Materials – 20 credits

Develop a good understanding of engineering principles relating to structure-property relationships and how these can be controlled by various manufacturing methods including heat treatment. You'll learn how to distinguish between microstructure, crystal structure and other material aspects determined by intrinsic bonding.

Engineering Mathematics – 20 credits

This module covers the core mathematical concepts, notation and techniques – including skills in mathematical modelling and problem solving – all of which you’ll need throughout your degree – and beyond.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Engineering Mechanics – 20 credits

Learn how to estimate the safety of mechanical designs from the point of view of mechanics. Therefore, a wide range of mechanics topics (i.e., direct stress in asymmetric bending, shear stress, deflection, buckling, collapse, elasticity theory and reliability analyses) will be addressed. Moreover, the mathematical techniques (e.g. solving second order differential equations using analytical methods, solving differential equations numerically and vector calculus, etc.) necessary for the mechanics topics will also be covered.

Vibration and Control – 20 credits

Vibration control is the management of vibration energy to improve the performance and stability of mechanical devices and structures. This module will introduce you to the nature and significance of free and forced vibrations in machines and their frequency response. The module will also cover examples of open loop and feedback control and briefly introduce digital control systems. There’ll also be extensive use of practical and computer simulation of control systems.

Design and Manufacture 2 – 20 credits

The module includes two team-based design and build activities involving the design and construction of, typically, a buggy. This can include solid mechanics and fluid mechanics principles, use of simulation, and use of controllers with sensors and actuators.

A strip and rebuild of a simple mechanism such as a lock will introduce multi-objective design, and more specifically, design for assembly. Throughout the module, you’ll also build transferrable skills, including the writing of reports, team working and ethics.

Economics and Management – 20 credits

Explore the principles of business management, organisation and economics relevant to an engineering business enterprise.

Mechatronics and Measurement Systems – 20 credits

Learn the principles of mechatronics, including basic analysis and design of circuits (digital and analogue), sensor systems, actuator systems and computer interfacing, as well as simple mechatronic and measurement systems.

Thermofluids 2 – 20 credits

This module expands your knowledge in the area of thermofluids. You’ll also be introduced to new concepts in both fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. These give you a better understanding of the function of relevant engineering applications.

Year 3

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend a year in industry. A work placement is an invaluable opportunity to transfer your learning into a practical setting, applying the knowledge and skills you’ve been taught throughout your degree to real-world challenges – in a working environment. It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed but our dedicated Employability Team will work with you to help you find a suitable industrial placement.

Year 4

Building on the foundations built in years 1, 2 and 3, you’ll explore vehicle design and analysis in detail in year 4. You’ll focus on vehicle modelling, tyre-ground forces, acceleration and vehicle handling behaviour. You’ll also study further engine technology including combustion engine, hybrids and electric motors, compressible flow dynamics, and predict the stresses, vibration and buckling of automotive structures. In this year you’ll also focus on additive manufacturing and conduct an individual project.

Compulsory modules

Individual Engineering Project – 40 credits

This project gives you the chance to choose a project area from a variety of predefined areas and carry out your own research, bringing in the concepts you’ve learned from the core engineering science and design modules.

This is your opportunity to really utilise and develop those professional skills, including project planning, risks and management. You'll also apply critical analysis and detailed research, alongside building your communication skills. You’ll be assigned an academic supervisor for guidance and support throughout.

Recent projects have included:

• Design of electric race car cooling system
• Development of an optimised rear mounting frame for a Formula Student car
• Future decarbonisation of transport: Propulsion system
• Tribological performance of automotive braking systems

Automotive Propulsion Systems – 20 credits

The programme philosophy is one which aims to provide engineers within the automotive sector with a rigorous grounding in: engine, battery, fuel cell, driveline, and vehicle design and control technologies as used by the industry. This module is consistent with this philosophy since it directly includes content and resources that specifically meet these needs. The primary aim of the programme is to prepare you for an advanced understanding and system perspective of automotive propulsion systems and processes, and their application within industry. As such, this module provides a thorough but broad technology grounding in modern propulsion systems, e.g. advanced combustion engines, hybrid propulsion and electric vehicles including battery, fuel cell and electric motor.

Vehicle Design and Analysis – 20 credits

Develop an understanding in the principles of vehicle modelling, tyre behaviour and tyre-ground forces. You’ll also critically address the acceleration behaviour of a road vehicle, braking system characteristics and vehicle handling behaviour relating to the vehicle design process.

Additive Manufacturing – 20 credits

This module will introduce you to key concepts of Additive Manufacturing and demonstrate different techniques commercially available. You’ll also cover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field, including elements of research-led teaching. The course will also cover Additive Manufacturing for use in production development, rapid tooling and Reverse Engineering (RE) with case examples from a range of industrial sectors including automotive, medical and electronics. You’ll learn through various interactive lectures, hands-on tutorials using 3D printing equipment and demonstrations using the various Additive Manufacturing equipment in the School.

Finite Element Methods of Analysis – 20 credits

Learn how to use the software for finite element model development, solution and post-processing. You’ll cover the basic principles of structural analysis using finite element methods, including shape functions and stiffness matrices (in 1D and 2D). You’ll also explore everything from the phenomenon of vibration to the concepts of composite material, whilst developing models of single and multiple-directional laminates.

Engineering summer internships

As a student in our Faculty, you’ll have the unique opportunity to do a paid summer internship. It’s your chance to get involved in the real-world research projects happening in and around the University – and advance your own professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. We also organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you’ll have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You’ll have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings each semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You'll also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of assessment approaches to test different knowledge and skills. Assessments will enable you to demonstrate your competency in a particular skill, as well as measuring the extent of your knowledge and understanding. They are designed to be fair and inclusive.

We'll use different forms of assessment including written examinations (held at the end of each semester) and coursework that also develops key transferable skills that will be relevant to your future professional practice, such as laboratory and project reports, teamworking and presentations.

Assessments will develop your ability to bring together evidence from a variety of sources, and to critically understand and evaluate. You'll also have frequent opportunities to develop your understanding of assessment and to improve your performance, for example through formative assessments with feedback, guided marking, peer review and opportunities to practise key assessment methods.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-level at the stated grade.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: AAB including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry, with an A in Mathematics or Physics if presented, plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. A Foundation Year is the first year of an extended degree. We’ve designed these courses for applicants whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university and who don’t meet the typical entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Mechanical Engineering

Contact us

School of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugmech@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of automotive engineering are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with including design, problem solving, engineering ethics, numeracy and analysis skills, together with transferable skills, such as communication and working as a team are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles 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

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad. However, the Automotive Engineering BEng degree does have this option.

Work placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Industrial Placement - Prototype and Test, Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited
• Garage Equipment Design Placement, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team
• Intern - Vehicle Quality testing, BMW Group UK
• Intern, Tata Technologies Limited
• Programme Planning, Production Steering and Distribution, Rolls Royce

Find out more about Industrial placements.