Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1^st October 2024.

The automotive industry is changing from internal combustion to hybrid, electric, and smart autonomous vehicles. The strategic industrial success of this transformation depends on the availability of new engineers with master-level skills and knowledge in this area.

Our Automotive Engineering MSc gives you the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the automotive industry in the advanced areas of analysis, design and manufacture related to traditional and emerging electric and autonomous vehicle technology.

This course will prepare you to work in a range of different settings. Core modules will develop your knowledge of key areas in industry, alongside the chance to choose from advanced professional skills modules and other optional modules on topics that suit your own interests and career intentions.

Our School’s Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) is actively engaged in ensuring this course meets the needs of industry and reflects trends in the sector. IAB members also contribute to talks that feed into our taught modules and project work, ensuring the curriculum is challenging and relevant.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the most up-to-date practices and industry-relevant knowledge to pursue an exciting career in this area.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
• Get involved with Leeds Gryphon Racing, the University’s Formula Student team.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in many excellent organisations, including Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley Motors Ltd. And Honda Cars.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.
• Access our School’s impressive range of specialist facilities including a brake test area, measurement lab and industry-standard software.
• Build industry experience, conducting a team design project, using multi-disciplinary approaches to achieve a solution to a programme-specific and industry-relevant design problem.
• Tailor the degree to suit your specific interests with a large selection of optional modules to choose from, with everything from design optimisation to vehicle dynamics – plus many more.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas of automotive engineering like connected and autonomous vehicles, electric and hybrid drivetrain and chassis engineering.
• Benefit from our School’s close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and Robotics at Leeds whose work also shapes the course.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest innovations.

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) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning to Masters Level for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Course details

Core modules will give you a solid knowledge base in key areas of automotive engineering. You’ll build your understanding of how vehicle and product systems are designed and developed, as well as automotive driveline and chassis engineering.

This foundation will allow you to gain specialist knowledge in areas that particularly interest you when you choose from our range of optional modules. You could focus on topics such as computational methods, tribology, combustion in engines or applications of mechatronics among many others.

Throughout the course, you’ll complete your professional project – an independent piece of research on a topic within automotive engineering that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. In semester 2, you’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation, experimentation and writing up in the summer months. You can also get involved with projects linked to the design, construction and testing of the Leeds Gryphon Racing team race car.

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 MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Electric and Hybrid Drivetrain Engineering – 15 credits

Build an understanding of a modern automotive drivetrain, the ability to describe the components and systems within the vehicle; apply the principles of engineering science to the design and analysis of the systems and components; demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the operating characteristics of key elements of the drivetrain as well as explore alternative approaches to the dynamic modelling of a drivetrain.

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Systems – 15 credits

This module provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle technology. It will cover aspects of sensors selection, data acquisition, path planning, localisation, artificial intelligence algorithms, communication, testing and validation.

Automotive Chassis Engineering – 15 credits

You’ll gain the ability to describe the components and systems which are associated with a vehicle chassis structure; apply the principles of engineering science to the design and analysis of suspension and steering systems together with their components; state the fundamentals of acoustics and be able to apply these to the analysis and solution of chassis borne noise and vibration phenomena and categorise the various designs of chassis structure.

Professional project – 60 credits

Throughout the course, you’ll undertake a professional project that will require you to make use of professional skills, including project planning, risks and management. The project allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

You’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation, experimentation and writing up in the summer months.

Past projects include:

• Regenerative braking systems – Impact on fuel consumption and vehicle stability in HEVs
• Design of Autonomous Vehicle for Formula Student competition
• Thermo-mechanical analysis of disc brake for vehicle rollaway
• Designing, Measuring and Modelling of Vehicle Dynamics

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Team Design Project – 15 credits

Alongside your professional project, you’ll also participate in a group activity. You'll take a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a solution to a programme-specific, industrially-relevant design problem.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis – 15 credits

Learn how to competently perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with commercial software packages used in industry.

Vehicle Dynamics and Design – 15 credits

Explore the principles of vehicle design, modelling and analysis techniques, using computer tools to model the behaviour of a road vehicle such as longitudinal motion, ride, and handling, enabling the understanding of the forces which govern the vehicle performances.

Engineering Computational Methods – 15 credits

Be introduced to the basic computational methods used to solve engineering problems modelled by ordinary differential equations and parabolic or hyperbolic partial differential equations. You will also learn how to implement the learned methods in practice. Engineering simulation software packages rely on computational methods and a good understanding is crucial to use them knowledgeably.

Fundamentals of Tribology – 15 credits

Tribology is the study of Friction, Lubrication, and Wear. But more importantly, it is the study of how engineering materials interact at the surface. The success of engineered systems will often depend on these interactions. With a strong foundation delivered through in-person lectures and guest seminars, the application of tribology and its current challenges will be introduced across the mechanical, medical (biotribology), automotive and aeronautical engineering disciplines.

Surface Engineering and Coatings – 15 credits

The development of Surface Engineering and Advanced Coatings is a National Competency according to the Technology Strategy Board. This module will introduce surface technologies across different manufacturing sectors from mechanical, automotive, medical, space and aerospace applications. Surface engineering methods and the surface characterisation techniques will be introduced.

Experimental Methods and Analysis – 15 credits

This module offers you theoretical and practical training required for design of experiments and data processing to address engineering problems.

Engineering Psychology and Human Factors – 15 credits

Explore the fields of engineering psychology and human factors i.e., of the capabilities, limitations and behaviours of humans as users and operators of engineered technology (with a special emphasis in this module on ground vehicles and aircraft) as well as the implications of these matters for design of such technology.

Advanced Finite Element Analysis – 15 credits

Build advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to enable performance of complex Finite Element Methods (FEM) in structural mechanics using commercial software packages used in industry.

Advanced Manufacturing – 15 credits

Learn traditional and new innovative manufacturing processes and assembly techniques that are commercially available. The module will also cover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field including elements of research.

Design Optimisation – 15 credits

Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of design optimisation that will give you the ability to arrive at an improved design for an engineering system that satisfies given requirements.

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you could have the opportunity to be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with your teaching staff through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the course, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

You'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will maintain contact with you throughout the year and offer pastoral guidance. They will help you to settle into the university and clarify any procedures, as well as helping you prepare for employment on graduation.

Active research environment

Specialising in engineering systems and design, robotics, thermofluids, surfaces and interfaces, medical devices and regenerative medicine, our School is at the heart of solving real world problems through high-quality research.

Throughout your degree you'll be taught by experts who are leaders in their fields and be directly engaged with their cutting-edge research.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from working in world-class specialist facilities for different aspects of automotive engineering. These include a brake test area and measurement lab, as well as the latest industry-standard software for computational fluid dynamics and finite element modelling of systems and materials.

High-level CNC and wire EDM facilities are available in the faculty workshop, and we have cutting-edge tribology facilities to study wear on engine parts. There’s even a ‘stirred bomb’ for characterising fuel ignition and advanced engines with optical access. If you get involved with Formula Student race car, you’ll also use our dedicated car build area including computerised engine test bays, Engine mapping based on MoTeC ECU, Matlab and OptimumG software is also available for suspension simulation and Ricardo Wave for engine simulations.

In addition to our advanced CAD facilities for design work, we have the latest industry-standard software for computational fluid dynamics and finite element modelling, programming and structural and multidisciplinary optimisation. You may also make use of the School's wind tunnels and other laboratories as well as manufacturing facilities including 3D printing and machine tools such as lathes and CNC machines in our new integrated workshop for students taking the Advanced Manufacturing module. These facilities are also available for those students that have selected a lab based project, or need to manufacture components for their project.

Programme team

The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Mechanical Engineering, who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.

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 will 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 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 will 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.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant engineering discipline. Successful applicants will have strong grades in advanced mathematics and at least three of the following relevant modules: strength of materials, dynamics, fluid mechanics, physics, or thermodynamics.

We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.

International

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

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

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

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Mechanical Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgmech@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

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 may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

This course will give you the opportunity to not only build automotive engineering skills but specialise in an area that suits your interests through optional modules from across the different areas of the discipline. This will open up career opportunities across different sectors of the automotive and motorsport industries.

By the time you graduate from this MSc, you'll be an all-rounded automotive engineer with a specialist skill set and the in-depth knowledge sought after by many employers in industry.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates in automotive engineering have secured:

• Graduate Body Design and Engineer, Toyota Motor Europe
• Design Engineer, NBHX Automotive R&D Co. Ltd.
• Honda R&D India, Honda Cars India
• Vehicle Test Engineer, Wise vehicle Testing Solutions Pvt Ltd
• Test & Measurement Engineer (Contractor), Bentley Motors Ltd
• Product Design Engineer, Ariens Company Ltd
• Development Engineer, Ricardo
• Application Engineer, Best Engineering Aids and Consultancies Private Limited
• Specialist Engineer, Stability Control Systems, Jaguar Land Rover
• Service Engineer, MAN Trucks & Buses - Department of Transport Buses
• Design Engineer, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC

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.

Find out more about career support.