Automotive Engineering

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.

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.

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.

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

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.