Automotive engineering is an exciting field around designing, building, and improving vehicles, from cars and trucks to motorcycles and electric scooters. It's all about making vehicles faster, safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Automotive engineers are like the wizards behind the scenes, creating the magic that powers our daily transportation.
From cutting-edge electric cars to sleek sports cars and durable trucks, automotive engineering plays a pivotal role in shaping our future on the road. Learn more about the best UK universities for automotive engineering degrees below.
Top 10 UK Universities for Automotive Engineering
1. University of Bath
The University of Bath's automotive engineering department is a leader in pursuing sustainable transportation solutions. Students engage in cutting-edge research, focusing on environmentally friendly vehicle designs and alternative energy sources. The university's facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring wind tunnels and advanced testing laboratories that provide students with a unique, hands-on experience. This approach allows them to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create vehicles that are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible, making them well-prepared for the challenges of the modern automotive industry.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion MSc
- Entry requirements: You should have a first or strong second-class Bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.
- International fees: £31,600
2. Loughborough University
Loughborough University's automotive engineering programme is renowned for its comprehensiveness. It offers courses encompassing vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, aerodynamics, and manufacturing processes. The university takes pride in its world-class engineering facilities, which include dedicated laboratories for engine testing, crash simulations, and prototype development. These cutting-edge facilities ensure that students have access to the latest technology and equipment, providing them with a solid foundation for a successful career in the competitive world of automotive engineering.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A level: AAB, including Maths and Physics. IB: 35 (6,6,5 HL), including HL Maths and Physics.
- International fees: £28,600
3. University of Wales Trinity Saint David
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David fosters strong connections with the automotive industry, making its automotive engineering department a hub for practical learning. The courses offered here prepare students to tackle real-world challenges in the field, and the university's excellent industry relationships facilitate placements and work experiences with renowned automotive companies. This active learning environment and access to cutting-edge research enhance the educational experience and empower students to contribute effectively to the automotive industry upon graduation.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering (MSc)
- Entry requirements: An honours degree of at 2:1 or above classification in an appropriate based discipline.
- International fees: £15,000
4. Coventry University
Coventry University is synonymous with innovation in automotive engineering education. Its curriculum delves into futuristic topics, including autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and vehicle connectivity. The university's engineering facilities are remarkable, featuring driving simulators, prototyping labs, and a dedicated automotive research centre. These facilities provide students with the resources and environment to work on the latest developments in the automotive industry, enabling them to play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering MSc
- Entry requirements: A minimum 2:2 honours degree in an appropriate engineering discipline such as mechanical, automotive, Motorsport, or aerospace engineering.
- International fees: £20,050
5. UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol's automotive engineering department offers a unique practical approach to education. The thoughtfully designed courses equip students with hands-on vehicle design and development skills. The university's well-equipped engineering workshops and strong industry connections offer an excellent platform for students to understand the automotive industry from the ground up. This practical knowledge prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the real-world engineering landscape.
- Suggested course: BEng(Hons) Automotive Engineering
- Entry requirements: GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent. Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in Higher Level Mathematics.
- International fees: £15,850
6. Harper Adams University
Harper Adams University has carved a niche in agricultural and off-road vehicle engineering. Here, students gain specialised expertise in designing vehicles for unique purposes like farming and construction. The university's specialist facilities, including off-road testing tracks and dedicated agricultural engineering laboratories, provide a truly unique and hands-on learning experience, equipping students with the skills to excel in a specific and vital segment of the engineering world.
- Suggested course: MEng Automotive Engineering
- Entry requirements: A2 level grades AAB, including A2 Mathematics. IB: 30 points with Maths at 6 or above.
- International fees: £13,250
7. University of Leeds
The University of Leeds offers a holistic automotive engineering curriculum that covers vehicle design, sustainability, and autonomous systems. Students here have access to cutting-edge engineering laboratories, computational facilities, and unparalleled research opportunities. This combination of a robust academic foundation and practical experience ensures that students are well-prepared to excel in the automotive engineering industry, whether they aim to design the cars of the future or lead sustainability efforts.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng)
- Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- International fees: £31,000
8. University of Sussex
The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on vehicle technology and innovation. Its automotive engineering courses are designed to prepare students for the evolving transportation landscape. The university's cutting-edge laboratories and research centres provide students with numerous groundbreaking research and experimentation opportunities. This approach equips students to explore and develop cutting-edge automotive technologies, making them catalysts for change in the automotive industry.
- Suggested course: Sustainable Automotive Engineering MEng
- Entry requirements: A-level- AAB, must include Mathematics. A broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
- International fees: £25,000
9. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey's automotive engineering programme emphasises electric and hybrid vehicle technology. Courses delve into electric powertrains, battery systems, and vehicle electrification, all critical components of future mobility. The university's research facilities include advanced battery testing labs, enabling students to gain in-depth knowledge of sustainable transportation. Graduates are poised to become leaders in the field and advocate for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient mobility solutions.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering PhD
- Entry requirements: A first or upper-second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).
- International fees: £12,100
10. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University's approach to automotive engineering education is distinguished by its hands-on emphasis. Students have the unique opportunity to collaborate on real projects with industry partners, gaining practical experience in vehicle design and manufacturing. The university's dedicated workshops and automotive research centres make it a dynamic hub for automotive innovation. Here, students are immersed in a vibrant environment where they can learn, grow, and contribute to the ever-evolving automotive industry.
- Suggested course: Automotive Engineering with Electric Vehicles MEng/BEng
- Entry requirements: A levels: tariff points must include A level Grade B in Maths and Grade B in Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Engineering or suitable science. IB Points: 27
- International fees: £16,900
Study Automotive Engineering in the UK
If you would like to have any further questions answered about UK study or to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Automotive Engineering Course FAQ
Are the automotive engineering programmes from the UK accredited internationally?
Many automotive engineering programmes in the UK are internationally accredited, which means they meet global standards for quality education in this field.
Are there scholarships available for Indian students pursuing automotive engineering in the UK?
Scholarships are available for Indian students who want to study automotive engineering in the UK. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Are there any English language proficiency requirements for Indian students?
Yes, Indian students typically need to meet English language proficiency requirements, such as taking tests like IELTS or TOEFL, to demonstrate their ability to study in English-speaking environments.
Is there an opportunity for internships or work placements during the course?
Many UK universities offer internships or work placements during the automotive engineering course. This can give students valuable real-world experience in the field.
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