An automotive engineering degree provides students with a passion for motor vehicles to specialise in a unique branch of engineering. By improving upon your fundamental engineering skills, including maths, science and design, you'll further lean into the technical expertese needed to get ahead in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
Because demand for vehicles in the international market, especially in newer and developing countries, is on the rise, car design is constantly evolving, and UK universities are at the forefront of mechanical engineering degrees, in both learning and research. In total, there are over 40 UK universities offering programmes in automotive engineering.
Learn more about this unique engineering specialisation below and if you would like to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
What is Automotive Engineering?
Automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering that incorporates the elements of electrical, mechanical, electronic, software, and safety for designing and manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and their engineering subsystems. It also deals with the modification of vehicles.
Why study an Automotive Engineering degree in the UK?
The automotive industry in the UK has taken off over the last few years. A lot of money is being pumped into automated cars, and there are a lot of new companies popping up who want to bring products to market.
In 2019 the UK produced 1.4 million vehicles and exported over 80% of its current production to global markets. For students interested in manufacturing, design, production and supply chain management MSc in Automotive Engineering UK programmes are an ideal opportunity for all levels of expertise.
Automotive engineering courses in the UK are available as bachelor's and master's degrees. Popular automotive engineering universities in the UK include:
University of Bath
The University of Bath is home to some of the leading engineering faculties in the UK, including the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The University of Bath provides courses in Automotive engineering that specialise in advanced propulsion systems to develop the expertise to create an impact in the future of automotive engineering.
- Course in focus: MSc in Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds combines computer science, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy and physics to deliver state of the art education and research facilities in engineering.
According to the Research Excellence Framework, 100% of Leeds’s research was considered either ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’. Leeds also ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2022 for Mechanical Engineering.
- Course in focus: MSc in Automotive Engineering
Coventry University
Coventry University’s faculty of engineering, environment and computing is located in the heart of the British motor industry’s birthplace. Coventry’s innovative activity-led learning approach is recognised internationally and also has also played an active role in shaping the unique culture of its forward-facing Faculty. Automotive engineering courses at Coventry are delivered at their School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering.
- Course in focus: MSc in Automotive Engineering
Loughborough University
Loughborough University has been delivering engineering courses since 1909 and is now one of the largest engineering universities in the UK. Major employers around the UK target Loughborough for their student’s unique combination of technical knowledge with transferable skills.
- Course in focus: MSc in Automotive Engineering
University of Sussex
The University of Sussex delivers engineering courses such as electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical and automotive engineering, product design and robotics engineering.
They have a fully dedicated and enthusiastic team who are known for delivering high-quality research and engineering courses to students. Sussex covers multiple aspects of sustainable automotive engineering where students can gain fundamental engineering knowledge that includes materials, manufacturing processes, electrical circuits and mechanics.
- Course in focus: MEng Automotive Engineering
Automotive Engineering Degree Entry Requirements
- Typical A-level offer: AAA levels must include maths and physical science.
- International Baccalaureate: 28 points.
- English Speaking Requirements: IELTS overall 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.
Careers in Automotive Engineering
Most large car manufacturers have a growing demand for skilled engineers and many graduates go on to find employment in the following types of roles:
- Manufacture Engineer
- General Automotive Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Material Development Engineer
- Process Planner
- Supplier, Customer & Process Quality Engineer
- Project Manager
Salary after Automotive Engineering Degree in the UK
According to The Engineer Salary Survey 2018, the average salary in the UK after getting a degree in auto engineering was £38,999. Entry-level engineers can expect £29,000 as the average salary in the UK after an MSc degree in Automotive Engineering, whilst senior-level Engineers can earn £40,000.
The highest-paid automotive engineers in the UK are directors, who earn an average salary of £82,000. This is up from 2017's average salary of £79,000.
Automotive engineer salaries in the UK vary according to both regions where they work and the type of work they do. Automotive engineers working in London on an average of £60,000 per year.
Study Automotive Engineering Degree in UK
If you want to learn more about studying automotive engineering in the UK, book a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested. 
