Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineering is the branch of mechanical and electrical engineering concerned with the design, development, and manufacture of road vehicles. It has entered one of its most consequential periods of change, as electrification, autonomous systems, connected vehicle technology, and tightening emissions regulations are transforming what cars, vans, and commercial vehicles are and how they are built. Engineers who understand both the classical principles of vehicle dynamics and powertrains and the emerging technologies reshaping the sector are in exceptional demand.

At the University of Leeds, this five-year full-time programme includes a substantial industrial placement within its structure, giving you a year working directly within the automotive sector. You will study vehicle dynamics, thermodynamics, powertrain technology, materials and manufacturing, electronics and control systems, and the design methods that underpin modern vehicle development. The programme engages directly with the shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles, preparing you to contribute to a sector that must meet demanding targets for decarbonisation while continuing to innovate in safety, performance, and cost.

Work placement experience is embedded throughout, and the industrial year deepens your professional readiness in a sector where employers value real-world experience highly.

Graduates go on to careers with vehicle manufacturers, tier-one and tier-two component suppliers, motorsport organisations, engineering consultancies, and government bodies involved in vehicle regulation and transport policy. Roles span vehicle design, powertrain development, systems integration, testing and validation, and project management. With appropriate experience and professional development, graduates can work toward chartered engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Postgraduate study in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical vehicle technology is also available for those who wish to specialise further.