Automotive Engineering
Automotive Engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing, and manufacture of road vehicles and their component systems. It combines mechanical engineering principles with electronics, software, and materials science to address the technical challenges of making vehicles that are safe, efficient, reliable, and increasingly electrified and connected. The automotive industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations, driven by the shift to electric powertrains, the development of autonomous systems, and the demand for vehicles that produce fewer emissions.
At Sheffield Hallam University, this three-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year for students who need additional preparation, a sandwich year, and work placement opportunities. You will explore aspects of automotive design, development, testing, manufacturing, electronics, and performance analysis, building the technical range that a career in the automotive sector requires. The foundation year ensures students entering with a range of prior qualifications can develop the mathematical and scientific foundations the degree demands.
The sandwich year and placements give you substantial professional experience in automotive settings, developing the practical skills and industry knowledge that make graduates employment-ready from the outset of their careers.
Graduates of Automotive Engineering work in vehicle design, chassis engineering, powertrain development, vehicle electronics, testing and validation, manufacturing, and quality assurance across car manufacturers, their suppliers, motorsport organisations, and related consultancies. The transition to electric vehicles is creating new demand for engineers with expertise in power electronics, battery systems, and software-defined vehicles, and the degree positions graduates well for this evolving market. Many pursue chartered status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and some continue to postgraduate study in automotive engineering, electrical systems, or sustainable vehicle technology.