Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering is the branch of mechanical engineering concerned with the design, development, manufacture, and operation of vehicles. It encompasses powertrains, suspension systems, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, safety systems, electrical and electronic architectures, and the manufacturing processes that bring vehicles to market. The industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, driven by the shift to electrification, autonomous driving technologies, and the imperative to reduce emissions.
Automotive engineers are at the centre of that transformation, designing the vehicles and systems of the future.
At the University of Bedfordshire, this three-year, full-time programme is designed to meet the requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, preparing you with the knowledge and skills to work in the modern automotive engineering industry. You will study the core mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines alongside specialist automotive topics, developing both the theoretical understanding and the practical competence that employers in the sector look for. The programme provides the engineering fundamentals alongside the specific application areas that distinguish automotive work, including vehicle dynamics, powertrain engineering, and the design and testing of automotive systems.
Graduates of automotive engineering programmes go on to careers in vehicle design and development, powertrain engineering, chassis and suspension engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and automotive testing, working for vehicle manufacturers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, motorsport organisations, and engineering consultancies. Many pursue professional registration with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, working towards incorporated or chartered engineer status. Postgraduate study in automotive engineering, electric vehicle technology, or mechatronics offers routes for those who wish to develop specialist expertise in an industry that is changing rapidly and in which the demand for well-qualified engineers remains strong.