Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineering focuses on the design, development and manufacture of road vehicles and the systems they incorporate. It is one of the most dynamic branches of mechanical engineering, combining classical engineering disciplines with cutting-edge work in electrification, autonomous systems, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and increasingly sophisticated software and control systems. The automotive industry is in the middle of its most significant transformation in a century, driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation and the shift toward electric and hybrid powertrains, and engineers with current, relevant skills are in strong demand.

At the University of the West of England, Bristol, this four-year full-time degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and includes a sandwich year placement, which gives you substantial professional experience in the automotive or related engineering sector. The programme is designed for those who are committed to an engineering career but who come from a less conventional educational background, making it accessible to a wide range of students with the aptitude and motivation for engineering. You will study the core mechanical engineering disciplines alongside specialist content in vehicle dynamics, powertrains, chassis and body engineering, embedded systems and the increasingly important domain of electric vehicle technology.

Work placement is embedded throughout, keeping your learning connected to real industrial contexts.

You will develop strong analytical and design skills alongside the technical knowledge specific to automotive engineering, and you will build familiarity with the tools and methods that the industry actually uses, including computer-aided design, simulation and testing.

Graduates from UWE's automotive engineering programme move into roles in vehicle development, powertrain engineering, chassis and body engineering, testing and validation, systems engineering, manufacturing, and consultancy. Many pursue Chartered Engineer status, and postgraduate study in automotive or mechanical engineering is an option for those seeking deeper technical specialisation.