Automotive Engineering (Full-time) (BEng Hons)
The next decade promises to bring exciting changes to the automotive industry. As we move from the internal combustion engine to hybrid powertrains and electrical powertrains, there is a growing need for new engineering skills. We have invested significantly in our engineering facilities. As a student in the Automotive Engineering BEng programme, you will have access to specialised automotive workshops, engine diagnostic laboratories, chassis dynamometers, hybrid/electric powertrain facilities, and extensive fabrication and machining facilities.
We closely collaborate with the automotive industry to ensure you gain the knowledge and passion needed for both performance and mainstream vehicles.
The course aims to develop your understanding of fundamental physics and engineering skills through practical applications in car development, including suspension, ride, handling, and NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness). Special emphasis is placed on the development of the powertrain as we shift towards sustainable fuels and advanced battery technologies.
Our programme also highlights the environmental aspects of design and technology, which are crucial for a wide range of employment opportunities. You will have the chance to apply the theoretical knowledge from your modules to real-life automotive applications through various extracurricular opportunities.
In this course, you will learn about the design and manufacture of mechanical and electrical systems in vehicles. While the focus is not solely on autonomous vehicles, you will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies, including the development of cleaner and efficient vehicles.
By the end of this course, you will be prepared to become a modern automotive engineer, equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
We are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Our Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons) course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the evolving automotive industry.
In the first year, you will build a strong foundation in essential engineering principles. You will study analytical methods, engineering science, and an introduction to vehicle technology. Hands-on experience in our automotive workshops and engine diagnostic laboratories will complement your theoretical learning.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year focuses on advanced topics such as alternative propulsion systems, automotive chassis systems, and stress analysis and computer aided engineering (CAE). You will also delve into thermodynamics and combustion, enhancing your understanding of sustainable technologies. Practical sessions with chassis dynamometers and fabrication facilities will further develop your engineering skills.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the final year, you will specialise in areas such as automotive materials and sustainability. You will undertake a major project that brings together your learning, applying it to real-life automotive applications. Emphasis is placed on the environmental aspects of design and technology, preparing you for a range of employment opportunities.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Case Studies
Further information
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112 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: BBC, BTEC: DMM, IB: 32
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes 
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: 
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‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, phase tests, presentations, vivas and examinations.
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There are no additional costs for this course.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The current high demand for automotive engineering graduates is reflected in the high percentage of our students being drafted into full-time employment or further study within 6 months of finishing their studies.
Large UK based automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers absorb the bulk of our graduates, as do research and consultancy firms.
Our Alumni have gone on to have very successful careers at such companies as Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, McLaren Automotive, Mahle Powertrain, JCB as well as motorsport firms AMG Mercedes, Williams F1 and Force India.