Automotive Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
If you have a passion for cars and enthusiasm for engineering and design, together with excellent maths and IT skills, then this course could help you make a real difference in this vital industry.
Course option
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
BEng:3 years full-time4 years sandwich
MEng:4 years full-time5 years sandwich
UCAS codes
H343 / H345
Start date
September 2023
January 2024
Course overview
Successful graduates of Automotive Engineering should be able to apply their comprehensive understanding of vehicle engineering in a wide variety of roles in the automotive industry and beyond.
- Focusing on how engineering is used in automotive applications, this course provides you with the opportunity to qualify either at bachelor’s level or if you choose to follow the MEng pathway, at master’s degree level. The MEng route could be ideal for those seeking leadership positions in the development of new technologies and the design of future vehicles.
- This MEng/BEng in Automotive Engineering aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of automotive engineering and develop knowledge, skills and expertise that can be applied to the engineering sector.
- The educational experience of the MEng route also aims to develop your intellectual and personal skills and to give you the capability to undertake a practical research study and the opportunity to publish results.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
- Opportunity to participate in field trips2.
- On and off-site access to commercial engineering software, such as 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Systems for design and simulation, as well as the opportunity for training in industry-standard software4.
- You will be taught by current academics with wide-ranging experience in the automotive fields. Our current academics are actively involved in commercial and academic research, whose expertise could further enrich your learning and enhance your understanding of the challenges facing engineers today. (Please note that staff subject to change)
- You will benefit from access to modern facilities4 and our current strong links with local industry, which aim to help ensure our course reflects current thinking, the latest technologies, design systems and testing processes.
- With current extensive links to well-known automotive companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Lotus, Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage.
Accreditation and professional recognition
The degrees are accredited1 by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in 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.
The accredited BEng (Hons) will also automatically meet in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
The accredited MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements, for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
IMechE Membership Partner
We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.
We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation, and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.
I first joined McLaren straight out of university and got that offer right at the start of my final year so was a guaranteed job. The grounding and understanding that the course gave me is absolutely crucial to the role I have now as it would be difficult to do it without that background and empathy.

What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
Our innovative ‘Activity-Led Learning’ (ALL) approach means you will be given opportunities to work with staff on real-world problems from industry (subject to availability), commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice.
This provides you with an opportunity to develop professional skills at the same time as learning the technical content of your degree.
Practical project work may, for example, involve manufacturing prototypes with 3D printing, reverse engineering of current and past products to produce 3d scanning to create engineering data and geometry to create design models, which can then be used through CAM software to generate CNC machining programs, ready to produce physical products4.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which includes:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to COVID-19, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Individual coursework
- Group coursework
- Exams
- Tests
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Vivas
- Core assessments (these are pass/fail and can be attempted multiple times)
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
The university is committed to providing a global educational experience2. We aim to invite international guest speakers (subject to availability).
We also provide opportunities to participate in field trips.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Not available |
EU | £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** £19,850 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £19,850 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU support bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
The engineering and computing buildings house an impressive range of industry-standard equipment. Home to flight and driving simulators, a chassis design assembly and test facility and wind tunnels, the High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC) also houses a fleet of CNC manufacturing machines, a full-size vehicle shaker rig and a composite material laboratory4.

Cruden F1 simulator
The simulator provides a realistic experience of working for a race team in a high pressured and realistic environment. The simulator includes the same software and calculations used by professional racing teams.

Metals Workshop
Participate in technical work in a hands-on way. The workshop includes lathes, milling machines, fabrication equipment for sheet metal work, CNC machines, work benches, welding lines and a fitting assembly area.

Wind Tunnel
Built and tested by the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One team, our open jet single return wind tunnel has been designed to accommodate 20% scale open-wheel racing car models with a maximum air velocity of 45 m/s.
Careers and opportunities
Upon successful completion of the BEng (Hons) and MEng courses, you will be able to:
- Apply the necessary study and research skills to support the analytical, critical and reflective requirements of written, oral and group assessments.
- Contribute to a team with the necessary planning, reviewing, adaptability, drive and leadership to achieve the required objectives and observe work schedules.
- Design, optimise and communicate the performance of a vehicle; though the application of vehicle systems knowledge to achieve the performance, safety, sustainability and cost requirements of the Automotive industry.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices found in engineering management and leadership, consultancy and entrepreneurship.
- Develop independent learning and problem-solving skills appropriate to current and future study and employment.
- Apply engineering principles, science, mathematics, processes, materials, design and management to solve problems of increasing complexity.
- Apply engineering analysis methods when solving complex problems and develop extended experience in solving problems related to a broad range of engineering systems and components.
- Generate, and appropriately communicate, design solutions through the application and comprehensive understanding of the engineering design processes.
- Critically assess data and information using practical laboratory skills, experimentation and research, and establish the effect on design.
- Understand risk assessment and the need for professional and ethical conduct in commercial and social contexts, informed by a knowledge of sustainable development and the regulations/legislations governing engineering activities.
- Understand and evaluate a range of appropriate engineering materials, components and systems, identifying their limitations and likely developments.
Additionally, upon successful completion of the MEng course, you will be able to:
- Apply a comprehensive understanding of Automotive engineering principles together with a critical awareness of current issues at the forefront of the specialism.
- Apply and evaluate engineering analysis methods when solving complex problems and assess their limitations, especially when applied to new or unfamiliar technology.
- Generate and appraise innovative design solutions through the application and comprehensive understanding of the engineering design processes.
- Critically assess data and information that may be uncertain or incomplete and quantify the effect on design using practical laboratory skills and experimental research.
- Critically appraise management, business and ethical practice and their limitations informed by a knowledge of sustainable development, customer requirements and the regulations/legislations governing engineering activities in a commercial, social and international contexts.
- Critically evaluate a range of current and emerging engineering materials, components and systems, identifying their limitations and likely developments/adaptations together with commercial and industrial constraint.
Industry-related projects completed during your studies should give you a feel of what the demands and expectations will be in the workplace, as well as supporting you to practice and apply your skills to real engineering projects.
You should also gain practical, hands-on experience in preparing, running and analysing results from experimental testing and numerical analysis. Past students have experienced projects with Honda, in new product introduction; Aston Martin, in special vehicle projects data acquisition; NP Aerospace, working on the new range of military vehicles; Eaton Trucks, in gearbox design; McLaren Automotive, in software test and evaluation; BMW, in-vehicle trim and materials; and Cummins Engines, on engine development and build.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aim to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have found graduate roles in companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Technologies Lotus Cars, Mercedes F1, Aston Martin, BAE, Meggit, Arrrowsmith, Rolls Royce Aero, Quest, Triumph Motorbikes, Heathrow Airport, IATA Amongst others.
Further study
You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International codes:
BEng: EECU158
MEng: EECU165Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
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