Automotive Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: H343
International Code: EECU164

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MEng:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Start date

January 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

If you have a passion for cars, an enthusiasm for engineering and design, together with excellent maths and IT skills, then this professionally accredited course could help you make a real difference in this vital industry.

  • The automotive industry is going through some of the biggest changes since the introduction of the internal combustion engine. Automotive manufacturers and designers are using cutting-edge technology to solve the transport and sustainability issues of the future.
  • Focusing on how engineering is used in automotive applications, this course provides you with the opportunity to qualify first at Bachelor level, then 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 design of future vehicles.
  • 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.
  • Free Student Membership of the IMechE.
  • Free student membership of the Women’s Engineering Society. This is an inclusive society and welcomes all engineers regardless of gender identity.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Automotive engineers are involved in every stage of the design, testing and development of vehicles and their components, from concept to production. This course has been designed to equip engineers of the future with the skills and knowledge needed to fill a wide variety of roles in an ever-changing industry and beyond.

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.

You will benefit from access to modern facilities, a reputation for teaching excellence in the engineering field 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.

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.

You could work with staff on real-world problems from industry*, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice; this means that you could be provided the opportunity to develop professional skills at the same time as you learn the technical content of your degree. (Please note that staff are subject to change).

No. 7

for Mechanical Engineering

Guardian University Guide 2022

Accredited by:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

BEng/MEng Automotive Engineering is accredited 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).

Coming to Coventry university as an automotive engineering student has given me the opportunity to use some amazing facilities to help with my development. I have enjoyed my time at Coventry due to the people I’ve met and the excellent teaching and lecturing staff.

Duncan Jennings, Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons), December 2020
Student creating a supercar model

My placement at Boutsen Ginion Racing

Automotive Engineering student Oleg Karchevskyy shares his experiences of undertaking a placement year with a Belgian racing team currently competing in Touring Car Cup Europe and GT World Challenge series.

Read Oleg's story
Two cars in a garage getting serviced

What you'll study

In the first year, you will have the opportunity to study modules that have been designed with the aim to broaden your perspective and understanding of underlying engineering principles. Our aim is to bring you to a level where detailed work in the field of automotive engineering can be studied in future years.

Modules

  • This module is designed to provide an integrated introduction to engineering materials and manufacturing processes. Common processes will be analysed which are used to convert materials into all types of engineering products from a variety of industrial sectors, i.e. aerospace, automotive and electronics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide the essential and fundamental knowledge of mechanical science needed by all engineering students, whilst laying the necessary foundation for more advanced mechanical engineering studies.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to present a structured approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to the writing of a Product Design Specification ready to issue for manufacture. Various design process models and methodologies will be introduced together with creative thinking and problem solving techniques.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop the students' competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem. Students will learn to analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques carrying out the manipulation themselves and also using modern mathematical software.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop the students' competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem. Students will learn to analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques carrying out the manipulation themselves and also using modern mathematical software.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop a practical understanding of engineering products, components and systems, and of the processes of bringing them into being, including design, analysis, materials and manufacture and an awareness of industry and society.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide a broad basic introduction to electrical machines and science for non-specialists. It places an emphasis on d.c. circuit theory, electrical supply and rotating machinery.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

In the second year, you will have the opportunity to study automotive engineering subjects in more depth. These subjects have been designed with the aim of giving you a firm under-pinning of engineering principles. You will also have the opportunity to study a specific vehicle systems module that will introduce the key themes of automotive engineering and should provide a basis for future study.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the details of vehicle technology and to introduce a range of basic physical and virtual experimental methods as used in Automotive or Motorsport applications. Students will study a range of vehicle technologies and typical experimental methods, develop their own development project proposal and conduct a relevant basic experiment.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to build upon the basic principles covered in Mechanical Science and to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of rigid body mechanics and stress analysis. It will teach students to correctly apply solid mechanics theory to design problems by means of practical examples.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to build and develop the fundamentals of thermo-fluids introduced in year 1 by applying the laws of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to engineering applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides students with a range of analytical tools needed for solving modern engineering problems. Students are introduced into the fundamental concepts that an engineer needs to understand in order to formulate and analyse practical problems, and taught to apply their skills to real-world applications.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop the student’s holistic knowledge and understanding of engineering management. It will enable the student to apply theory, exercise judgement, utilise relevant analytical tools and techniques and work in project teams to solve a range of engineering management problems.  

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop a number of key capabilities required in the mechanical/automotive product innovation process. Specifically these include: creativity, management, experimental methods, analysis and synthesis, and the application of information technology tools.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

Following your second year, there is an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between levels 5 and 6 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year, however we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. While the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of a marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your third year you will be encouraged to focus purely on automotive subjects, considering engineering science as it is applied to automobile design, development and manufacture. You will be given the opportunity to define your individual study plan, selecting from a range of options to complement core subjects.

You should develop an awareness of the wider responsibilities of the automotive sector to society, especially in terms of issues relating to ethics, health, safety and sustainability. You will have the opportunity to explore the corporate context of engineering, alongside the commercial and technical risks associated with innovation, with the aim of enabling you to deal with new and unusual challenges in automotive engineering.

You will have the opportunity to participate in individual (MEng and BEng) and group projects (BEng) that can be selected according to your personal interests or future aspiration. Group projects have previously involved Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Formula Student, Shell Eco Marathon, Horiba MIRA and Royal Enfield, whilst recent individual projects have included advanced control strategies for energy management of electric sports cars, assessment of interior safety of autonomous vehicles, modelling of predictive control design for improved vehicle steering control, autonomous vehicle ethics and FEA-based crash optimisation study.

Modules

  • This module aims to equip engineering students with the generic skills and knowledge to enable them to contribute effectively in their professional careers. Students should gain an understanding of project based planning and delivery, sustainability and the environment, ethical practice and professionalism, as well as an appreciation of how their chosen specialism might fit into the overall context of engineering and the wider social, legal and physical environments.

    Compulsory

  • The aims of the project are to give the student a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level; to be a vehicle for integrating the knowledge gained in several subject areas of the degree course; and to allow the student to develop their personal qualities such as initiative, imagination, creativity, communication, organisation, employ IT effectively and solve non-routine problems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate a student's capability in undertaking a complete automotive product innovation process, working as a member of a team.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to give a thorough understanding of the powertrain system in automotive domain. The topics will focus on the different propulsion and drivetrain systems; and the system requirements in order to meet the technology demands as well as the current and future legislation.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to cover the underlying principles governing the flow behaviour associated with ground vehicles aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

On the MEng programme’s fourth year you are given the opportunity to follow one of three taught pathways: Analysis, Dynamics or Powertrain. These should enable you to develop an in-depth specialism in your chosen area of automotive engineering. Alongside these, you will have the opportunity to study a master’s level Business Innovation and Sustainability module, designed to support you in gaining future engineering management positions.

You will also be encouraged to complete a compulsory major Group Innovation Project. This could mean being part of a team designing, making and competing in the Eco-marathon competition or on another large, ongoing automotive project. This should give you a feel for what it is like working on a large engineering project and provide you with the opportunity to apply all the current technical and management skills learnt on the course.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is for the students, working in groups, to formulate a project proposal based on the research and/or development of an innovative design for a product, system, component or process that will fulfil new needs.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is for students, working in groups and in conjunction with industry, to demonstrate an ability to conduct research and/or development of an innovative design for a product, system, component or process that will fulfil new needs.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide students with the ability to develop and implement business innovation and intrapreneurship within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability.

    Compulsory

  • Engineering Simulation and Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical understanding of the analytical techniques commonly used to evaluate and optimise engineering products, components and systems.

    Structures Safety and Impact Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical and analytical understanding of automotive crashworthiness simulation applied to full vehicles and components.

    Optional

  • Automotive Development and Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ capability in the planning, management, running and data analysis of experimental methods that are commonly used throughout the motorsport industry.

    Advanced Ground Vehicle Dynamics and Aerodynamics – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to build on previous knowledge gained in the subject at level 6, by taking into account specific applications relating to the automotive and motorsport operational objectives. This will be achieved through the further advanced study of the subjects of vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics and their interactions with one another.

    Optional

  • Automotive Development and Analysis – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ capability in the planning, management, running and data analysis of experimental methods that are commonly used throughout the motorsport industry.

    Advanced Powertrain – 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to critically analyse the major aspects of the powertrain in automotive engines. Students will extend their knowledge of mechanical engineering into the areas of engine performance and its relation to engine sizing and transmission.

    Optional

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.

As an Assistant Lecturer teaching advanced structural analysis concepts, I have found Coventry University's rich academic environment has allowed me to provide high quality teaching that directly relates to leading research and industry knowledge. As a former Coventry University student myself, I believe the breadth and depth of engineering modules prepared me to become the confident engineer I am today.

Maninder Sehmi, Assistant Lecturer in Automotive Engineering, 2022
Maninder Sehmi sat on a bench inside a building

How you'll learn

This course incorporates a wide range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative Activity-Led Learning philosophy. We aim to motivate you to learn through stimulating activity, such as projects, problem-solving, scenarios and case studies; whether in classroom, laboratory or work settings. This has previously been shown to engage students and create challenges, relevance, integration, professional awareness and variety to supporting you in learning and developing technical, personal and professional skills.

The full range of teaching methods include:

  • Lectures with associated practice
  • Laboratory, workshop exercises and tutorials
  • Problem-based learning in groups with tutor or industrial mentor support
  • Group learning
  • Formative modelling exercises
  • Independent research of library resources, the internet and engineering companies

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week, approximately 16-20 hours per week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-16 contact hours per week in in all years.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, practical or project work, group work, presentations and posters.

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.

Job ready

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of science, processes, materials, design and management to solve problems of increasing complexity.
  • Search for and evaluate information sources to identify information essential to solving engineering problems.
  • Model, analyse and evaluate innovative automotive engineering systems using appropriate engineering science and mathematical analysis techniques to increase performance and efficiency.
  • Synthesise solutions to innovative engineering design problems, selecting appropriate instrumentation for the functional design of innovative engineering products and systems and to support development and test work.
  • Use test equipment and machines for experimental work to support product development.
  • Use commercial software in the solution of engineering problems and communicate graphically the design of a component or system through sketches, CAD etc.
  • Assess the business case for a project, analysing the benefits, uncertainties and risks, including an analysis of stakeholder needs, expectations and their associated impact on the project.
  • Critically analyse the engineering results from a problem associated with stress analysis, aerodynamics, dynamics, noise and vibrations.
  • Plan and implement a strategy, using selected computer tools, for the modelling, simulation and analysis of typical vehicle performance tests ensuring an efficient and effective contribution to the vehicle design process.
  • Understand the requirements of a project, develop work plans, and ensure all the deliverables are met at set deadlines and the project is kept on track from start to finish.

International experience opportunities

The University is committed to providing a global educational experience. We aim to invite international guest speakers (subject to availability). A previous example includes a leading automotive engineering professor at Heilbronn University who gave students a presentation on the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) research and the motion platform driving simulator they have built at Heilbronn.

We also provide opportunities to participate in a number of field trips*, which in the past has included: test work at the GM proving ground; a tour of the Ford F150 factory in Detroit, USA; a tour of Hirata, a Japanese Tier 1 automotive supplier for Ford, Chrysler and GM; participation on a certificated training course with Altair on Inspire; and visits to Mahle Powertrain, the University of Michigan and Chrysler Building.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A Level ABB-BBB to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Further Mathematics, Electronics, Computing, ICT or Engineering. Excludes General Studies
BTEC D*DD-DDM in an Engineering subject to include Mathematics and Further Mathematics for Technicians.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English, Mathematics, or specified equivalents. Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. For information regarding what might amount to a ‘specified equivalents’ please fill in our request information form.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

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.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment.

Cruden F1 simulator

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

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

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

Fully accredited by the IMechE for 2022-23 entry, this course is recognised by industry, providing credibility of the technical standard of our successful graduates among employers.

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 and Mahle Powertrain.

How to apply

  • 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 2022/23 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.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    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. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).

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