Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering at Leeds develops you for a sector undergoing its most significant transformation in a century. The shift from internal combustion to electric powertrains, the advance of autonomous and connected vehicle systems, and the pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of road transport are reshaping what automotive engineers do and what skills they need. Those entering the profession now will spend much of their career working on technologies that are still being invented, making the ability to think rigorously, adapt quickly and understand the underlying engineering science as important as specific technical knowledge.
At the University of Leeds this four-year, full-time programme builds from the fundamental engineering sciences, including mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, electronics and fluid dynamics, toward the specialist areas of automotive engineering, such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain design, chassis systems, electric and hybrid technology, aerodynamics and control systems. You will develop the quantitative and analytical skills to model, design, test and evaluate vehicle systems, and you will engage with the regulatory, environmental and commercial contexts that shape engineering decisions. The programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad and a work placement, all of which give you direct experience in automotive or engineering industries and international contexts before graduation.
Graduates move into roles across vehicle design and development, powertrain engineering, systems integration, software-defined vehicle development, testing and validation, and the supply chain supporting major manufacturers. Electric vehicle technology, autonomous systems and sustainable transport are areas of particular growth where new engineering talent is urgently needed. Some graduates continue to postgraduate study in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical systems or related fields, building on the undergraduate foundation to develop deeper specialist expertise.