University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Automotive Engineering with foundation year

Coventry University
Qualification
Degree
Length
4 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Worth knowing: about 27% of students don't make it past first year here - ask the uni what support they offer.
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Automotive engineering is one of the most dynamic areas of professional engineering, currently undergoing a transformation that is as significant as the invention of the internal combustion engine itself. The transition to electric vehicles, the development of autonomous driving systems, and the integration of advanced materials, software, and connectivity into vehicle design are reshaping an industry that remains one of the largest employers of engineers in the world. An automotive engineering degree prepares you to participate in and lead that transformation.

At Coventry University, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that makes it accessible to students who have a genuine passion for cars, engineering, and design but need to build their mathematical and scientific foundations before entering the degree proper. You will study the principles of mechanical engineering, including dynamics, thermodynamics, materials, and structures, alongside the specialist automotive content of vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, aerodynamics, vehicle electronics, and the design and manufacturing processes that characterise the automotive industry. The course includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement, giving you direct professional experience in the automotive sector alongside international academic exposure.

The typical entry tariff is 72 UCAS points.

Graduates from automotive engineering programmes go on to work in vehicle design, powertrain development, vehicle dynamics, autonomous systems, manufacturing engineering, and technical project management with automotive OEMs, tier-one suppliers, motorsport teams, and engineering consultancies. Further study at master's level in automotive engineering, electric vehicle systems, or related specialisms is available for those who wish to deepen their expertise.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
<48 pts20%
48-63 pts20%
64-79 pts50%
96-111 pts10%
How they qualified
100% got in with A-levels.
A-levels100%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
95%
In work or further study after
73%
Continue past first year
76%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£30,000
3 years on
£37,000
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Skilled trades occupations5%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled45%
Sales occupations5%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled20%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
76%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching80%
Assessment & feedback71%
Academic support68%
Well organised76%
Learning resources78%
Student community74%
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Coventry University's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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