Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineering applies the principles of mechanical engineering to the design, development, and manufacture of vehicles. It is a discipline undergoing significant transformation as the industry shifts from combustion engines to electric powertrains, integrates increasingly sophisticated software and sensing systems, and works towards vehicles that can operate autonomously. Automotive engineers need both a strong mechanical foundation and an openness to working across the boundaries of electronics, software, materials science, and systems engineering.

At Wrexham University, this three-year full-time degree is designed in response to the genuine shortage of mechanical and automotive engineers in the UK workforce. It is intended for students who have a clear interest in mechanical engineering and want to develop their knowledge and skills with a specific focus on the automotive context. The programme includes a foundation year, providing a supported entry route that builds the mathematical and scientific foundations needed for degree-level engineering study.

A placement or work experience year is built into the course, giving you direct industry exposure and the chance to apply your developing skills in a professional engineering environment.

You will study the core mechanical engineering disciplines, including thermodynamics, dynamics, materials, manufacturing processes, and design, alongside modules that address the specific engineering challenges of vehicle systems. You will develop practical laboratory and workshop skills alongside analytical and computational methods.

Graduates from automotive engineering programmes work in vehicle design and development, manufacturing engineering, testing and validation, and motorsport. The mechanical engineering foundation also opens roles in related sectors including aerospace, defence, energy, and industrial manufacturing. As the industry continues to electrify and digitalise, skills in power electronics, control systems, and embedded software are increasingly complementary, and many graduates pursue further study or professional development in these areas.

Chartered Engineer status through an appropriate professional body is a pathway for those who develop their practice over time.