Automobile Engineering

About the course

The School of the Built Environment and Engineering at the University of Bolton has an excellent level of expertise in the field of automobile engineering and has successfully delivered courses on the subject for more than 30 years. In the 2007 National Student Survey, Mechanical / Automobile Engineering at the University of Bolton came third in the UK for student satisfaction.

The department has dedicated automobile and engine test facilities – including state-of-the-art computer software used in the industry – where testing will be carried out using the department’s rally car and Porsche racing car. A Formula Student programme is now under way in which students are closely involved in developing and building their own racing car. In addition, you will have access to our excellent engineering laboratories and the university’s unique Design Studio with design, analysis and simulation software.

Some testing will be carried out at external venues or motor racing circuits such as Aintree and Oulton Park. You will also have the opportunity, subject to availability, to visit relevant industrial sites and motor shows.

Teaching staff have an excellent reputation, both nationally and internationally, for their current research into automotive electronic systems, vehicle crashworthiness and composite materials.

You will benefit from the department’s well established links with the automotive industry in the UK which includes Leyland Technical Centre, Fontaine, Bentley as well as other leading North West companies and organisations.

You will study through a mix of theory and hands-on exercises which include case studies, practical/laboratory work and problem solving-based projects carried out in a workshop or engineering design environment.

What you will learn

At least 25% of most modules are assessed through assignments which include a substantial amount of hands-on testing and this focus on applied skills is a theme throughout the course, reflecting working practices in the present-day industry.

Through your studies you will develop a full understanding of automotive computer systems and electronics, you will learn about vehicle handling, chassis aerodynamics and suspension mechanics as well as the fundamentals of internal combustion science and tuning.

You will also gain an insight into the broader issues of transport and the environment and business and managerial skills such as project management, IT and formal presentations.

In your final year you will work on a project module which will give you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in an area relevant to your own interests. You will also be encouraged to work on live projects or participate in the Formula Student competition.

Special features

• You will have access to dedicated materials and state-of-the art engine testing facilities, vehicle systems and engineering laboratories, the university’s unique Design Studio and Innovation Factory.

• The Design Studio is equipped with industry standard engineering design and analysis software. It brings together a broad range of design disciplines including designers, engineers, technologists and students in a pioneering new concept in design development and knowledge transfer between industry and academia.

• The Innovation Factory was opened in 2007 and is a purpose-built facility designed to bring together industry and academia to create innovative products and processes. With an investment of more than £2m it contains an outstanding range of design and engineering facilities including specialist workshops, laboratories and testing facilities.

Careers and professional development

There are many opportunities open to graduates of the course as skills in automobile engineering are very much in demand by the highly competitive international marketplace.

The multidisciplinary nature of the course will help you to enter many different areas of employment in the motor industry including vehicle design, testing and development, motorsport, as well as broader roles in the industry such as communications and IT.

Graduates may also use the degree to pursue further studies and research related to the motor industry.

Professional recognition

The BEng (Hons) course has been designed to meet the academic requirements leading to Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. Please see the Engineering Council UK website for further details. The course is also designed to meet the academic requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Mode of attendance: Full-time