Automotive Engineering

The first two years of our five degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees They contain several automotive related threads of activity linked to our design and manufacture modules and the weekly subject specific tutorials that we run throughout first and second year. In Years 3 and 4 you’ll take modules in your specialism.

In Years 1 and 2, you’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll also undertake the first year design and manufacture project. Since many engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Building on this foundation, you’ll explore vehicle design and analysis in detail in Year 3. You’ll focus on vehicle modelling, tyre-ground forces, acceleration and vehicle handling behaviour. You’ll also study further thermofluids including combustion engine cycles, turbomachinery and compressible flow dynamics, and predict the stresses, vibration and buckling of automotive structures. In this year you’ll also choose a specialist optional module, allowing you to focus either on robotics and machine intelligence or manufacturing systems.

You will undertake an individual project in your third year and you will be able to select from a broad range of projects each year, many of which are directly linked to automotive engineering, including the Formula Student Car.

If you continue into Year 4 for the MEng qualification, you’ll study chassis design and analysis and modern drivetrain technology in detail. You’ll also have a broader choice of optional modules, allowing you to focus on topics that relate to your interests and career plans. This year also gives you the chance to work with your supervisor to apply your knowledge and skills to a specific engineering problem when you complete a team project.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Computers in Engineering Analysis 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 1 20 credits
• Thermofluids 1 20 credits
• Solid Mechanics 20 credits
• Engineering Materials 20 credits
• Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Engineering Mechanics 20 credits
• Vibration and Control 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 2 20 credits
• Economics and Management 20 credits
• Mechatronics and Measurement Systems 20 credits
• Thermofluids 2 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Vehicle Design and Analysis 20 credits
• Thermofluids 3 20 credits
• Individual Engineering Project 40 credits
• Finite Element Methods of Analysis 20 credits

Optional modules

• Robotics and Machine Intelligence 20 credits
• Additive Manufacturing 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Team Project 60 credits
• Automotive Chassis Engineering 15 credits
• Automotive Driveline Engineering