This course will prepare you for a career in both traditional mechanical engineering and in the electric and hybrid automotive industries, as well as in motorsport sector.

From 2035, all new vehicles sold in the UK must be electric, which means that the next generation of automotive engineers needs to be trained now to meet the needs of this rapidly changing industry. The development of hybrid, electric and autonomous vehicle technology to replace traditional internal combustion engines is already transforming the automotive engineering sector.

The key issues facing automotive engineers include designing sustainable hybrid and electric vehicles that meet increasing safety and performance standards and challenging cost-efficiency targets. As well as in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering, specialist knowledge and skills are also needed to succeed in this sector. That’s why you’ll learn both traditional automotive engineering and electric, hybrid vehicle technology. You’ll also develop an awareness of the commercial issues that impact design and production processes.

Studying automotive engineering at Leeds will develop your abilities, knowledge and skills – and our close links with industry ensure that you’ll be prepared to meet the most pressing needs of the automotive and motorsport sectors. From your first day, you'll be encouraged to join our Formula Student team, Leeds Gryphon Racing and engage in the development of an IC, electric or autonomous race cars. Early participation in Formula Student and motorsport activities has helped some of our students secure industrial placements with leading automotive companies, Formula Electric and Formula One teams.

Course details

The first two years of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In years three and four you’ll take modules in your chosen specialism. You’ll also study engineering ethics throughout your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of study.

Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. You’ll be taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, as well as your lecturers, covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.

The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.