Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng)

Overview

This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to meet the needs of the automotive industry in the advanced areas of analysis, design and manufacture.

Traditionally, the sector has been associated with high-volume vehicle manufacture, but the past decade has seen the landscape shift towards automotive component manufacturers and specialist design and consultancy house.

This course will prepare you to work in a range of different settings. Core modules will develop your knowledge of key fields such as chassis and driveline engineering, as well as vehicle and product systems design. You’ll then choose from optional modules on topics that suit your own interests and career intentions.

We put particular emphasis on computational methods and software packages in automotive engineering analysis, design and manufacture. Depending on the modules you choose, you could use Matlab, Abaqus finite element code, Fluent CFD, SolidWorks CAE and LabView (DAQ and control).

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from working in world-class specialist facilities for different aspects of automotive engineering. These include a brake test area and measurement lab, as well as the latest industry-standard software for computational fluid dynamics and finite element modelling of systems and materials. ADAMS software is also available for suspension simulation.

High-level CNC and wire EDM facilities are available in the Faculty workshop, and we have cutting-edge tribology facilities to study wear on engine parts. There’s even a ‘stirred bomb’ for characterising fuel ignition and advanced engines with optical access. If you get involved with Formula Student race car, you’ll also use our dedicated car build area including computerised engine test bays.

Course content

Core modules will give you a solid knowledge base in key areas of automotive engineering. You’ll build your understanding of how vehicle and product systems are designed and developed, as well as automotive driveline and chassis engineering.

This foundation will allow you to gain specialist knowledge in areas that particularly interest you when you choose from our range of optional modules. You could focus on topics such as computational methods, tribology, combustion in engines or applications of mechatronics among many others.

In the two taught semesters you’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation, experimentation and writing up in the summer months. You could even get involved with the Formula Student race car through your project.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Automotive Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Modules

_{Compulsory modules}

• Automotive Chassis Engineering
• Automotive Driveline Engineering
• Engineering Psychology and Human Factors
• Professional Project
• Team Design and Build Project

_{Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)}

• Design Optimisation - MSc
• Vehicle Design and Analysis
• Engineering Computational Methods
• Tribology and Surface Engineering
• Advanced Finite Element Analysis
• Vehicle and Product Systems Design
• Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.

Applying, fees and funding

_{English language requirements}

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

_{How to apply}

Application deadlines

Applicants are encourgaed to apply as early as possible for taught postrgraduate courses. The Faculty of Engineering will only consider applications made before the dates stated below, subject to places being available.

31 July - International applications

10 September - UK/EU applications

APPLY 

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

 If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

_Fees

• UK/EU: £10,500 (total)
• International: £22,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

_{Scholarships and financial support}

The School of Mechanical Engineering offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our Scholarships.

Career opportunities

Career prospects are excellent and with this qualification you should expect to find employment in the automotive and motor sport industries.

Graduates from this programme are working for employers such as Bentley Motors, BMW UK, Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Nissan Motor Company, Renault F1 (Lotus Renault GP), Red Bull Racing and Ricardo UK.

Alternatively, you may choose to work in the general engineering industry, undertake PhD study or move into a completely different field such as finance or teaching.

Visit the Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng) page on the University of Leeds website for more details!