BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time
UCAS code • HH13
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Engineering
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Students on this course complete project work researching and designing the SHU racing car. View examples of this project work.
View profiles of students on this course
View a 360 degree tour of our precision workshop.
Watch a video of Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talking about our engineering courses.
Read about SHU Racing and our formula racing team.
Watch a video about our formula student racing car and the benefits of being involved in the team.
Find out about Creative Spark, our annual graduate showcase of final year students' work, and Brightest Spark, an exhibition featuring projects completed by our elite students.
Find out about our engineering teaching team.
Sheffield Hallam University has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its innovative work in engaging with regional and national employers. Find out more.
Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
Find out more about some of our recent field trips.
At a glance
Learn how to design and engineer the technical aspects of cars and other automotive vehicles in design labs and engineering workshops that prepare you for the workplace. Then apply for a placement with major manufacturers like BMW and Pirelli and earn around £14,000 while you study.
Key points
• Learn skills to analyse and design major technical aspects of vehicles.
• Develop practical skills, basing your studies around our labs and workshops.
• Gain a placement with international companies like Bosch, Toyota and Nissan.
What is automotive design technology?
Automotive design technology is the study of the design and engineering of vehicles and their systems. It builds upon mechanical engineering principles and industry standard methods, to provide the skills required to work as an engineering designer in the automotive industry, in the UK and abroad.
The UK automotive sector is currently very strong, producing over one million cars and commercial vehicles and over two million engines annually. It employs over 700,000 people, from manufacturing to retailing, and contributes £8.5bn added value to the economy. To ensure its continued success it invests significantly in research and development projects, and automotive design technology represents a core part of this investment.
This course
Prepare for a career designing and manufacturing vehicles and automotive components on a course with firm foundations in engineering design. This course allows you to explore and appreciate the specific engineering challenges involved in designing a vehicle. It combines theoretical and practical modules with a one-year placement in industry.
As a student on this course, you
• gain the knowledge and skills needed in the automotive engineering design and production industries
• develop skills in computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM)
• study the process of engineering problem solving
You also develop your ability to design a vehicle that performs its functions in a reliable, safe, economical and environmentally-friendly manner.
Your teaching team consist of staff with doctoral level qualifications, chartered engineering status, and relevant industrial experience. Such a diverse range of backgrounds ensures that you gain a well-rounded education with experts to guide you in every area of your studies.
We have a workshop, a vehicle laboratory and an engine test bed with emissions measurement equipment of industry standard allowing you to develop your practical skills on equipment you will find in the workplace. You use these facilities for experiments, project work and the Formula Student car build. Other facilities include CAD systems running industrial packages and rapid prototyping.
Once you’ve developed your skills in professional-standard facilities, you get to apply them in industry with a paid placement year. This course has a good reputation within the industry and previous students have worked at major engineering companies and component suppliers such as • BMW Group • Bosch • Pirelli • Toyota • Nissan.
This placement is a great way to improve your future career prospects and your subject and industry understanding, making you more valuable to employers. It can lead to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate, or a graduate scheme. It is also an opportunity to earn while you study, the average placement salary for a student is £14,000.
If you have an interest in automotive engineering and motor racing you can apply for membership of SHU Racing to take part in Formula Student. Numbers are limited to students with the potential to benefit from the experience, and the ability to produce work of a high quality.
Key areas of study
The course provides a strong technical grounding that covers
• design engineering
• materials selection
• human factors involved in vehicles
• automotive systems such as braking, transmission and chassis
You gain an understanding of the regulation and legislative needs of modern vehicles in a global setting. This includes protecting against global warming while providing comfort, safety and performance.
You can enhance your CV and your learning with extra-curricular engineering projects that run alongside the course, such as Formula Student or the Heavy Lifting Challenge.
Find out more about BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology
Related courses
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• examinations • coursework • drawings • models • posters • reports • working prototypes
You also take larger individual and team design projects, which we assess at certain stages and by final report.
Find out about work placements and how we can support your placement experience.
Optional year-long work placements are normally gained by competitive interview and are not a guaranteed part of a course.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and is the first step to becoming an incorporated engineer.
Key Information Set 
Formula student racing car coursework
Students on this course are split into teams and given a budget to research and design part of our formula student racing car.
Find out more about some of the teams' projects by clicking on the thumbnail image.
Suspension - Jake Dockerill and Ash Prentice 
The main aim was to improve the current suspension system by saving weight, making it easier to work on and making it more efficient.
As the rear suspension worked fairly well the only areas for improvement involved moving of the shocks closer to the centre of the car and adding the more adjustable air shocks.
For the front suspension we looked at F1, F3 and other ‘Formula’ style cars around the world. Based on this we decided that a single shock on the front was the way forward.
Pedal box - Alistair Littlewood and Luke Devine
The aim was to select a suitable assembly to allow the driver to operate throttle, brake & clutch systems within the cockpit.
With a budget of £500 select a suitable system which would meet all design regulations and requirements. The assembly must integrate with the car braking system, throttle intake system and clutch operation system.
Transmission and drive-train design
- Damian Brooks and Damon Cammish
The aim of the project was to design a performance transmission and drive train system for use on the Formula student car.
With a set budget of £1,000 the team set out to design a solution in which would deliver torque created by the Yamaha R6 engine to the driven wheels, whilst maximising traction between the tyre and road surface through all driving conditions,
and reducing mechanical losses to increase performance.
Steering system
- Adam Hawkins and Edwin Smith
The project aim was to decide on the most appropriate steering system for the car, while meeting Formula student rules and criteria.
We chose rack and pinion as it is a tried, tested and trusted relatively simple design with few moving parts. We decided that it would be a better and more effective system than using push rods.
Developing an improved rear suspension system for front wheel drive cars - Will Hunter
The aim of the work was to develop a retro-fitable rear suspension to improve vehicle road holding and handling performance.
In order to do this, the set up must provide good control of wheel camber during cornering, and the design should minimise any rear load space intrusion
James Gilbert
BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology, 2010 graduate
'I chose to study at Sheffield Hallam because I am from Sheffield and I knew it had a good engineering department and it was offering the course I was interested in.
'I did the engineering preparatory year first which gave me a good grounding in engineering before carrying on with the degree. After graduating I think I would like to work in either engine design and development or body styling.
'During my first year I got involved with the Sheffield Hallam University Racing Team where we built a racing car and took it to Silverstone. This has given me experiences which I would not have had in a class room and which I can talk about in interviews.
'Having gained some hands on experience working on the racing car helped me when I undertook a placement year at Lubrizol.
'An example of where I have the facilities within ACES have been helpful is in my final year project where have been able to make use of the diesel engine when carrying out test work.
'Whilst at university I have had support for my dyslexia which has meant I have been able to take exams in a smaller room.
'The best things about Sheffield Hallam University is that it’s a nice modern university, its clean and tidy and the lectures are all pleasant and helpful.'
Profiles
James Gilbert
BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology, 2010 graduate
Engineering precision workshop
The workshop is supported by technicians who are there to provide you with help and guidance. You can use the facilities for individual projects outside timetabled classes.
About our courses (1:19)
Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talks about studying engineering courses at Sheffield Hallam. Mark covers topics including employability, practical-skills building, specialist facilities and student support.
SHU Racing
SHU Racing 2011 team
Students from almost every engineering and technology course make up our SHU Racing team. If you feel you have the enthusiasm and dedication to work on an exciting motorsport project from start to finish, then you could be an ideal team member.
SHU Racing develops your personal and technical skills. It gives you valuable business experience as the outcome relies on the performance of every team member.
You work on every part of the project including • design • manufacture • business • liaising with sponsors. This experience increases your value to all types of engineering companies when you graduate.
You design, build and test the car with a view to competing in the Formula Student event at Silverstone.
The Formula Student competition, which is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, aims to inspire and develop young engineers. Universities from across the globe are challenged to design and build a single-seat racing car which is judged for its racing performance, design and the strength of the teams' business models.
Cars are judged by a panel of experts from the field of automotive engineering. The competition is backed by Ross Brawn OBE, who has worked for a number of Formula One teams, serving as the technical director of the championship-winning Benetton and Ferrari teams.
SHU Racing and the Formula Student project is a popular choice for many of our students as a final year project. It also forms an integral part of the BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology.
Formula student (2:02)
Watch a video about the benefits of being involved in the SHU Formula student racing team.
Previous SHU Racing team members have gone on to work for Formula 1 racing teams.
Download a transcript of this video.
Spark - be creative
Subjects included are • animation • architecture • computers • creative writing • digital media production • engineering • fashion design • film and visual effects • film and media production • fine art • furniture and product design • games design • graphic design • interior design • jewellery and metalwork • performing arts • photography • product design.
Creative Spark
Creative Spark is an annual showcase of student work and celebrates the innovation, creativity and imagination of our most talented graduates. Creative Spark is hosted across four university venues • Owen • Cantor • Sheaf • Arundel Gate Court and S1 in the city centre.
For further information visit the Creative Spark website.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is an exhibition housed in the SIA Gallery and Cantor building. This exhibition features the elite students in each Sheffield of Institute of Arts course as chosen by industry professionals.
For further information visit the Brightest Spark website.
Project Spark
Sheffield Hallam students have the opportunity to play a key role in the promotion of the Creative Spark and Brightest Spark exhibitions by submitting entries for Project Spark. The 2012 competitions included • concept design • branding and wayfinding • creative writing • image • brightest spark logo and branding.
For further information visit the Project Spark website.
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
I am a senior lecturer in thermo-fluids. I am interested in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology and applications. Before moving to Sheffield Hallam, I was a research associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge.
I also spent part time in the CFD Lab, which is part of the Acoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Turbomachinery and Thermodynamics Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge.
From 2003-2006, I worked as a research associate in the Aeronautical and Automatics Engineering Department, Loughborough University.
I studied for a PhD degree in the Aerodynamic Flight Mechanics Research Group, Southampton University, in 2003. And I obtained my first and master degrees, and used to be a lecture at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
Research interests
• fundamentals of turbulence
• direct numerical simulation (DNS) of compressibility effects in wall-bounded channel flow
• large eddy simulation (LES) of fan/outlet guide vane (OGV) broadband noise prediction
• les for short take-off and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL)
• turbine blade cooling
• biomechanical
• fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
On leaving school I became a craft apprentice in a defence company manufacturing naval artillery, where I was trained as a precision miller-turner-fitter. In 1989 I was awarded a Whitworth Scholarship from the IMechE to encourage practical engineers to seek higher education, which led to my enrolment on a Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at The University of Leeds.
In my first year I transferred onto mechanical engineering to get a more general education, and by the third year I developed an interest in computer modelling of how fluids behave. I was awarded prizes from the IMechE and Sun Microcomputers for project work, a Parkinson scholarship for continued study from the University, and sponsorship from International Paper to embark on a PhD research degree into thin film generation for the printing industry.
I was then employed as a Research Fellow in the Industrial Coating Research Group, where I focused on the transference of academic research to industrial problems, working with companies such as Kodak, 3M, and Ilford.
I moved to a leading industrial consultancy company called Fluent in 1998, and became focused on thermo-fluids and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). I worked in materials processing industries, helping manufacturers apply technology to understand how to make better glass, polymer, and metals products.
In 2005 I began teaching engineering fundamentals and their industrial applications to students. I joined engineering at Sheffield Hallam leading the teaching for thermo-fluids and CFD, and supervising PhD students.
In 2009 I recognised an opportunity to start-up a new venture in the University called Hallam Energy which works directly with industry to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions by the application of technology.
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Phone 0114 225 4852
E-mail k.vernon-parry@shu.ac.uk
I studied materials science at Oxford University, and also completed my DPhil there, which was on the microstructure and properties of superconducting thin films. After a post-doctoral position at Oxford, I moved to the University of Manchester and then to UMIST. In 2004 I came to Sheffield Hallam University, becoming a senior lecturer in 2006. I have been course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering (prep year) since January 2009.
I am interested in the correlation between the structure and the physical properties of materials at the atomic scale. In the past 10 years this has concentrated on the development and evolution of process-induced defects in semiconductors, initially ion implantation damage in silicon and silicon-germanium alloys, and more recently defects such as grain boundaries in multicrystalline semiconducting diamond. Such studies are in support of electronic device development. I also collaborate with the electroceramics group at Manchester University to investigate the role of specific dopant species in varistor formulations.
I have recently become involved in a multi-disciplinary research program developing 'intelligent' materials, particularly for healthcare applications.
I am a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College and am a Member of the Institute of Physics
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
I trained as an apprentice engineer in the hand tools industry, during which time I completed a degree in mechanical and production engineering.
After graduating I worked in the design departments of a number of companies designing special purpose machine tools before beginning a postgraduate teaching qualification. I subsequently taught a range of engineering subjects in the further education sector for eight years before joining Sheffield Hallam in 1990.
My role is a Portfolio Director with responsibility for all the BSc technology degrees, and I teach on several design modules at all years of the courses.
I am a chartered mechanical engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
My areas of interest and research are design, design management, the implementation of new technology and engineering education. I have completed a range of research and consultancy work with companies implementing new technology or developing new products and have written around 30 publications.
The most recent development in my portfolio has been the addition of an aerospace technology degree and this has proved very exciting for me.
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
I gained an upper second degree in BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Humberside University in1994.
I then studied for a PhD at York University, applying artificial intelligence techniques to the control of antenna systems, resulting in the development of a software package and the publication of a number of international papers.
After gaining my doctorate in 1997, I worked as a research associate for a number of years, first at Hull University, developing fault monitoring and diagnosis systems. I then worked at the University of Sheffield developing an artificial intelligent control system for a chemical processing plant. In 2000 I became a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam.
I am currently head of undergraduate admissions for engineering and have designed courses for a number employers including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Kimberly-Clark in collaboration with Derby College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and North Lindsey College. This has helped to ensure that our courses are relevant to the needs of industry.
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
I am a senior lecturer in the engineering design subject group. I am a time served engineer with professional experience in design, manufacturing, logistics and organisational development.
I teach on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, with a bias towards design and manufacture. I am particularly keen on developing the formal and informal formative experiences of undergraduate engineers; especially within the aerospace degrees, which are a relatively new group of degrees at Sheffield Hallam. I feel well placed to do this as I am a qualified gliding instructor and own my own glider.
My education was in manufacturing systems engineering. I also have a postgraduate degree (Technical Licentiate) from Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. This was for research into off-line programming of coordinate measuring machines (CMM's) and standards for data transfer between CMM's and computer aided design (CAD) software.
My previous academic role was as a senior lecturer in the Department of Manufacturing Development at Lulea University of Technology (LTU). For the last few years I have been a freelance consultant in logistics and LEAN. I divide my time between Sweden, where I have lived for the past 20 years, and the UK.
I have some 20 research publications to my name. Areas in which I have carried out research or have particular skills include CAD/CAM, CNC machining, metal cutting, metrology, robotics, organisational development, LEAN, workspace design and pedagogy.
Profiles
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
University recognised for its links with industry
Sheffield Hallam University were shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its "innovative" work in engaging with regional and national employers.
The University was nominated in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative category for its work delivering flexible engineering education, which has been recognised as a "strategic and innovative approach to delivering employers’ workforce development needs."
Through its "engineering hub", the University works with industrial partners such as Rolls-Royce, Kimberly-Clark and Severn Trent Water to offer their employees the chance to study while they work.
Employees can study on the University's Integrated Engineering course, which has four specialist engineering routes and leads to professional accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Technology.
Delivery of the courses is completely flexible allowing for staff development that suits business requirements.
Gary Herbert, a mechanical technician for Kimberly-Clark, has been studying for a foundation degree at the University, which offers him the flexibility to learn with ten days' study time over the academic year.
He said: "I have been working in my technician role for the last 12 years. This opportunity to study through Sheffield Hallam University gives me a chance to consolidate the knowledge I have acquired through my role within Kimberly-Clark alongside a more academic route."
Rolls-Royce has worked with the University to support the development of its young engineers.
Chris Keane, from Rolls-Royce's UK apprentice development team, said: "The foundation degree has provided an excellent framework in which to develop Rolls-Royce's engineers of the future. The students are able to develop their knowledge and qualifications quickly, whilst continuing to contribute to the company."
Martin Howarth, head of the engineering and mathematics department at the University, said: "We identified the need for greater flexibility in both course content and delivery in order to meet the needs of both employers and their staff.
"Our flexible approach means employers can choose how and when their staff access learning, as well as contribute to the course content.
"This ensures we are providing consistent, relevant education and making a key contribution to the development of engineers in the United Kingdom."
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
Nissan
Our second year students attended the Annual University Engineering Summit at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Bedfordshire. The students had a tour of the test building gaining an insight into • emissions testing using rolling roads • full car environmental chamber testing to simulate Arctic or Sahara conditions • crash testing • anti-theft innovations • Nissan Leaf, their new electric vehicle, which cost $5 billion to develop.
All the students were encouraged to apply to Nissan’s graduate employment programme, so you never know – one day you may be driving a car designed by one of our students.
Bentley Motors
30 final year Automotive Design Technology students recently visited Bentley Motors in Crewe where they currently produce five models with variants. The basic five are • Mulsanne • Continental convertible • Continental Flying Spur • Continental Coupe • Continental GT. Our students learnt about the operation and the two production lines. The current production of approx. 8,500 per year is set to rise to 10,000 by next year and Bentley recently recruited 25 apprentices.
