Everything you need to know...
-
What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
-
Where will I study?
-
What are the entry requirements?
-
What is the UCAS code?
A027
-
When do I start?
September 2025
-
Placement year available?
Yes

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Course summary
- Understand key technologies such as electric and autonomous vehicles.
- Explore the economic, environmental and social implications of automotive production.
- Engage in professional and sustainable practices right from the beginning.
- Experience live projects, simulations, aerodynamics and diverse disciplines.
- Prepare for the full degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
The course prepares you for a range of roles in the automotive industry, providing you with the right environment, facilities, skills and training to be successful in the industry. You’ll explore various aspects of automotive design, development, testing, manufacturing, electronics and performance analysis – emerging as a highly skilled graduate ready to solve current and future problems in the industry.
This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering course, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.
How you learn
This course is designed for you to gain experience as a professional engineer from day one, where you’ll develop technical and professional skills from the very start.
You’ll experience and engage in a variety of learning activities as you progress through the course. We’ve designed a balanced mix of activities to help challenge you to think creatively, build knowledge and understanding, while also developing your professional skills and employability. These include practical laboratories and computer simulations to enhance your learning – with lab experiments designed to reinforce your learning of theoretical concepts.
You learn through:
- Diverse lectures emphasising peer collaboration.
- Tutorials to practise and apply your knowledge ahead of assessments.
- Hands-on lab experience including computational modelling and simulation.
- Q&A and discussions for self-assessment and understanding.
- Support sessions for receiving feedback and preparing for assessments.
- Teamwork activities for collaboration in an innovative environment.
- Multidisciplinary project-based learning to apply knowledge, creativity, design, critical analysis and professional skills to real-world projects.
Course topics
This course provides an in-depth study of the underpinning principles and practices involved in automotive engineering. It covers various aspects of automotive design, development, testing, manufacturing and performance analysis.
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience while core modules cover the key aspects of automotive engineering. These range from electric, hybrid and internal combustion propulsion to automotive powertrains and vehicle systems, performance, dynamics, aerodynamics and styling. You’ll also explore sustainable materials, manufacturing and production – plus numerical methods, modelling and simulation.
Course-level support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-on-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- The Engineering Café, a weekly drop-in session where you can ask questions and get advice from academics.
- A dedicated Maths and Stats Support drop-in session that runs twice a week.
Course leaders and tutors

Tim Spencer
Research FellowTim's research at MERI involves the application of theory and simulation techniques for the predictive modelling of real life systems that involve fluids.
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Although optional (and competitive), a placement is actively encouraged to significantly improve your employability at the end of the degree. Previous students have undertaken placements at BorgWarner, Cummins and Forvia Faurecia.
Live projects
Throughout the course, you’ll gain practical experience working on live projects set by our industry partners. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in the SHU Racing Team – applying your skills and knowledge to build, test and design race cars. Here you’ll experience what it’s like to collaborate with engineers from different disciplines and solve complex automotive challenges.
Previous students have also worked on live projects with McLaren, Red Bull, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Field trips
You’ll have the opportunity to visit leading automotive engineering companies such as Bentley Motors, Morgan and Toyota. Explore the full spectrum of the automotive sector, delving into the operations of both specialist companies and international manufacturers. Gain invaluable insights into the diverse facets of automotive engineering in real-world settings.
Networking opportunities
Throughout the course you’ll have numerous opportunities to engage with career management, career fairs and workshops, employer presentations, visits, and professional advisers. You’ll gain professional engagement and real-world learning from guest speakers, practising tutors, and work placements.
Competitions
You’ll get the opportunity to take part in national and international engineering competitions.
These include Formula Student – where you design and build a race car and race it at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. There’s also the Heavy Lift Challenge – which involves designing and building a remote-controlled aircraft.
Future careers
- Manufacturing
- Design research and development
- Production
- Automotive transport
- Building services
- Medical engineering
- Sport equipment design
- Power generation
- Alternative energy
- Automation and robotics
- Product testing
- Project management
- Aerospace
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- BMW Manufacturing
- Caterpillar
- Cummins
- DJ Engineering Services
- EDF Energy
- General Motors
- Intertec UK
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Kongsberg Automotive
- LUK (UK)
- Nissan
- Prospec
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Rolls-Royce
- Severn Controls
- Triumph Motorcycles
- Unilever
- ZF TRW
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
- Science at grade C or 4
*GCSE Equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy or Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Level 2 Numeracy or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Learn more about your department
As part of SHU Racing you can design and build a car, then race against other universities at Silverstone. Team Principal Max Vollans talks about what's involved.
Equipment and facilities
On this course, you’ll have access to our cutting-edge teaching spaces, laboratories and workshops, including:
- Rapid prototyping equipment to create accurate prototypes of product designs from CAD-generated information
- A 5-axis machining centre which completes the CAD/CAM cycle
- Computer simulations
- A robotics laboratory to study computer-controlled manufacturing equipment
- An automotive workshop for engine testing
- A wind tunnel for aerodynamic studies
- A steering and suspension test rig for vehicle technology and dynamics
360 tour - engineering facilities
Media Gallery
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module supports and broadens your learning through practical experiments and application of mathematical knowledge. As an engineer or mathematician you’ll need to develop a variety of experimental and transferable skills as part of your education and ongoing professional development.
You’ll study topics such as:
-
Mechanical laboratory experiments
-
Electrical and electronic practical work and skills
-
Mathematical case studies with real-world problems
-
Town planning and traffic management
-
Monitoring natural phenomena
-
How to design experiments
-
How to deal with experimental errors
-
Scientific writing
This module introduces you to core topics in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll develop an awareness of mathematics contexts and your ability to apply mathematics appropriately.
You’ll study topics such as:
-
Numbers and order of operations
-
Algebra, mathematical functions and solving simple equations
-
Geometry including trigonometry of right-angled triangles
-
Vector addition and resolution
-
Technology for calculations and plot graphs
-
Ohm's Law and capacitance
-
LR, CR and LCR circuits
-
AC theory
-
SI units and motion in a straight line (rectilinear)
-
Forces, friction and equilibrium
This module consolidates your previous learning, developing further essential skills in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll study mathematical, electrical and mechanical areas of the subject with a structured approach to problem solving.
You’ll study topics such as:
-
Functions and product, quotient, chain rules, gradients, min/max problems
-
Integration by function, parts, substitution and integrals
-
Velocity and acceleration problems
-
Trigonometric graphs, equations and sine/cosine rules
-
Logarithmic and exponential functions and graphs
-
Inverse and simultaneous equations using matrices
-
Electronics for measurement, diodes, power supplies and sensors
-
Op amps, analogue to digital converters and microcontrollers
-
Circular motion, work, energy, power and simple harmonic motion
-
Specific and latent heat, changes of state, expansion/contraction
This module studies the physical and chemical principles underpinning materials science, introducing the structure, processing and characteristics of engineering materials. You’ll explore different manufacturing techniques, associated equipment and tooling, while developing your presentation and information skills.
You’ll study topics such as:
-
Atomic and electronic structure of atoms
-
Chemical reactivity and electronic structure
-
Ionic bonding, crystals, compounds and covalent bonding
-
Characteristics and examples of organic compounds
-
Metallic bonding and conservation of mass in chemical reactions
-
Metals, organic polymers, ceramics and composites
-
Health, safety and solidification processes
-
Hot and cold metal working processes
-
Ceramic and polymer processing
-
Machining processes
Year 2
Compulsory modules
The module aims to provide a strong foundation for further study by exploring the application of engineering fundamentals to problems in the context of automotive engineering and the design, development and manufacture of vehicles. The module consolidates and develops your understanding of key engineering fundamentals including thermodynamics,mechanics, and electrical engineering principles. You will apply your knowledge and understanding to the solution of well-defined problems.
You will study topics such as:
-
Fundamentals of thermodynamics
-
Mechanics of solid and fluids
-
Electrical engineering principles
-
Automotive engineering fundamentals
The module will be delivered through a combination of lecture, tutorials and laboratory classes .
This module will introduce you to the principles and practice of aerospace and automotive engineering design and the properties and characteristics of key materials and manufacturing processes used in the sector.
You will study design methods, product definition and materials and process selection and use their knowledge to solve problems in a project-based learning scenario. We will consider the broader context in which engineers make decisions, including environmental, societal, regulatory and risk factors.
The module will give you a practical appreciation of materials and engineered products through laboratory classes, reverse engineering exercises and the manufacture of industry-typical products.
You will study topics such as:
-
The design process
-
Product definition and engineering drawing
-
Computer aided engineering
-
Families of engineering materials and their characteristics
-
Properties of materials under mechanical loading and the effect of service life on performance.
-
Manufacturing processes
-
Material and process selection
-
Workshop practice
-
Reverse engineering
-
H&S risk management
This module aims to build a strong mathematical foundation which can then be applied to engineering problems. The module develops understanding and confidence with mathematical concepts and their correlation to engineering principles. You will become confident in applying mathematical techniques to solving problems in an engineering context.
You will study topics such as:
Mathematics:
-
Linear and matrix Algebra
-
Differentiation & Integration
-
Vectors
-
Complex Numbers
-
Differential Equations
-
Numerical Techniques
Fundamentals of Mechanics:
-
Kinematics
-
Statics and Dynamics
The module will use a mixture of lectures, tutorials and lab sessions
In this module you will develop the professional and personal skills necessary for your future career as a graduate engineer. You will learn about the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering practices and the importance of sustainable design and engineering. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own employability and the steps you need to take in order to secure a work placement or graduate role.
The module will be delivered and assessed through engagement with and completion of employer-led and simulated projects. These will be selected to be topical and relevant to your course.
You will study topics such as:
-
Sustainable engineering and its importance in industry
-
The interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering projects
-
The role of the engineers and engineering in society
-
The importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in modern engineering practices
-
The attributes of an employable professional engineer
-
Risk management and data security
Year 3
Compulsory modules
In this module, you will build on the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and electronic and electrical engineering. The module will further develop your knowledge and understanding in these areas, as well as providing the opportunity to apply the tools, techniques and analytical methods from other modules to the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems.
Through teaching materials, timetabled sessions, assessment and directed study, you will be encouraged to explore and appreciate the connection between engineering fundamentals and their application in automotive engineering.
You will study topics such as:
-
Thermodynamics and heat transfer
-
Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
-
Applied solid mechanics
-
Control theory
-
Power electronics
-
Analogue to digital conversion
-
Programming
This module builds on the learning in the previous year and aims to equip you with knowledge of relevant numerical techniques and computational skills for the solution of broadly-defined problems in aerospace and automotive engineering applications. The module will also encourage you to apply your knowledge in the implementation of programming techniques using industry-standard software.
You will study topics such as:
-
Iterative methods for the solution of non-linear systems of equations
-
Algorithm stability requirements, convergence analysis
-
Numerical solution of differential equations with initial values
-
Finite difference method and finite element methods
-
Numerical integration
-
Polynomial approximation
-
Introduction to CFD/FEA simulations on relevant software
-
Introductory programming and implementation of numerical techniques
This module will introduce you to the systems engineering philosophy and the fundamentals of systems engineering theory. These concepts are brought together with the theory you’ve learned in other modules to apply a structured approach to solving broadly-defined engineering problems.
Industry-relevant tools and techniques used for systems design are adopted throughout. This reinforces the importance of the systems engineering approach in sectors such as aerospace and automotive which involve the design of complex systems.
The module is delivered using a project-based learning approach incorporating industry-relevant case studies.
In this module, you will study topics such as:
-
The design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system
-
The ‘SIMILAR’ process in systems engineering (State the problem, Investigate alternatives, Model the system, Integrate, Launch, Assess, Re-evaluate) and its application
In this module, you will begin to consolidate your learning and apply it to the design and specification of vehicle components and sub-systems, while also developing knowledge and understanding of the theory which underpins such systems.
Alongside this, you will establish the fundamentals of vehicle performance and be introduced to some of the factors which influence it.
The module will include a significant applied project-based learning element. This will provide an opportunity to apply and develop your skills as a professional engineer and reflect on your development needs in preparation for undertaking a placement or graduate employment.
You will study topics such as:
-
Vehicle technology
-
Brake systems
-
Suspension systems
-
Steering systems
-
Transmission systems
-
Electrical systems
-
Vehicle component design
-
Introduction to vehicle performance
Year 4
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting.
The placement will:
-
Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
-
Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
-
Grow their student network and relationship building skills
-
Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
-
Help student make informed graduate careers choices
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
The module aims to advance your knowledge and understanding from previous modules and apply it in a holistic manner to the study of vehicle structures, dynamics and propulsion systems.
You will be encouraged to solve complex automotive engineering problems by selecting and applying appropriate experimental, mathematical and computational techniques. In doing so, you will also be expected to identify and refer to relevant and current literature to further your knowledge and support your findings.
You will study topics such as:
- Vehicle dynamics and vibration
- Structural analysis
- Propulsion systems:
- Internal combustion
- Electric
- Hybrid
Your individual final year project is the apex of your academic journey, offering a platform to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills gathered throughout your degree to real-world linked problems. This module requires your creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate new material independently in whichever field you choose to specialise in.
This module allows you to:
-
Undertake in-depth research in a topic of your choosing
-
The opportunity to work alongside cutting-edge researchers
-
Create a body of work that can support you into further study, or work in a field that interests you
Develop solid foundations for undertaking a self-managed academic research project. On this module you will develop the skills and understanding you will need to complete your dissertation project to the highest level. Through lectures, guided reading and one-to-one discussions with your project supervisor you will design a design a path through to successful completion of an extensive research project including developing the project management skills you will need to achieve this.
You’ll study topics such as
-
The life cycle of a project
-
Reviewing academic literature
-
Quality management
-
Project management techniques and tools
-
Research ethics
-
Intellectual property rights
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of vehicle styling and design, giving consideration to aesthetics, aerodynamics and vehicle packaging and the tools and techniques used by engineers and designers. The design of vehicles is also considered in the wider context of vehicle production and manufacture and its associated engineering, business, regulatory, societal and environmental factors.
A key element of the module is inclusion of project-based learning which provides you with the opportunity to take your learning from this module, integrate it with knowledge and experience gained across the course and apply it to the solution of complex automotive engineering problems.
You will study topics such as:
-
Vehicle styling, aerodynamics and CFD
-
Vehicle Production
-
FMEA and quality systems
-
Commercial and automotive industry considerations
-
Legislation
-
Automation, inspection and assembly
-
Design and prototyping
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for School of Engineering and Built Environment (PDF, 142.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.