Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineering is the branch of mechanical and electronic engineering devoted to the design, development, manufacture, and testing of road vehicles. It is a field undergoing profound change, with the shift towards electric powertrains, autonomous driving systems, and connected vehicle technology reshaping what automotive engineers need to know and what the industry expects from them. At the same time, the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics, structural design, and powertrain performance remain essential, and graduates need both the classical engineering knowledge and the awareness of emerging technologies to contribute effectively to the sector.

At the University of Brighton, this four-year programme combines a thorough grounding in mechanical engineering principles with specific focus on their application to vehicles. You will study thermodynamics, materials, dynamics, and electronics alongside vehicle-specific topics including chassis design, powertrain engineering, and vehicle safety systems. The programme includes a sandwich year in industry, giving you an extended period working within an automotive or related engineering organisation, where you can apply your knowledge in a professional context and build the practical experience that employers consider important.

Work placement opportunities are embedded in the programme, supporting your professional development throughout your studies. Brighton's connections to engineering companies and motorsport businesses in the south of England provide additional context for the degree.

Automotive engineering graduates work primarily in the automotive and motorsport industries, in roles spanning design, development, testing, and manufacturing engineering. Vehicle manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers, and specialist engineering consultancies are the main employers, and the sandwich year often provides a direct route into these organisations. The broader skills in mechanical and electronic systems engineering also open doors in aerospace, defence, and general manufacturing.

Some graduates continue to postgraduate study, developing specialist expertise in areas such as electric vehicles, autonomous systems, or structural analysis.