BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering · De Montfort UniversityBachelor's degree · 3 years
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De Montfort University · Undergraduate

BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering Bachelor's degree at De Montfort University

BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering at De Montfort University. Automotive engineering at De Montfort University equips you with the theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and computational tools to design, build, and test vehicles of the future.

BEng (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
78%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Develop the theoretical, experiential, and computational skills needed to design, build, and test the next generation of vehicles. From the provider’s course page.

BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at De Montfort University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Engineering graduates from this provider, 78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.5
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent88

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong78

Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 78% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 4 modules
  • Engineering Tools and Principles 1
    Module details

    The module provides background in the fundamental principles of Mathematics and Mechanical Principles (Solid Mechanics) covering topics such as stress and strain, shear forces, torsion and how power is transferred via shafts as in jet engines; it also covers topics in Electronic Principles relevant to all engineering disciplines.

  • Engineering Tools and Principles 2
    Module details

    This module builds on knowledge gained in Engineering Tools and Principles 1. It provides further understanding in Mathematics and Mechanical Principles (Dynamics) covering topics such as Newton's laws, linear and angular motion, friction, inertia etc. It also covers Electronic Principles including analysis of RLC circuits and operational amplifiers.

  • Automotive Design and Manufacturing 1
    Module details

    This hands-on module immerses you in the engineering design process through a group project to create a functional prototype. You'll master the complete design lifecycle, from technical drawing and problem-solving to key professional skills like project management. You'll gain proficiency in essential digital tools, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and programming, alongside the fundamentals of machines and mechanisms. All learning is framed within the global automotive industry, covering b

  • Automotive Design and Manufacturing 2
    Module details

    This module is focused on the build-and-test cycle. Your group will design, manufacture, and test a working prototype, moving from the ideal CAD world to a physical product. You'll select manufacturing processes, run quality control, and then test your build to see if it actually works. To do this, you'll learn to create assemblies in CAD, get a first look at FEA, and write code to handle real data. The theory covers essential machine components and the fundamental physics of vehicle dynamics, f

Year 2 4 modules
  • Automotive Chassis Design
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the principles of chassis design in the context of mechanical and automotive engineering. The module covers key areas such as structural integrity, suspension geometry, and load distribution. An emphasis is placed on materials selection, lightweight design strategies, and crashworthiness. You will learn how to design and evaluate chassis systems that meet performance, safety, and durability requirements. This module will go through applied theory and design tasks an

  • Automotive Powertrain Systems
    Module details

    This module introduces you to advanced propulsion systems in the context of modern automotive engineering. It covers the fundamentals of internal combustion engines, including thermodynamic principles, fuel injection systems, and turbocharging. You will also explore hybrid and electric powertrains, energy recovery technologies, emissions control, and alternative fuels. An emphasis is placed on improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Through analytical work and design-based

  • Engineering Project Management
    Module details

    Projects need to deliver a design solution (e.g., a product), which require planning and initiation, and need to be budgeted, costed, and scheduled and completed within these projections. Projects require management of stakeholder expectations, and they need to be undertaken at an agreed level of quality within an accepted level of risk. This module presents some of the background, theory, and practice to enable learners to embed professional project management expertise in their professional an

  • Automotive Body and Structures
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the fundamental principles involved in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of automotive body structures. It provides insight into structural performance, aerodynamics, and crashworthiness in vehicle body systems. You will explore key concepts such as lightweight construction, material selection, and joining techniques including welding, adhesives, and composite bonding. The module emphasises structural integrity, safety, and sustainable practices in automotive

Year 3 7 modules
  • Vehicle Aerodynamics and Thermal Management
    Module details

    This module is about managing airflow and heat to make vehicles more efficient and powerful. You'll start with aerodynamics, analysing the causes of drag and learning practical strategies for airflow optimisation, from body streamlining to active aero. We'll cover both physical wind tunnel testing and the basics of CFD. Then, we'll move to thermal management, covering cooling systems, heat exchangers, and the specific challenges of keeping EV batteries and motors at optimal temperatures. You'll

  • Vehicle Dynamics
    Module details

    This module is all about the physics of vehicle handling, ride, and stability. You'll analyse the fundamentals of motion like understeer and oversteer, and break down the design of suspension systems and the effect of geometry tuning. We'll do a deep dive into tire dynamics, looking at how grip is generated and the models used to predict it. You'll also use simplified vehicle models to analyse ride quality and learn the working principles behind electronic stability control systems like ABS and

  • Individual Project
    Module details

    This module is your capstone individual project. You'll take ownership of a complex engineering problem, from initial concept to final validation. With guidance from an academic supervisor, you'll define your research question, conduct a literature review, and engineer a solution, which could be a physical prototype, a piece of software, or a detailed analysis. The project demands a rigorous approach to design, testing, and data evaluation. You'll be assessed on a final report, a presentation whe

    Assessment: final report, a presentation where you defend your findings, and a demonstration of what you've built or created

  • Engineering Business Environment
    Module details

    The module enables you to understand and reflect upon sustainability and the role of business in a rapidly changing, globalised world. It identifies opportunities and threats for industry arising from environmental policy, legislation, and societal change, and explores how businesses respond to future environmental challenges: for example, through supply chain management, logistics, life-cycle analysis, green accounting, and carbon trading.

  • Human Factors and Sustainability in Vehicle Design
    Module details

    This module tackles the systems-level challenges of modern vehicles: the human, the environment, and the machine. We'll analyse human-vehicle interaction, from physical ergonomics to UX of driver-assist systems (ADAS). You'll investigate crash causation and the principles of sustainable design, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the use of lightweight materials. A key part of the course deals with the ethics of autonomous vehicles, analysing decision-making dilemmas and the governance

  • Advanced Vehicle Engineering and Simulation
    Module details

    This module gets you hands-on with the core simulation tools of the auto industry. You'll use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural and crashworthiness simulations, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyse aerodynamics and cooling, and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) for suspension and NVH analysis. The focus is on applying these methods to solve practical design problems. You'll also learn how to build integrated simulation workflows and the critical process of validating your computer mo

  • Group Project
    Module details

    The module provides an opportunity for you to work on an engineering project as a multidisciplinary team, which will be similar to that found in industry. A project contains many facets of engineering, science, management and business, and often the you are not exposed to these multidisciplinary aspects until they move into industry. This module has been specifically designed to expose you to the multidisciplinary and team nature of many engineering projects, helping to highlight individual stre

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This course develops the theoretical, experiential, and computational skills needed to design, build, and test the next generation of vehicles. A course like this typically begins with engineering foundations: mathematics, mechanics and materials, and hands-on design skills including CAD and workshop practice. During year 2, you'll usually progress to the discipline core, thermodynamics and fluids alongside engineering analysis and computing, and undertake a team design project evaluated to industry standards. In year 3, you'll move towards specialisation, such as mechanical, electrical and electronic, civil and structural, robotics and mechatronics, or energy and sustainability systems, alongside professional engineering practice covering safety, ethics and project management. The degree culminates in a substantial individual design or research project that serves as the course's centrepiece.

Who it's for

This course suits people fascinated by how vehicles work and keen to shape transport's future. You'll thrive if you enjoy combining physics and engineering principles with real-world design challenges, and if you're comfortable working through mathematics and computational modelling. The blend of theory and hands-on projects means you'll spend time at a desk and in the lab or workshop. You should be curious about emerging technologies, electrification, autonomous systems, sustainability, and ready to develop professional skills alongside technical expertise. Strong problem-solving ability and persistence matter more than particular A-level subjects; most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent.

Careers & job market

Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Among those working, 80% are in highly skilled roles. Graduate starting salaries in engineering typically range from £29,000 to £35,000; after five years, £33,150 to £46,800. Automotive engineers work in vehicle design and manufacture, motorsport, systems integration, and related sectors. Many pursue further qualifications, a master's degree or professional chartership, to advance their careers.

University & format

De Montfort University is a public university located in Leicester, founded in 1992. This BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering degree is a 3-year full-time course taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, making the degree nationally recognised. The course is designed to support progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for those who wish to pursue it. The university received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
94%
Learning opportunities
95%
Assessment and feedback
88%
Academic Support
88%
Organisation and management
88%
Learning resources
85%
Student voice
78%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry112 UCAS points (BEng) / 120 UCAS points typical offer · Mathematics or Physics

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Contextual offersPublished by this provider

The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.

Open daysOpen Days - Book your place

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 112 UCAS points (BEng) / 120 UCAS points Mathematics or Physics. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check De Montfort University's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent95%
another higher-education qualification5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeH330quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code H330). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask De Montfort University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,300 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at De Montfort University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All De Montfort University funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,000£25,000 – £35,00025
3 years after£24,000£18,500 – £28,500160
5 years after£29,500£24,000 – £35,000165

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

78%
in work or further study 15 months on
55%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
85%
find their work meaningful
70%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£29,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£24,000
£26,775 – £37,800
After 5 years LEO
£29,500
£33,150 – £46,800
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £48,500

National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

78 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

58% working15% working and studying5% in further study55% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.

This course £29,500Peer median £38,500Middle 50% £35,500–£42,500
4th percentile

Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 115; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Engineering courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
80%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
88%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Engineering & manufacturing firms
  • Automotive & aerospace
  • Energy & utilities
  • Defence & consultancies

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 88% · in work or study 78% · continued 90%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

De Montfort University

All students23,155
International31.8%
Aged 25+27.3%

Engineering and technology across the UK

Students176,530
Aged 25+23%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around De Montfort University

4,747 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1557Public Order 619Anti Social Behaviour 570Shoplifting 499Criminal Damage Arson 362

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Engineering right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to De Montfort University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,300 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check De Montfort University’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with De Montfort University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by De Montfort University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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