BEng (Hons) Automotive Materials Bachelor's degree at Loughborough University
BEng (Hons) Automotive Materials at Loughborough University. You'll study core automotive theory alongside specialist options, research methods, and applied practice.
About this course
Automotive Materials BEng (Hons) is available with an optional placement year, and successfully focuses on automotive engineering within the automotive industry. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Automotive Materials is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Loughborough University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Materials technology graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (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.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (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 6 modules
- Engineering Principles and DesignCompulsory
Module details
Introduce the commercial, social and environmental context of engineering design, including sustainability and ethics, process economics, and EDI. Introduce a structured approach to engineering design, applying the principles of mechanical design, engineering drawings, and professional standards. Promote the development of key professional and transferable engineering skills from teamwork and time management to written and verbal communication and personal development. Provide perspective of eng
- Mathematics for MaterialsCompulsory
Module details
To introduce a range of mathematical methods appropriate to the needs of first year materials engineering students.
- ThermofluidsCompulsory
Module details
Introduce the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Solve practical engineering problems using thermodynamics and fluid mechanics principles.
- Experimentation and Practical SkillsCompulsory
Module details
To provide students with the knowledge and practical skills relating to materials testing, and their applications. Enable students to become aware of and develop their academic, professional and personal skills through Personal Best.
- Introductory Materials ScienceCompulsory
Module details
To give the students an introduction to engineering materials, their properties and processing and how these are interrelated. To provide students with an understanding of the major principles used in determining the properties and structure of materials. Introduction to processing a range of material types from raw material to finished part. How the processing method can influence the properties of the material.
- Computer Aided EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an introduction to engineering drawing standards and the fundamental principles of CAD, CAE, and CAM, establishing the foundation for their application in subsequent engineering study and practice.
Year 2 6 modules
- Data Analysis and ModellingCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce the principles of data analysis and modelling relevant to materials and biomedical and chemical engineering.
- Group Design ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Continue the development of skills within engineering design to be applied to complex designs/systems with interacting parts. Further enhance the skills required to work within a diverse group to manage projects and communicate ideas with different stakeholders.
- Structures and CharacterisationCompulsory
Module details
To develop a fundamental understanding of the structures of materials at different length scales, from the atomic scale upward. To develop understanding and skills in the applicability and use of different characterisation techniques used to determine the structure and properties of materials.
- Materials in ActionCompulsory
Module details
To provide students with knowledge of factors which determine how materials may evolve and fail in service, and the implications this has on the lifetime of components.
- Materials ProcessingCompulsory
Module details
To develop understanding of the underlying principles determining the relationships between composition, processing, structure at different length scales, and properties for a range of materials.
- Vehicle Systems and DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
To understand the operation of vehicle systems, the vehicle design and development process and to understand why the more analytical modules are necessary areas of study for the would-be vehicle designer. The student will understand the different requirements for the development of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) compared to the traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle and the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) programme structures to deliver these vehicles to the marketplace. I
Final year 11 modules
- Automotive Crash ProtectionCompulsory
Module details
This module provides a detailed understanding of the interactions between engineering and human tolerance to impact as they relate to the crash protection of vehicle occupants and other road users. An introduction to impact biomechanics and crash protection standards will also be provided.
- Advanced Processing MethodsCompulsory
Module details
Provide a broad knowledge of the principles of advanced preparation and processing of a range of materials. Provide in-depth knowledge and skills in specific advanced processing methods. Make students aware of the environmental and societal impacts of advanced preparation and processing methods.
- Sustainability, Recycling and EnvironmentCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces students to key concepts for the sustainable development and use of materials, including the full life cycle of materials from extraction to end of life. Students will develop an understanding of issues around working towards net zero both in the UK and globally, water and energy usage, ethically sourcing and manufacturing critical materials, and what happens to materials at their end of life. Students will critically analyse the impact on the environment resulting from ma
- ProjectCompulsory
Module details
To plan, develop and conduct a research programme in the fields of Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Biomaterials Engineering. To communicate the findings, using a range of techniques, to a technical audience.
- Vehicle and Component DesignCompulsory
Module details
Use design principles, including an appreciation of design requirements, constraints and approaches, to design an automotive component. Use the principles of materials selection to select and justify materials for specific applications. Integrate their knowledge of materials properties, manufacturing techniques and engineering principles to produce a solution of a practical automotive design problem. Contribute to the management of the team to present outputs of their work which demonstrate prog
- Industrial Case StudiesCompulsory
Module details
To provide students with a broad experience in the application of materials science and engineering in the context of particular industrial case studies and the associated issues of manufacturing, economic and legislative constraints. The module provides a mechanism for the integration of the knowledge gained in the various specialist modules by its practical application in the solution of 'real-life' engineering problems.
- Entrepreneurship and InnovationOptional
Module details
To present a range of issues on managing entrepreneurship and innovation. To present and discuss these issues for both large multinational corporations (MNCs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To present a range of frameworks and tools in support of managing entrepreneurship and innovation. To develop relevant transferable skills.
- Composite MaterialsOptional
Module details
To provide students with a knowledge of the properties, processing and applications of composite materials and the development of new composites.
- Advanced Principles of MaterialsOptional
Module details
To acquaint students with the fundamental theory of mechanical properties, transformations in materials and defects in crystals.
- NanomaterialsOptional
Module details
Explain the changes in the properties of a material as its size is reduced to the nanoscale. Provide students with knowledge of the range of nanomaterials, their synthesis, processing and application.
- Functional MaterialsOptional
Module details
Introduce the principles of functional behaviour. Examples may include magnetism, semiconductivity and photovoltaic materials. Provide students with knowledge of the materials science that underlies the functional behaviours covered.
Modules 1 modules
- University-wide Language ProgrammeOptional10 credits
Module details
This is a 10 credit module from the University-wide language programme.
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 focuses on automotive engineering within the automotive industry, with an optional placement year available. You'll usually begin with engineering foundations: Mathematics, Mechanics & Materials, and Design & Practical Skills including CAD and workshop practice. In Year 2, a course like this typically moves to discipline core modules such as Thermodynamics & Fluids or Circuits & Systems, alongside Engineering Analysis & Computing and a group design project against a real industrial specification. Year 3 emphasises specialisation and professional development. You'll choose specialist options such as Mechanical, Electrical & electronic, Civil & structural, Robotics & mechatronics, Energy & sustainability, or follow a Chartered (CEng) pathway, while also studying Professional Engineering Practice and completing a substantial supervised individual project.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're drawn to materials science and automotive engineering, with solid A-level (or equivalent) results. You'll enjoy hands-on problem-solving, research methods, and understanding how materials behave under real-world conditions. The specialist options mean you can tailor your learning to particular interests within the field. If you value strong teaching and want a degree that blends theory with practical application, and the option to spend a year in industry, this programme will match your needs.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 80% in highly skilled roles or ongoing study. Early-career earnings (15 months post-graduation) typically fall between £29,000 and £35,000, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years, according to national graduate outcome data. The automotive sector offers pathways in materials development, manufacturing, vehicle design, and research roles. An optional placement year helps build industry contacts and practical experience before entering the job market.
University & format
Loughborough University is a public university founded in 1909 and located in Loughborough. The BEng (Hons) Automotive Materials is delivered full-time over 3 years, with instruction in English. The degree is a nationally recognised qualification from a UK degree-awarding body. The university holds Gold status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Access Loughborough Contextual Offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Loughborough University →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
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.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £27,000 – £32,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £34,000 | £31,500 – £37,000 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £42,500 | £32,000 – £53,500 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; 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.
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 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
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: 20; response rate: 80%. 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.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Engineering Surveyor (Machine Control)BAM UK & IrelandEngineering Operations Project ManagerFdo Consulting LimitedEngineering ManagerVerto PeopleEngineering ManagerRobert WaltersEngineering ManagerPremier Technical RecruitmentEngineering ManagerRedline Group LtdIs 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
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. 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 83.9% · in work or study 100% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Loughborough University
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Loughborough University
1,024 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 Loughborough University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Loughborough University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Loughborough University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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