BEng (Hons) Sustainable Automotive Engineering (with an industrial placement year)

The BEng (Hons) Sustainable Automotive Engineering program at Sussex focuses on integrating sustainability into automotive engineering practices. Students engage in a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing them for careers in the rapidly changing automotive sector. The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), ensuring it meets high academic and professional standards. ​

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, with a focus on sustainable practices. Core modules include Electrical Circuits & Devices, Engineering Mathematics, Materials and Manufacturing Processes, and Technical Drawing and Computer-Aided Design. In later years, students delve into specialized topics such as Low Emission Vehicle Propulsion, Electrical Drive Systems, and New Generation Vehicle Technology. An optional placement year offers practical industry experience, enhancing employability. ​

Research Focus: Research at Sussex is integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to benefit from cutting-edge developments in automotive engineering. The Dynamics, Control, and Vehicle research group leads projects on automotive on-board diagnostics systems, intelligent controllers, and autonomous vehicles. Students have access to the Future Technologies Labs, which are equipped with computer suites, automation/robotics facilities, and a dedicated manufacturing lab featuring CNC machines and 3D printers. ​

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes strong industry connections, facilitating placements with leading companies such as Ricardo, Vauxhall Motors, and Timberwolf. These placements provide students with practical experience and insights into the automotive industry. Additionally, the university's partnerships with organizations like the Women’s Engineering Society and Engineers Without Borders UK offer networking and professional development opportunities. ​

Global Perspective: Sussex fosters a global outlook through initiatives like the Global Design Challenge, where students collaborate to design solutions for real-world problems faced by communities in developing countries. This project enhances transferable skills and encourages a broader understanding of engineering challenges. The optional study abroad program further enriches the international perspective, allowing students to experience different educational and cultural environments. ​

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

The BEng (Hons) Sustainable Automotive Engineering (with an industrial placement year) at the University of Sussex equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities within the automotive, engineering, and sustainability sectors. This program is designed to produce highly employable engineers who are capable of addressing contemporary challenges in sustainable vehicle technologies and the future of transportation.

Automotive Engineer: Graduates can work as automotive engineers, contributing to the design, development, and testing of new vehicles, focusing on eco-friendly solutions. They may work on projects related to fuel efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid systems, or alternative fuel technologies.

Sustainability Consultant: The increasing demand for sustainable solutions across industries opens opportunities for graduates to work as sustainability consultants. In this role, they would provide expert advice to businesses on how to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly in automotive design and manufacturing processes.

Vehicle Design Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers in vehicle design, where they can focus on designing low-emission vehicles, advanced propulsion systems, or autonomous vehicles. Their expertise in sustainable automotive engineering will be crucial in creating the next generation of eco-friendly transport.

Automotive Manufacturing Engineer: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for optimizing production processes. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, graduates can work to implement green manufacturing practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase resource efficiency in automotive production lines.

Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Many graduates opt for roles in R&D, where they can focus on developing new technologies to improve vehicle performance, reduce emissions, or enhance sustainability in automotive systems. These roles are often based within research institutions, automotive companies, or startups focusing on cutting-edge technologies.

Energy and Emissions Specialist: As part of the sustainable automotive industry, professionals are needed to assess and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles. Graduates with a focus on low-carbon technologies and emissions reduction strategies can become energy and emissions specialists, helping companies comply with environmental regulations and implement cleaner technologies.

Supply Chain Engineer (Sustainability Focus): With a strong foundation in engineering and sustainability, graduates may work as supply chain engineers, focusing on improving the sustainability of the automotive supply chain. This could include sourcing sustainable materials, improving logistics efficiency, or working to minimize waste in production.

Renewable Energy Engineer: Automotive engineering and renewable energy systems are increasingly interconnected, especially with electric vehicles. Graduates can explore opportunities in renewable energy engineering, focusing on integrating renewable energy solutions into the transportation sector, such as solar-powered charging stations or wind energy for electric vehicles.

Technical Sales Engineer: Graduates may also choose a career in technical sales, where they can use their expertise in sustainable automotive technologies to sell automotive engineering solutions to clients. This role involves a strong understanding of engineering principles, coupled with the ability to communicate technical details to non-expert customers.

Entrepreneur in the Green Technology Sector: For those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, this program provides the foundation to start a business focused on sustainable automotive solutions. Graduates may create innovative startups that develop new vehicle technologies, energy-efficient systems, or sustainable automotive materials.

Project Manager in Automotive Sustainability Projects: Graduates can move into project management roles within the automotive sector, particularly those focused on sustainability projects. As project managers, they would oversee the development and implementation of green technologies and sustainable initiatives within automotive companies.

Industrial Placement Year Advantage: The industrial placement year provides graduates with invaluable real-world experience, often leading to job offers from top automotive and engineering companies. The placement year enhances practical skills and gives students a competitive edge in the job market, offering them a better understanding of industry needs and demands.