BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering program, building on its long-standing reputation in the field since the 1990s. This degree is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the design, development, engineering, manufacturing, and optimisation of vehicles. With a significant investment in specialized facilities, including automotive workshops, engine diagnostic laboratories, chassis dynamometers, and hybrid/electric powertrain facilities, the program provides extensive hands-on experience. It addresses the exciting and rapid changes in the automotive industry, particularly the shift towards hybrid and electric powertrains, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the sector. The course offers a strong balance of theoretical learning and practical application through projects and automotive-specific assignments, preparing students for a variety of roles from vehicle design and development to manufacturing and optimization. The program is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), partially fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.

Curriculum: The BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering curriculum at UWTSD is structured over three years (or four years with a foundation year option), building from fundamental engineering principles to specialized automotive topics. The first year typically establishes a strong foundation with modules such as "Analytical Methods," "Engineering Design & Materials," "Engineering Science," "Vehicle Technology," "Electrical Control Systems," and "Workshop & Practice." The second year delves into more advanced topics like "Alternative Propulsion Systems," "Thermodynamics & Combustion," "Engineering Management," "Automotive Chassis Systems," "Group Design Project," and "Stress Analysis & CAE." The final year allows for specialization in areas such as "Automotive Materials & Sustainability," "Contemporary Powertrain Design," "Ride, Handling & NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)," and "Structural Design & Fluid Analysis." The program culminates in a compulsory "Independent Project" where students apply their comprehensive learning to a real-life automotive application. Assessments are varied, including traditional examinations, coursework, and industry-based methods like track-side fieldwork and workshop tasks.

Research Focus: The research focus within the BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering program at UWTSD is heavily oriented towards applied research and addressing the current and future challenges of the automotive industry. The curriculum places particular emphasis on powertrain development, including sustainable fuels and advanced battery technologies, and the environmental aspects of design and technology. Students are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life automotive applications through various project opportunities, fostering an understanding of fundamental physics and engineering skills in contexts like vehicle development, suspension, ride, handling, and NVH. The independent project in the final year provides a significant opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research in an area of their interest within automotive engineering, often aligning with the ongoing research activities and industry links of the academic staff.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD maintains strong links with the automotive industry, ensuring that its BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering program content is constantly updated to reflect the latest industry needs and demands. The university has a history of producing skilled graduates who have gone on to work with leading companies such as McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Honda R&D, Ricardo, and MAHLE. Students 1 benefit from access to specialized automotive workshops and facilities that mirror industry environments. While a mandatory placement year is not an inherent part of the standard 3-year BEng program (though often offered as an option in a 4-year variant), the course embeds various extracurricular opportunities and practical projects that directly reflect real-world challenges, providing valuable practical experience and exposure to industry practices. The IMechE accreditation further highlights the program's commitment to professional standards and industry relevance.  

Global Perspective: The BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective, given the international nature of the automotive industry. The curriculum addresses the global shift towards cleaner and more efficient vehicles, including hybrid and electric powertrains, and touches upon the development of autonomous vehicles, reflecting worldwide trends and technological advancements. Students gain insights into vehicle design, safety standards, and manufacturing processes that are applicable across international markets. The emphasis on environmental aspects of design and technology also aligns with global sustainability goals and regulations. By preparing graduates with skills relevant to leading global companies and providing knowledge applicable to diverse international contexts, the program equips students to contribute effectively to the global automotive landscape.