If you are applying for this course from outside the UK/EU, click apply now.
Course starts: 17 September 2018Apply now
If you are applying for this course from within the UK/EU, click apply now.
Overview
This course will equip you with the skills you need to be an accomplished Automotive Engineer. In your first year you'll develop an excellent foundation in engineering, and then from the second year you will specialise in vehicle systems.
We host the Institute for Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) which has allowed us to forge excellent links with many local industrial companies including the Nissan plant and its supply chain, among others.
Please contact us to discuss part-time options.
Why us?
- 94.2% of our graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2015/16 (based on UK undergraduate students)
- You will be supported by staff with a wealth of academic and industrial experience
- You have the opportunity to take part in Sunderland’s Formula Student project
- Automotive Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as partially fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
- Strong track record of graduates gaining employment in the automotive and associated sectors
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, laboratory projects and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills. You will also have opportunities to present ideas to other students and develop concepts within groups.
As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include exams, coursework and projects.
Year 1 (national level 4):
- Electronic and Electrical Principles (20 credits)
- Applied Mechanics (20 credits)
- Design, Drawing and Practical Skills (20 credits)
- Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)
- Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)
- Energy Conversion (20 credits)
Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.
Year 2 (national level 5):
- Vehicle Chassis Engineering (20 credits)
- Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)
- Engineering Mechanics (20 credits)
- Thermofluids and Engines (20 credits)
- Design Methods and Applications (20 credits)
- Automation for Manufacturing (20 credits)
Year 3:
Work placement (optional)
Final year (national level 6):
- Automotive Design and Materials Selection (20 credits)
- Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)
- Project (40 credits)
- Automotive Dynamics and Control Systems (20 credits)
- Professional Management Techniques (20 credits)
The David Goldman Informatics Centre,
Sir Tom Cowie Campus,
St Peter's Way,
Sunderland,
SR6 0DD
Entry requirements
Our typical offer is 112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award) which must include Mathematics or Physics. Please note we do not accept AS/A Level General Studies.
We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
Fees and finance
The annual fee for this course is:
- £9,250 if you are from the UK or EU
£10,750 if you are from outside the EU
If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
Employment
Recent graduates have secured graduate jobs that pay around £28,000 a year, with companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors and Nissan.
Graduate success
Sunderland has a good reputation with employers. Our recent graduates have gone on to work for companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors, Jaguar, Perkins Engines and Parametrics Technology. Other graduates conduct research within major automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan.
Placements
To further enhance employability we encourage you to apply for a 48-week placement where available between your second and final year. Placements are subject to availability and interviews are required. They are usually paid, with past students having earned an average salary of £14,000-£18,000 a year depending on location.
Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers.
Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Jaguar, Vauxhall, Nissan, Caterham Cars, Cummins Engines and Tata Steel.
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People too often think of engineers as working on a production line and that simply isn’t true.
Dan Thompson
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The skills I acquired in my degree and as part of the Formula Student Team have proved invaluable.
John Wood
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I am two years out of university and one small step away from management level.
Julie Liddle
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I chose the University of Sunderland because of its facilities and its connections with industry.
Thomas Cepe