Automotive Engineering with Foundation Year (Full-time) (BEng Hons)
The automotive industry is set to undergo significant transformations over the next decade, transitioning from internal combustion engines to hybrid powertrains and electrical powertrains. To meet the growing demand for new engineering skills, we have invested extensively in our facilities. Our Automotive Engineering BEng programme, which includes a foundation year, offers students access to specialised automotive workshops, engine diagnostic laboratories, chassis dynamometers, hybrid/electric powertrain facilities, and comprehensive fabrication and machining facilities.
The foundation year is particularly beneficial for students as it provides a solid grounding in fundamental physics and engineering skills, ensuring a smooth transition into more advanced topics. This preparatory year is ideal for those who may need to strengthen their knowledge base before embarking on the core degree.
We closely collaborate with the automotive industry to ensure you gain the knowledge and passion needed for both performance and mainstream vehicles.
The course focuses on developing an understanding of fundamental physics and engineering skills, applying them to real-world car development, including suspension, ride, handling, and NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness). A particular emphasis is placed on powertrain development, especially as the industry moves towards sustainable fuels and advanced battery technologies.
In addition to technical skills, our programme underscores the importance of environmental aspects in design and technology, preparing students for diverse employment opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life automotive applications through various extracurricular opportunities.
The curriculum covers the design and manufacture of mechanical and electrical systems in vehicles, with insights into the latest trends and technologies, including the development of cleaner and more efficient vehicles. While not solely focused on autonomous vehicles, the programme does provide exposure to this emerging field, equipping students to become modern automotive engineers.
The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
We are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Our Automotive Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the evolving automotive industry.
In the first year, which includes a foundation year, you will be introduced to the basic principles of engineering and technology. This preparatory phase is designed to strengthen your understanding of core subjects, such as mathematics, physics, and introductory engineering concepts. It provides a solid groundwork that will support your learning in the subsequent years. This year also includes fundamental modules on automotive systems and basic hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the second year, you will build a strong foundation in essential engineering principles. You will study analytical methods, engineering science, and an introduction to vehicle technology. Hands-on experience in our automotive workshops and engine diagnostic laboratories will complement your theoretical learning.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The third year focuses on advanced topics such as alternative propulsion systems, automotive chassis systems, and stress analysis and computer aided engineering (CAE). You will also delve into thermodynamics and combustion, enhancing your understanding of sustainable technologies. Practical sessions with chassis dynamometers and fabrication facilities will further develop your engineering skills.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the final year, you will specialise in areas such as automotive materials and sustainability. You will undertake a major project that brings together your learning, applying it to real-life automotive applications. Emphasis is placed on the environmental aspects of design and technology, preparing you for a range of employment opportunities.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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32 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: E, BTEC: PPP, IB: 24
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required.
Admissions Advice and Support
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, phase tests, presentations, vivas and examinations.
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There are no additional costs for this course.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The current high demand for automotive engineering graduates is reflected in the high percentage of our students being drafted into full-time employment or further study within 6 months of finishing their studies.
Large UK based automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers absorb the bulk of our graduates, as do research and consultancy firms.
Our Alumni have gone on to have very successful careers at such companies as Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, McLaren Automotive, Mahle Powertrain, JCB as well as motorsport firms AMG Mercedes, Williams F1 and Force India.