Two students wearing safety goggles working under the bonnet of a car

Course details

UCAS Code

H331

Year of entry

2025

Duration

4 YRS (FT)

UCAS Tariff

48-72

Institution Code

G53

Location

Wrexham

*Subject to re-validation

Course Highlights

Industry Relevant

teaching.

Access

to a specialist motorsport workshop.

Career-driven

degree with opportunity for Catia Certification* .

Why choose this course?

This honours degree has been designed for the automotive industry in response to the shortfall of mechanical engineers. It is for those who have a strong interest in mechanical engineering and a clear desire to develop their knowledge and skills in automotive engineering.

The course fully explores the engineering, design, analysis and development of modern cars using various race cars as support for teaching. It also puts emphasis on learning transferable skills applicable to many other industries.

From studying the Foundation Year, learners will be able to develop with knowledge, understanding and skills of Engineering-based disciplines and their applications which help learners prepare for further years of study and success in engineering degree. 

*Our Engineering subject area is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Assessment and feedback, learning resources and student voice (National Student Survey 2024) 

*Our Engineering subject area is ranked Joint 3rd out of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for overall satisfaction. (National Student Survey 2024) 

You can also choose to study this course as a three-year programme (without a foundation year) BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering UCAS Code: H431

Engineering atWrexham University

Thinking of a career in Engineering? Hear from lecturers and students about our Engineering degrees at Wrexham University.

Key course features

You will:

  • have access to a specialist motorsport workshop as well as an industry-standard production workshop to gain experience in using machinery. 
  • have the opportunity to work on various continuously evolving projects. Current projects involve: single seater bike powered race car, Westfield SEi, Renault 5 RWD Electric, Toyota Auris hybrid amongst many others) * subject to change. Students are also currently running a Formula Student team.
  • be studying at one of two education providers in the UK that are official Catia Certification centres, meaning that students are able to gain Catia Certification in addition to their degree studies. (*Students are required to pay a Certification fee of £50).

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will provide a grounding for students in all aspects of Engineering and Design in order to prepare them for further years of study.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

The vast majority of the engineering base knowledge is presented/reviewed and expanded at this stage. All lectures are followed by tutorials and practical/demonstrations to ensure that you are fully assimilating the information. 

MODULES

  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Introduction to Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Science
  • CAD and Production Science
  • Engineering Professional Development
  • Materials and Environment
  • Automotive Systems

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

At this level, you will be encouraged to work and learn more independently. We are not only preparing you to be a knowledgeable practitioner, but we are also preparing you to become a reliable and independent problem solver.

MODULES

  • Engineering Futures – Research, Ethics, and Sustainability
  • Further Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics, Structures & FEA
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing
  • Automotive Design
  • Automotive Powertrains & Fluids

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

In this final year of the degree, the first semester is generally focused on developing specific automotive knowledge. Your individual project will allow you to specialise further in a field of your choice. At the end of this, you will be a graduate engineer ready for the industry!

MODULES

  • Mechanical Engineering Modelling & Simulation
  • Automotive Dynamics
  • Modern Automotive Powertrains
  • Project

Optional (1 to pick)

  • Professional Engineering
  • Motorsport Practice

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

UCAS Code: H331

Our general requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

Teaching & Assessment

A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include task-based exercises, oral and poster presentations, essays and laboratory reports, and written exams. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, student-led seminars and guided research.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through guided study or feedback given to students.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers and Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The exciting range of career options open to you when you graduate includes working with car manufacturers and their supply network, in automotive research and development, in consultancy, engineering management, automotive design and in motorsport industry.

There’s a national shortage of fully-qualified engineers in the automotive industry; with a degree in automotive technology, you’ll stand out from the crowd when it comes to finding employment.

Opportunities include (but are not limited to):

  • Race car dynamics
  • Motorsport electronics
  • Chassis engineering
  • Performance car structures
  • Electronic technologies
  • Performance engines

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

Subject to re-validation

As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of the existing programmes is required every five years and major changes may be made to the programmes during the re-validation process. As soon as the programmes are re-validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of courses that are still ‘subject to re-validation’ are approved by the validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham University or at another provider.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section