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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

1 year full-time


Recent Awards For Excellence

Engineering - Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing - QS 2025
Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Develop social awareness and responsibilities of engineers in society
  • Apply current knowledge to automotive science and the design of modern land vehicle sub-systems
  • Develop research competence through an advanced directed research project

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Looking to start or develop your career in the UK automotive industry? An MSc in Automotive Engineering from The University of Huddersfield can prepare you for that.

Our advanced course is designed to satisfy the needs of graduate mechanical engineers or those who wish to redirect their careers towards automotive engineering and automotive system design.

Why study Automotive Engineering at Huddersfield?

The UK automotive industry is a thriving and highly competitive sector requiring professionals with a sound understanding of engineering principles. Our Automotive Engineering MSc enables you to deepen your knowledge and skills as a professional in this industry.

The University is nestled within the heart of Huddersfield, a warm and welcoming town, known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse community. When you’re not studying, you can enjoy an array of exciting activities and experiences. From cultural events and charming cafes to stunning scenery and fantastic transport links, there’s plenty to do in and around the town centre.

Career opportunities after the course *

Mechanical Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally:

  • An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Systems or a closely related science subject area or an equivalent professional qualification.

You are encouraged to apply if you have other qualifications and/or experience and can demonstrate that you are equipped with knowledge and skills equivalent to Honours degree level.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module will enable you to understand the operating principles of a wide range of automotive chassis systems. The basic elements of a variety of braking, steering, and suspension systems are studied in depth to evaluate their kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Their design features are investigated to establish how they currently satisfy the appropriate automotive regulations. The influence of X-by-wire regarding vehicle development and future legislation is considered with regard to safety, ethical issues and advanced vehicle control. Wheel and tyre design are studied to establish features such as slip characteristics, construction, and deformation during steady state and transient cornering. The normal operating forces at the tyre/road interface are considered to establish the safe operating boundaries of a vehicle. Traditional and modern suspension systems are studied for commercial vehicles, high volume production cars and high performance cars. Comfort and ride characteristics are related to wheel loads and differing road features.

This module aims to extend your knowledge of the scientific principles used in more advanced static analysis of mechanical components and systems and to understand the role that mathematical and computer based modelling plays in this type of analysis. The module will allow you to gain experience in the use of commercial analysis software to solve non-linear and thermal structural problems. This experience will be gained on leading commercial software packages through the solution of a number of graded problems..

The module uses selected topics to give you an advanced understanding of the theory and analytical tools that can be applied to dynamic mechanical systems. You will develop the ability to develop models and analyse complex systems using commercial software packages and to specify appropriate optimisation and mitigation techniques. The module further provides, through theory and practical examples, the means to quantify and solve realistic problems. Laboratory testing of a practical system will be used to provide data to validate models. Fundamentals of acoustics are covered including sound sources and propagation and mitigation of noise. Measurement techniques form part of the investigative nature of the subject and general empirical methodology. Mathematical analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

This module will develop your professional skills such as team working, organisation and leadership. You will also get the opportunity to explore a range of research methods and understand how they can be used in your own area of interest. There will be the opportunity to learn about professional registration in Engineering and how you can begin on that journey. You will learn through self directed study of online material supported by interactive seminars and workshops, this will give you ownership of your own learning and help you develop skills for life long learning and continued professional development. The assessment for this module will enable you to put these skills into practice in coursework which challenges your professional development and research skills whilst focussing on broadening your understanding of contemporary challenges in the sector.

The project provides you with the opportunity required within an MSc to undertake a major programme of advanced independent work. Where possible your project is carried out in collaboration with an industrial company and takes place at the company.

This module will build upon your previously acquired understanding of Operations Management, Quality Assurance and Control, together with the statistical techniques employed in probability theory. During the course of this module, you will develop further expertise necessary to implement and operate Quality Systems, Maintenance Regimes and Reliability Trials and support New Product Introductions. You will explore the role of Quality Systems in the introduction of New Products. You will also learn about the importance of ensuring that products are problem-free in their early life to become established on the market.

The module is structured to give you an appreciation of the issues encompassing the move to lower emission road transportation, an understanding of the technical and economic aspects of new vehicle drive-train technologies and the ability to make informed design decisions associated with the integration of more-electric systems for road vehicle traction and control. You will also learn about the major elements that make up a vehicle power-train and consider the interconnection and operational interaction of the components.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the strategic aspects of programme and project management and its role in adding competitive advantage to an organisation. The module enables you to gain a firm grounding in the principles, processes, tools and techniques that underpin programme and project management. It also aids you to develop a systematic understanding of the purposes and uses of financial information, together with the ability to use quantitative skills to improve performance management and decision making within an organisation. Emphasis is placed upon the need for competence in project planning and control. Team-working, communication and risk management skills are developed by means of group activity. Extensive use is made of project management and simulation software.

Fluid dynamic forces acting on a fluid handling system affect the performance effectiveness of the system. This module considers an advanced study of fluid flows relevant to industrial fluid handling systems such as vehicles, turbomachines and pipeline systems. Modern vehicles will be studied to highlight the subtle design features being employed to reduce drag, provide deliberate vortices, or create a predictable down-force on the vehicles. The design features related to turbomachines and the pipelines are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the module considers an optimised design for various systems considered including engine cooling systems, in-car air conditioning, turbo-machines and piping systems. We will introduce you to an appropriate commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package and its use for design of an optimised system.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Automotive Engineering MSc courses are: Mechanical Design Engineer; Design Engineer; Electrical Design Engineer; Mechanical Engineer; and Electrical Engineer.

Source: LightcastTM data - job postings from December 2023 to December 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

98%
Percentage of the University's postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK domiciled.

£38.5k
The average salary of our postgraduates fifteen months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, mean salary, UK domiciled, full-time UK employment as main activity.

Studying an MSc in Automotive Engineering was a great experience that set me up for industry. The variety of modules and software that I got to use really gave me the confidence for applying for various roles.

- Ryan Jessop
Automotive Engineering Msc Graduate

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£10,305 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£18,700 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Advanced Engineering Exhibition and Silverstone Museum. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.
Depending on student choice of project, may incur costs on project materials, but many materials available from the department. (final year and masters only)

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible postgraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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More Info

Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Engineering may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

Many of our graduates stay at Huddersfield to complete postgraduate research degrees at Masters or PhD level.

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