How to apply Book an open day

MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering

How to apply Book an open day

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees:
Full details
UCAS code: H341
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
128-136 ABB-AAB - Requires Maths and either Physics or Technology or Engineering based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking Not accepted

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Professional accreditations

The MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering course is accredited by RAeS and IMechE as detailed in the programme specification and satisfies, in full, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2019.

Additionally, the programme is accredited by IMechE as detailed in the programme specification and satisfies, in full, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the 2020 intake. The programme is currently going through the process of reaccreditation with IMechE for the 2021 intake onwards.
Sign up for alerts
Get access to personalised content, tailored towards your interests:
- Information on your favourite courses
- Tips to help you through the application process
- Blogs, vlogs and advice from current students
Form successfully completed. Thank you.
Please check, and fix the following possible errors:
Full name*

Email address*

Year of Entry: *

By submitting your details you consent to the University contacting you about our courses, facilities and the University itself. Please be assured that we will treat your information with the utmost care in accordance with relevant data protection legislation and the University's policy on data protection, which is available to view on the University's website. We will only pass your details onto relevant third parties in relation to your potential application to the University of Hertfordshire. Your data will be stored in our CRM systems which will be used to support you in your application and keep you informed about the University.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
128-136	ABB-AAB - Requires Maths and either Physics or Technology or Engineering based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking	Not accepted

Why choose this course?

Study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK
Experiment with vehicle handling behaviour on our suite of vehicle simulators
Use our rolling road dynamometer, one of only a few in the UK

You will have use of our Automotive Centre with advanced powertrain test cells and testing facilities
You will gain a practical education based around several specialist laboratories including an aerodynamics laboratory with five wind tunnels of varying speeds.
This MEng degree course in Automotive Engineering will give you the opportunity to design, build and race single-seater race car in the UK Formula Student Competition and can get involved from your first year onwards, if you wish.
Our MEng Automotive Engineering students have previously completed work placement years at companies including: 3M UK Plc, Bentley Motors, and Millbrook Proving Ground
Recent Automotive Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including: JCB, Nissan, Ford Motor Company, Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren Automotive.
Your MEng studies involve an extra year and will provide you with a broader and deeper understanding of the subject.
We are members of the CDIO Initiative (Conceive Design Implement Operate), a worldwide network of academic professionals, industry representatives and engineering leaders who have a passion for engineering education and engineering leadership. The CDIO framework has been embedded into our undergraduate degree programme, ensuring you’ll put into practice what you learn through “Design and Build” projects during your studies.

What's the course about?

With a 30-year record of producing skilled engineers for all branches of the automotive industry, Hertfordshire’s a great choice if you want to work in this cutting-edge sector. How? As with the BEng, this course focuses on vehicle design, taking into account performance, consumer demand, safety and sustainability. It follows the same structure as the BEng, but includes an extra year where you’ll deepen your understanding of the automotive industry. This course is also accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes. 

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

Learn in our brand-new building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

What will I study?

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world! With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The school also operate an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

What you will learn

You will study vehicle structures, engine performance, aerodynamics using wind tunnel testing, materials and manufacturing strategies applicable to mass car production and specialist vehicle development. You will gain skills in commercial engineering software used in the industry, such as CATIA (a computer-aided design package), as well as finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics packages. There is also the opportunity to be involved with the Class 200 Formula Student car, where you will work on developing the previous year's Formula Student entry.

First Year

You will study motorsport and automotive technology, engineering mathematics, engineering applications of mathematics, materials and electrical science, mechanical science, introduction to manufacturing technology, introduction to design, as well as fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Second Year

You will study dynamics, thermofluid mechanics, further engineering mathematics, computer-aided engineering (CAE), structural mechanics, automotive electronics and control systems, integrated engineering systems design, and project management and product development.

Third Year

You have the option of taking an integrated one-year professional placement, or you can take the opportunity to study part of your degree abroad through student exchange programmes with other universities in the EU, USA or Canada.

Fourth Year

You will study vehicle engineering design, vibration, noise and vehicle dynamics, vehicle structural analysis and manufacture, manufacturing strategy, mechanics and properties of materials, thermofluid mechanics and heat transfer, and an individual major project. You will also have an opportunity to be involved with the development of the University's entry to the Formula Student competition.

Final Year (4th or 5th)

This year you will study human resources management, team project, successful project delivery, advanced engine and power systems, finite element analysis (FEA) and applications, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The multidisciplinary team project involves applying your skills to solve a challenging problem, for example, the design and development of an electric-powered car.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Engineering Mathematics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Statics and Dynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module encompasses: 1. Statics (fundamental concept of units, forces, free body diagrams, moments, normal stresses, shear stresses, shear force-bending moment relationships). 2. Dynamics (dynamics concepts, velocity and acceleration, linear & angular motion, moment of inertia, application of free-body diagrams, work and energy principles, impulse-momentum principles and simple harmonic motion).
Automotive Engineering Fundamentals	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the fundamental terminology, science and technologies commonly used in the automotive industry. The module will provide practical opportunity for students to become familiar with the basic elements and practices associated with automotive engineering. Students will become familiar with the basic parts of a vehicle and gain an appreciation for how they are integrated together. Students will be able to explore some of the parameters used to assess vehicle performance and through laboratory work learn how to use standard equipment to measure the performance of a vehicle. The module will also introduce those methods that motorsport industry uses to enhance vehicle's performance.
Applied Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the engineering design process, from brief through to manufacture, to devise a solution to a posed engineering problem. Design activities are accomplished in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. Project management techniques are addressed and employed with the purpose of effective time and resource management. Students are exposed to the workshop environment, with the aim of constructing their solution. Students will be required to test their build to ensure performance meets the specified design brief.
Electrical Science	15 Credits	Compulsory
Many mechanical systems rely on electrical circuits for power, sensing and actuation. This module introduces the principles of electrical circuits and introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical units and relationships, basic AC and DC circuit theory, digital systems, A/D and D/A conversion, and electro-mechanical principles and devices. You will gain a secure foundation in the fundamental concepts of circuits, devices and systems that underpin all branches of engineering. This will include study of the mathematical operations of AC quantities, including phasors, vectors and complex numbers, some key semiconductor devices and circuits involving diodes and transistors and a fundamental knowledge of the principles and construction of DC and AC machines, transformers and linear actuators.
Programming for Engineers	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will enable the student to understand and appreciate the role of basic programming within engineering disciplines. This will be accomplished through applications of programming language with practical demonstrations to allow students gain insights into the application of their work. Topics for the lectures are given below, and will be accompanied by practical classes where students will write scripts and execute them to control a programmable circuit board. 1. Introduction – Computers, Software, Hardware and microcontrollers including UART Communications 2. Problem solving, structure and pseudocode 3. Variables 4. Operators 5. Conditionals 6. Functions 7. Loops 8. Strings 9. Files 10. Debugging 11. Future Research and Developments
Engineering Professionalism	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be introduced to their individual responsibilities and development to becoming professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as students, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be transferable to industry practice or continued study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples students will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as working in teams, leadership and management. The learning and assessment will be in conjunction with aligned and concurrent modules to allow this module to support and develop their skills for use in present application. The aim is to develop personal responsibility for their learning and professional development. Through industrial speakers and real case study examples students will be faced with real professional discussions and dilemmas.
Introduction to Mechatronic Systems (Automotive)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget autonomous electromechanical device. Content breakdown by units: 1. Introduction to safety and hazardous substance legislation; 2. Solid body modelling for design implementation (Physical models); 3. Parameter analysis as a conceptual design methodology; 4. Introduction to mathematical modelling and optimisation; 5. CAD tools and prototypes; 6. Detail design; 7. Introduction to design for assembly and manufacture; 8. Sensors and actuators: information processing; 9. Design validation process (Technical Performance Measure); 10. Introduction to the mechanical and physical properties of polymers; 11. Introduction to manufacturing process determination. Alongside the above-mentioned topics, topics relating to project management and employability will be developed. The use of examples related to Automotive is recommended.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Automotive Electronics and Control Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will extend the students understanding of electronics and applications within automotive vehicles. It will also introduce students to control theory and how to apply it to automotive applications. The content will include a revision of electrical basics, electrical power generation within vehicles, components and automotive electronic systems, instrumentation, actuators and sensors, digital systems and communication, introduction to control loops, transient and steady state performance and controller design methods.
Fluid Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of fluid flow including hydrostatic thrusts on submerged surfaces, Reynolds number, pipework systems, viscous drag and aerodynamic drag and the principles of fluid machines.
Thermodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and provides a basis for higher-level modules in thermodynamics and heat transfer. Lectures and tutorials are accompanied by laboratory sessions in thermodynamics. Assessment is through laboratory reports, written coursework and an examination.
Materials in Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces: Strengthening mechanisms and processing-microstructure-property relationships, Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys. Forming and shaping methods. Ceramics. Polymers. Composite Materials Corrosion Creep Fracture and fatigue Non-destructive testing
Automotive Sustainable Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to design and build a structure and/or device supporting the movement of a fluid.
Dynamics & Vibrations	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module "Dynamics" consists of three parts: (1) Kinematics, concerned with the description of the motion of rigid bodies without considering the forces causing such motion. (2) Kinetics, concerned with the forces causing the motion of rigid bodies. (3) Vibration, concerned with the oscillations of a mechanical system. This module expands on the 'dynamics' part of modules at level 4 and provides practical applications relevant to industrial design and analysis.
Automotive Structures	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module includes shear force-bending moment diagrams, beam theory, combined loading conditions, direct stress/strain, shear stress/strain, torsion of shafts, bending stresses in beams with unsymmetrical sections This module will also establish competence in applying appropriate techniques for the analysis of stress and strain in vehicle structures and components.
Automotive Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Thermofluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer	15 Credits	Compulsory
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer - Steady state conduction heat transfer. Natural and forced convection. Heat transfer by a conduction. Overall heat transfer coefficient through multiple conductors. Thermal radiation and concepts of black and grey bodies. Stefan-Boltzmann constant and radiation heat transfer estimation. Principle of combustion. Laminar and turbulent flames. Combustion chemistry and calculations. Wet and dry analysis of combustion products. Gas power cycles. Joule-Brayton cycle. Real gas turbine cycle and its performance parameters. Reciprocating internal combustion engine cycles. Processes forming the Otto, diesel and dual cycles and performance parameters. Engines emission, major pollutants and methods of pollutants reduction. Turbo and super charging internal combustion engines. Fluid Mechanics - Isentropic compressible flow in ducts. Subsonic and supersonic flow. Normal shock, oblique shock, and expansion waves.
Manufacturing Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module argues for the case of a modern systems approach to manufacturing strategy, and describes the competitive environment that faces manufacturing in Britain today e.g. Globalisation. An important aim of the module is seen as placing the manufacturing systems in its proper perspective at the centre of the companies manufacturing strategy. The module will also serve a duel purpose i.e. to broaden the perspective of the manufacturing function, and to heighten the awareness of other functional critical areas involved in the task of formulating a successful manufacturing strategy.
Vehicle Engineering Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to: (i)provide experience of automotive or motorsport design and the interactive requirements of engineering products, (ii)extend the student's experience in the detail design and validation of vehicle components, units and systems, and (iii)encourage a professional attitude to the application of engineering knowledge and skill, with specific reference to market/customer requirements, aesthetics, performance, cost, safety, legal requirements, standards and regulations. It will also address the human issues relating to automotive or motorsport design and promote the innovative element of the design process. It encompasses various individual assignments (addressing specific areas of vehicle engineering technology) and group projects (in groups of 4-6 students, including planning, monitoring and reviewing work done, management of manufacture, testing and presenting the result in written, graphical and oral forms). To an extent group members will be taking on a specialist role within group project work.
Vehicle Structural Analysis and Manufacture	15 Credits	Compulsory
The structural analysis section of this module will extend the students' skills learnt in previous modules, particularly FEA methods, to the analysis of vehicle bodies including the development of body-in-white modelling, crash worthiness and occupant protection. The Manufacturing section will further extend the students' understanding of joining, forming and finishing techniques particularly applied in the modern automotive industry.
Mechanics and Properties of Materials	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will extend the students knowledge and understanding of structural analysis and the importance of selecting appropriate materials to meet the design requirements. Topics include: Plate theory, elasticity and plasticity, composite materials, viscoelasticity, creep and relaxation, fracture and fatigue, corrosion and non-destructive testing.
Careers Portfolio	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will help students identify the employability skills necessary to enter their chosen profession. They will be required to develop a portfolio that evidences the following employability skills relevant for their chosen profession, from a combination of employment experience and academic modules. Skills include; Self Management and Development, Team Working, Communicating, Specialist Technologies, Professional Awareness and Problem Solving/Creativity.
Industrial Placement	0 Credits	Optional
The optional placement year is undertaken in the academic year prior to the final year of study, and must meet University standard requirements for the length of placement to be considered for the conferment of "with Sandwich" upon graduation. Students undertake the placement within an organisation that can provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering or general STEM environment/role. To be eligible for placement, students must normally have achieved sufficient credit at Levels 4 and 5 to be able to enter the final year upon completion of the placement. While the School and University actively support the placements process ultimately it is the placement company that will select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement, a member of School staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Semester Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Semester Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Semester Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will gain an understanding of the strategic and operational role of HR within a variety of organisations, including those relevant within the supply chain. The module will examine the legal implications of industrial relations and health and safety. It will further analyse the trend of HRM within differing types of industries and businesses. Students will use case studies and scenarios to support lectures and guided learning.
CFD Techniques	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamic applications of CFD. It comprehensively reviews the governing equations of fluid flow and their area of application. The major numerical methods of solution are introduced, together with turbulence modelling. Meshing procedures are introduced, including physical measures of adequate meshing, solution adaptive meshing, multi-block and multi-grid methods.
MEng Team Project	45 Credits	Compulsory
This project involves the undertaking of a realistic engineering task, plus the experience of leadership and project management in a challenging team project. Wherever possible, the project is generated and operated in collaboration with a suitable industrial company and is multidisciplinary in nature. Projects should help to develop understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied. [P1] Students apply their analytical skills gained earlier in their degree program to produce smart and innovative solutions to engineering problems. Each team undertakes formal planning and progress meetings throughout the duration of the project and offer both written and oral presentations of their work. [SM2m] Opportunities are available to integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines alongside their own discipline. Including concepts from some areas outside engineering, students should be able to critique and apply these effectively in engineering projects. [SM3m]
Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, including preparing and working with raw and structured data, statistical analysis of data, processing and mining data to understand patterns and support making estimations/predictions and decision making, representation and search, problem solving.
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing	15 Credits	Compulsory
Enable students to make appropriate choices of the materials and processes; future scenarios and potential developments are considered.
Advanced FEA and Crashworthiness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to: (i) construct computer simulation models for a range of mechanical engineering requirements from industrial complex models to models requiring sophisticated numerical solutions using CAD surface/solid information; (ii) examine the effect of mesh density, domain size, boundary conditions, physical approximation technique, material properties and appropriate numerical schemes on the accuracy of results, using an FEA package; (iii) validate and correlate the results against benchmark solutions or analytical approximations.
Advanced Powertrain Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on classroom based lectures. Students will be able to utilise virtual reality to appraise the entire electrical system of an all wheel drive electric vehicle. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. The module content will include; Review of electric and hybrid vehicles Introduction of power electronics, electric drives and motor control. High voltage electrical architectures Automotive energy storage and charging systems Mechanical integration of hybrid propulsion systems Energy management – control of vehicle performance and fuel saving Energy recovery systems Electric and hybrid vehicle case studies
Engineering Management and Innovation	15 Credits	Compulsory
As part of this module, students will explore the societal and environmental impact of engineering. Students will be equipped to use professional codes of conduct and a wide range of management tools to identify and mitigate risk. Students will study the role of systems engineering in providing a structured and robust approach to project initiation, planning, delivery, control and closure and how it can foster innovation. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as the role of diversity as a key driver for innovation.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Students have previously undertaken placements in organisations such as:
- 3M UK plc
- Bentley Motors
- Millbrook Proving Ground
- Rolls Royce Cars
- Triumph Motorcycles
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Alumni Stories

Katie Dobson

Meet Katie Dobson who is working for the Williams Formula 1 team

Read more stories MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport

Current job role	Aerodynamic Design Engineer
Year of graduation	2017
Course of study	MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport

Katie knew that she wanted to pursue a career in Motor Sport and saw the course at Herts as the perfect pathway to follow her dream.

She is currently an Aerodynamic Design Engineer with the Williams Formula 1 team and explains a bit more about her role and what it entails, ‘I was lucky enough to join Williams F1 as a Junior Aerodynamic Design engineer after completing my MEng in Automotive Engineering with Motorsport at Herts.

My role involves designing mechanical and aerodynamic components for the wind tunnel. I lead the research and development for the wind tunnel front wing design and work closely with the aerodynamicists to improve design concepts and make wind tunnel tests as streamlined as possible.’

Working in Formula 1

Katie really enjoys the challenge of the role and the industry which is fast-paced on all fronts.

‘Working in Formula 1 is very enjoyable and very rewarding when you see results on the track. Seeing Williams back on the podium and scoring points again in 2021 were particular highlights.

I also enjoy the fast-paced environment and continual research and development required to keep up with technology and rules changes.’.

Why Herts

Katie chose to study at Herts because she was impressed with the large range of studies provided by the Engineering department and the range of facilities which provided crucial hands-on experience to work in industry. She adds, ‘I was particularly impressed with the extra-curricular groups and studies provided by Herts such as the Formula Student team.’

When she talks about the best part of her course she says, ‘It was being able to apply what I had learnt during my A-Levels to further my knowledge of engineering and the knowledge and enthusiasm my lecturers had to further my studies.'

Formula Student

Knowing that hands on practical experience is so important in the industry Katie became a member of the successful Formula Student team at Herts. She is certain that it helped when it came to her career and says, 'Participating in Formula Student particularly aided my ability to gain my current role in industry.

It was able to provide me with this expertise and allow me to broaden my field of study outside of the classroom or lecture hall.’

Favourite memories

Unsurprisingly Katie’s best memories revolve around her experience with the Formula Student Team and the success on and off the track.

‘My favourite memories at Herts were the times spent designing and manufacturing UH19 and UH20 with great friends. My favourite of them being completing at FSUK, FS Czech and FS Germany with the most successful UH FS car of all time as well as winning design at both the UK and Czech competitions.’

The future

Katie has set her sights high when it comes to the future and what it could bring. ‘My future plans are to advance my career further in motorsport, and to hopefully win a Drivers and Constructors Championship in F1.’

Find out more about the Formula Student Team

If you have a great story like Katie's, please contact us!

Alumni Stories

Lee Stretch

Meet Lee Stretch who has achieved great success in motorsport engineering since graduating in 2011. He currently works as a Vehicles Dynamic Engineer for Ferrari's Formula One team.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Vehicles Dynamic Engineer
Year of graduation	2011
Course of study	MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport

Facilities and experience

Lee made his decision to study at the University of Hertfordshire when he attended an open day, which included a visit to the Formula Student automotive workshop. 'The students had designed and built a single seat racing car which they raced against other universities. It blew me away!' His love of Formula Student became the catalyst for where he is today.

Lee felt the course itself was well rounded, covering all aspects of engineering, with a focus on design, which he enjoyed. Crucial moments of Lee's studies, from submitting his final year project, to designing a racing car in parallel with his full-time sandwich year job, taught him what is possible with determination, and a deadline.

This culminated in second place at Formula Student Germany - the best result ever for a UK team. 'Without these experiences, perhaps I wouldn't have had the guts to move to Italy.' He says, 'I've applied so many of the topics I studied at Herts to my career at Formula One. I regularly find myself reaching for my student notes from five years ago!'

Exciting career

After graduating, Lee worked with Mercedes GP as a Performance Simulation Engineer where he worked with some of the most sophisticated lap simulation tools in the industry. 'It was a very hard three years at Mercedes but equally rewarding, with the 2014 World Championship being the icing on the cake.'

Lee's passion and commitment was recognised by the only other team that he would have considered moving to - Ferrari. Lee moved to Italy and spent time learning Italian. After only six months in the role, he had contributed to next year's cooling system, and continues to develop the team's lap simulation tools. 'To help return Ferrari to the top of Formula One would be a dream come true!'

Despite working in a relatively specialised group of vehicle performance, Lee's role demands sound mechanical understanding, thermodynamics, practical design considerations and even pure mathematics in simulation. 'Communication is paramount, so all the report writing, presentation and team working skills necessary in the final two years of my degree have proved hugely beneficial.'

What's next for my career?

This programme prepares you for the many excellent career choices available to a professional chartered automotive engineer. Our placement students sometimes return to their final year studies with sponsorships and already holding job offers. We have links with all the major automotive companies in the UK and many abroad, and most Formula One racing teams have one of our graduates in their design team. There are also opportunities for consultancy work, specialising in vehicle safety. Many other graduates decide to stay at the University and extend their automotive education at a postgraduate level.

More about the course

The University has a 30-year track record of producing skilled engineers for every branch of the automotive industry, which is a dynamic environment offering excellent career prospects whether in large corporations, component suppliers or motorsport companies. This degree course is geared towards vehicle design, although it has much in common with the Mechanical Engineering course, and as it is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, it provides the first step towards gaining Chartered Engineer status. The course is also recognised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Our graduates’ employment prospects are excellent. You can expect to be employed in design, manufacturing or testing in one of the major automotive companies in the UK or internationally. In fact, most Formula One teams have one of our graduates in their design team. Other graduates decide to stay with us and extend their automotive education at postgraduate level.
View our Alumni profiles

Katie Dobson Lee Stretch

Course fact sheets
MEng Engineering (Automotive Engineering)	Download

Programme specifications
MEng Engineering (Automotive Engineering)	Download
MEng Engineering (Automotive Engineering)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years Sandwich, 5 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees:

UCAS code: H341

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

What will I study?

What you will learn

Alumni Stories

Meet Katie Dobson who is working for the Williams Formula 1 team

Working in Formula 1

Why Herts

Formula Student

Favourite memories

The future

Alumni Stories

Meet Lee Stretch who has achieved great success in motorsport engineering since graduating in 2011. He currently works as a Vehicles Dynamic Engineer for Ferrari's Formula One team.

Facilities and experience

Exciting career

More about the course

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 