BEng Sustainable Automotive Engineering (with an industrial placement year)
About this course
Sustainable automotive engineering is a discipline shaped by one of the defining challenges facing the transport sector: how to design, power and manufacture vehicles that are dramatically less harmful to the environment than those of the twentieth century. Electric drivetrains, lightweight materials, manufacturing process efficiency, battery technology and the integration of vehicles into smart energy grids are all central concerns, and engineers who understand both the technical dimensions and the sustainability imperatives are among the most sought after in the industry. At the University of Sussex, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year and an industrial placement year embedded in the structure, giving you additional scientific preparation before the main degree and extended professional experience in an automotive or engineering environment. You will study engineering fundamentals including mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics and electronics alongside the specific demands of modern vehicle design, including electric and hybrid powertrain engineering, vehicle dynamics, embedded systems and the regulatory and environmental frameworks that shape automotive development. The industrial placement year is a substantial element, giving you hands-on experience in a real engineering environment and the professional relationships and portfolio of work that employers value. The foundation year consolidates your science and mathematics before you move into the engineering core. A typical tariff of around 136 points is expected. Graduates work in automotive engineering roles covering vehicle design, powertrain engineering, battery systems, manufacturing process engineering, testing and validation, and sustainability analysis. The sector includes traditional automotive manufacturers, specialist electric vehicle companies, Tier 1 suppliers, consultancies and research organisations. Professional chartership and postgraduate study are natural further steps for those who wish to move into senior technical or leadership roles.
Syllabus & Modules
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