Automotive Engineering MEng (Hons)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad

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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad

Are you interested in how to make cars better, faster, safer, cleaner and more sustainable? The automotive industry, which includes successful manufacturers like Nissan, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover, needs engineers who can work on design, production, and research and development.
The first three years of the course, or four years if you undertake a year-long industrial placement, are the same as our BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering. You’ll then complete a further year to gain your MEng. This final year continues the strong focus on automotive engineering. The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to meet the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
You should apply for this course if you want to meet in full the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer, which is associated with higher salaries. Employers place particular value on graduates who, because they already have an MEng, don’t need to undertake postgraduate studies alongside their day-to-day work.
Throughout the course you’ll be tackling problems within a practical context. Our sustainable engineering agenda will ensure that you’ll be equipped to work ethically in a world that needs engineers to meet societal challenges.
Engineering is ranked 25th for research power in the UK out of 89 submissions (REF, 2021).
See our other engineering courses you may be interested in: Aerospace Satellite Engineering Meng
Are you interested in how to make cars better, faster, safer, cleaner and more sustainable? The automotive industry, which includes successful manufacturers like Nissan, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover, needs engineers who can work on design, production, and research and development.
The first three years of the course, or four years if you undertake a year-long industrial placement, are the same as our BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering. You’ll then complete a further year to gain your MEng. This final year continues the strong focus on automotive engineering. The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to meet the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
You should apply for this course if you want to meet in full the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer, which is associated with higher salaries. Employers place particular value on graduates who, because they already have an MEng, don’t need to undertake postgraduate studies alongside their day-to-day work.
Throughout the course you’ll be tackling problems within a practical context. Our sustainable engineering agenda will ensure that you’ll be equipped to work ethically in a world that needs engineers to meet societal challenges.
Engineering is ranked 25th for research power in the UK out of 89 submissions (REF, 2021).
See our other engineering courses you may be interested in: Aerospace Satellite Engineering Meng
UCAS Code
H3P6
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
School
Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2027
Fees
Fee Information
Discover the funding options available to you
Find out more about our department, facilities and what other students are taking part in.
£3 million award to transform Northumbria's Engineering facilities.
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Our teaching methods include lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and group projects as well as tutor-directed and self-directed research. There’s a strong emphasis on problem-solving because we believe that you’ll learn best when you’re engaged in applying what we teach.
Assessment methods are designed to give you feedback as well as to monitor your level of achievement. They include assessed projects that will enable you to test your skills and understanding. For most modules, though not all of them, the main method of assessment is coursework and not exams.
Our expertise is reflected in the range and depth of our collaborations with industrial partners, such as Ricardo, JCB, Cummins and Caterpillar. We’ve built up excellent industrial links during the 50+ years that we’ve been offering engineering courses. These links help ensure high quality placements and collaborative projects.
Northumbria has the advantage of being located in the North East of England, which is a centre of manufacturing and technical innovation. As well as Nissan, the region’s #1 company, there is a strong concentration of automotive, engineering, chemicals, construction and manufacturing companies.
When it comes to making sure you learn from the best, our staff are second to none.
Dr Martin Birkett
Professor Birkett currently leads the Engineering Materials and Mechanics Group (EM2G) and mainly teaches on the Mechanical Engineering degree programmes.
Read MoreDr Brabha Nagaratnam
Dr Christopher Connor
Northumbria University provides outstanding facilities for engineering. We have specialist laboratories for smart materials and composites, building and construction, control and instrumentation, and fluids and thermodynamics.
We have a twin engine test cell, wind tunnel and virtual reality suite for research into collision detection systems and car-to-car interaction. Northumbria is making significant advances in communication technologies, electronics and Bluetooth.
Our rapid prototyping room will make it easy for you to bring your design projects to life, and our modelling workshop offers tools and specialist equipment for modelling your designs. All our facilities are backed up by specialist technicians who will give support and advice when you need it.
To facilitate group projects, there is a working space called The Hub that’s well equipped for meetings and working with IT. The Zone is another area that’s popular with students undertaking group work or individual study.
The Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering has modern laboratory and computing resources for learning, teaching, research, innovation and business engagement.
Come and explore our outstanding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Northumbria’s strong research ethos is an essential aspect of how you will develop as a critical, reflective and independent thinker. With our problem-solving approach you’ll acquire a wide range of research and analytical skills as you progress through the course. These skills will come together in the major project that you’ll undertake, which requires independent research and appropriate techniques of inquiry, critical evaluation and synthesis.
Throughout the course your learning will be directly impacted by the teaching team’s active research into their specialist subjects. One of Northumbria’s signature research themes is ‘Future Engineering’, which is about innovation in the engineering and construction industries so that they are fit for purpose in the 21st century. We also have particular interests in novel construction materials, Building Information Management, smart materials and sustainable technologies.
Find out more about the research taking place in this department.
MEng (Hons) Mechanical and Automotive Engineering has been designed to fully meet the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)’s academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer. Chartered status is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.
The optional placement year will enrich your experience and provide opportunities to engage with industry. There is also an option to spend the year studying abroad, which will broaden your international experience.
Our ‘learning by doing’ approach will give you an in-depth understanding and technical skills that are sought by employers. The major project in your third/fourth year, and the interdisciplinary engineering project in your fourth/fifth year, are great opportunities to apply everything you’ll have learnt. The outcome is not only important for assessment purposes but also to demonstrate your professionalism to potential employers.
Our Careers and Employment Service offers resources and support that will help you find roles matching your interests and skills. You’ll be able to access a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and networking opportunities.
By the end of this course you’ll be in an excellent position to become an automotive engineering professional. Engineering is a growth industry and currently there is a shortage of engineers. The UK government is stressing the importance of skilled, qualified engineers to the future of business and industry.
The MEng (Hons) qualification will give you an extra edge in the job market. It’ll show that you have extended and deepened your knowledge and skills compared to others who have an undergraduate degree such as a BEng (Hons).
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have strong employability as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.
You can boost your CV and develop your experience whilst studying at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Automotive Engineering. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need A-level Mathematics and another analytical science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Physics or Technology), or recognised equivalents.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Standard Offer 112 UCAS Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Contextual Admissions 96 UCAS Tariff points
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach and assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need A Level Mathematics and an A Level in another analytical science subject - Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Technology.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths, Statistics, or Physics and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or equivalents.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,790
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements. Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. *if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1:
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Optional field trips - approximate costs up to £200.
UK Fee in Year 1:
The University may increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). If the University intends to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, notification will be communicated with all students affected by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right. Student fee loans have risen in line with the level of uplift decided by the UK Government.
Extended Degrees: Students will pay the applicable Foundation Year fee in Year 0. Tuition fees will follow the Year 1 (Level 4) cap in the first year of Undergraduate study, with tuition fees in subsequent years increasing as per the above information.
International Fee in Year 1:
International fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be confirmed in due course. As an indication, tuition fees in the 2026/27 academic year were £19,850 or £21,500 depending on the course of study. Fees are charged for each year of study and may be subject to an inflationary or other uplift in the second and subsequent years of study as decided by the University. Students will be notified of any changes by the end of June each academic year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.
Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.
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Page last reviewed: 2 October 2026
Next review due: 2 October 2027
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