Automotive Engineering with foundation year

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from Coventry University campus.

Let your passion for cars, engineering and design be the drive to become a professional automotive engineer, ready to innovate in a rapidly evolving, global industry.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BEng option.

Foundation year
This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree
With the rise of electrification, autonomous systems and sustainable design, engineers are at the forefront of solving today's transport and environmental challenges.

Ideal for those passionate about shaping the future of mobility, this course blends mechanical engineering fundamentals with automotive applications. It is designed to prepare you for careers in R&D, manufacturing and sustainability.

Key highlights:


- Core engineering and automotive specialism: master vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, powertrains and autonomous systems.


- Future-focused skills: tackle electrification, sustainability and ethical engineering challenges.


- Transferable expertise: build strong mathematical, problem-solving and design skills applicable across engineering sectors.


Why you should study this course
- Future-focused expertise: study electric and autonomous vehicle systems, lightweight composites, aerodynamics, and propulsion to prepare for the industry's transition to net zero.


- Real-world experience: apply skills through industry placements and collaborative projects. Previous students worked on Shell Eco Marathon and Formula Student vehicle development.


- Contemporary facilities: design and manufacture your own designs using high-performance labs, full-motion vehicle simulators, VR Power wall, composites laboratory wind tunnels, engine dynamometers and 3D immersive tech for advanced prototyping and testing in our High-Performance Engineering Centre and Beatrice Shilling Building.


- Industry connections: located at the heart of the UK automotive industry, benefit from strong links with leading automotive and engineering manufacturers and suppliers. Our employability experts can help support you in securing placements and graduate roles, both in the UK and internationally. Placements are subject to competitive applications.


Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.