BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: H342
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

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.

UCAS Points	A Level	BTEC	IB requirement
104-112	BCC-BBC - minimum of two A Levels	MMM-DMM - requires a Diploma in engineering or technology based	104-112 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English language and 4/C 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.

UCAS Points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
104-112	BCC-BBC - minimum of two A Levels	DMM - requires a Diploma in engineering or technology based	Engineering or technology diploma with merit profile	104-112 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English language and 4/C 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.

Professional accreditations

The BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology course is accredited by IMechE and satisfies, in full, the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2020. Accreditation is being sought for the 2022 intake.

Why choose this course?

Learn using a 'design and build approach’ which will gain you invaluable practical skills
Our graduates are highly employable, now working for multinational companies such as Nissan
Design, build and compete with a Formula Student race car by joining the Formula Student Competition

The BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology degree programme is specifically designed to provide you with a broad-ranging skillset to support the development of automotive products.

Excitingly so, Herts has recently joined the Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) initiative; a worldwide network of academic professionals, industry representatives and engineering leaders who have a passion for engineering education and engineering leadership. The CDIO educational framework has been embedded into the BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology degree which hugely enhances the benefits you will take away on completion of this course. It means you will be able to put everything you learn into practice, through a ‘Design and Build’ approach, allowing you an authentic, hands on experience during your studies.

Herts Graduates are highly employable in a wide range of firms operating in the automotive sector. Recent automotive technology graduates have gone on to work at organisations including Nissan, Dyson, and Bentley Motors.

Clubs, societies and extracurricular

Herts participate in a Formula Student Competition which you are welcome to join from your very first year of study. This is an exciting extracurricular opportunity to work with other engineering students in designing, building and racing a Formula Student race car. A great addition that will shine on your CV and enhance your employment prospects.

Expand your knowledge and get the most out of your university experience by participating in the various co-curricular activities that are available to you while you study on this BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology course. The School of Physics Engineering & Computer Science has recently launched countless outstanding opportunities which can heighten your depth of understanding, should you choose to get involved. Activities available include Shell-Eco Marathon, Engineers without Borders Design Competition, IMechE Design Challenge, UP Research, Machining Club, and the Sim Racing Society.

What's the course about?

Gaining you the specialist skills, knowledge and experience needed to become a successful automotive engineer in a fast-growing industry.

This BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology degree offers a mixture of theory and practical-based learning, allowing you to grasp a thorough understanding of each of the key engineering principles while also gaining plenty of hands-on experience in practical projects where you can apply the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures. A significant amount of your time will be spent in workshops and using our well-equipped labs to aid with practical lessons included in the course curriculum. We carefully crafted this teaching blend to ensure you walk away with optimal capability that will give you a head start for when you start out working professionally in the industry.

Want to get the most out of your course? We encourage you to make the most of the exciting facilities available to you, that can really heighten your skills and experience in Automotive Technology by put learned theory into practice. Utilise the numerous computer labs where you will have full range to constantly advance your design and simulations skills and also enjoy the facilities dedicated to manufacturing where you’ll be able to conduct an assortment of experiments.

In your first year, you will learn fundamental engineering principles while working on design and build projects. An exciting part of your first year is that you will be able to design, prototype and test simple engineering products.

In your second year, you will focus on automotive design and simulation techniques while expanding your knowledge about engineering systems and principles. As part of the curriculum, you will also develop an appreciation of production and distribution systems.

In your final year, you will get to explore the latest technologies used in the automotive sector, in particular with regard to autonomous vehicles. The curriculum also offers students the opportunity to develop expertise, in the field of engineering project management, for the design and development of complex engineering products.

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 our automotive workshops, modelling, simulation and research labs including our autonomous vehicles research lab.

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 online learning activities 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 and simulations techniques, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School also operates an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Motorsport and Automotive Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the fundamental terms, science and technologies commonly used in the automotive industry. Students will become familiar with the basic parts of a vehicle and gain an appreciation for how they are integrated together. They will be introduced to the parameters used to assess vehicle performance and through laboratory work learn how to use standard equipment to measure the performance of a vehicle. They will also be introduced to how the methods the motorsport side of the industry enhances vehicle performance.
Introduction to Engineering Projects	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.
Introduction to Microcontrollers and 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 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 will be developed.
Professionalism and Project Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students 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 & 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 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.
Fundamentals of Static Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Fundamentals of Static Systems module serves to introduce students to the topic of Mechanical Science in the context of practical application and laboratory-based experimentation. Mathematical tools required for analysis of systems in equilibrium will be presented to students and assessment (typically formative) will take place prior to assessment of forces and moments in systems of equilibrium.
Application of Engineering Materials	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module encompasses (i) engineering materials (classification of materials, mechanical and physical properties, structure of materials, testing, materials selection for metals, polymers and ceramics (ii) issues of recyclability and sustainability in regard to materials selection.
Introduction to Manufacturing Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a range of production processes and practice used commonly in the manufacture of products. Students develop a hands-on appreciation of production techniques including turning, milling, fabrication and assembly using manual and computer-controlled plant and machinery. Transferable skills are developed in the application of the processes used to manufacture a range of products and subassemblies taking into account design and supply requirements. This module typically covers the following: Engineering metrology, instrumentation Quality assurance, testing and inspection ISO and QS Standards Metal casting process and equipment Metal forming and shaping process and equipment (e.g., metal rolling, forging, extrusion) Machining process (e.g., turning and hole making, milling, broaching, sawing, filing, and gear manufacturing) and machine tools Joining processes (e.g., fusion welding processes and solid-state welding processes; brazing, soldering, adhesive-bonding, and mechanical fastening processes) Additive Manufacturing Automation of manufacturing processes and operations Applications of Artificial Intelligence to manufacturing
Fundamentals of Dynamic Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Fundamentals of Static Systems module serves to introduce students to the topic of Mechanical Science in the context of practical application and laboratory based experimentation. Mathematical tools required for analysis of dynamic systems will be presented to students and assessment (typically formative) will take place prior to assessing the understanding of Newtons laws of motion.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Automotive Electrical Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
Automotive electrical systems and components including: Cables, fuses, relays, solenoids and actuators, fuel injectors, electric motors, ignition coils, batteries. Starting and charging systems including ISG and regenerative braking, specialist automotive sensors and operating principles e.g. lambda and MAP sensors. Solid state power distribution, automotive digital systems and networks, ODBC. Engine electronics, function of components, minimizing the environmental impact of the internal combustion engine by using electronic control. Introduction to hybrid (full and mild), electric, fuel cell vehicles and their environmental benefits.
Computer Aided Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will contribute to further enhance students design and Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills; the module will also introduce students to engineering analysis and the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. The functionality of specialist software will be explored to appreciate the range and scope of standard CAE software and techniques appropriate to engineering. The module enhances the students' CAE modelling experience and provides students with authentic design tasks. Students will be introduced to best practices for engineering design and will provide students with the complete 'Product Brief to Technical Drawings' experience. Particular emphasis will be given to the importance of questioning and validating computer generated results by comparison with theoretical models and experimental methods. A hands-on, task-based approach will be adopted, encouraging independent learning.
Applied Thermodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to thermodynamics and provides a basis for higher-level modules in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and powertrain design. Lectures and tutorials are accompanied by laboratory sessions in thermodynamics.
Production & Distribution Systems Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module allows students to develop a general understanding of production and distribution systems. The module also further supports the development of discipline-specific digital capabilities with regards to data analysis and optimisation with regards to production and logistics. Students will be introduced to the advanced usage of Microsoft Excel. The following are indicative of topics covered in the module: Introduction to Supply Chain Management (SCM): supply side, production, distribution, logistics. Performance measurement for distribution and production systems. Demand forecasting, production planning & control MRP/ERP systems and purchasing management Capacity management & the Theory of Constraints (TOC) Inventory management Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement Quality Management Industry 4.0 Trends in Manufacturing/Supply Chain Management
Computational Fluid Dynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of vehicle aerodynamics and the modelling of aerodynamic performance by wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics. This module adopts a practical hands-on approach to promote the understanding of engineering analysis.
Automotive Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and skills associated with automotive design. Key design parameters including weight, specific functions, cost, reliability and fitness for purpose will be addressed to reflect the themes of Innovative Design, Systems Integration Design and Sustainability. 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 implement an engineering project and design prototypes.
Introduction to Vehicle Aerodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of vehicle aerodynamics, including testing procedures as well as the analytical and computational techniques used to evaluate aerodynamic performance. The module builds a knowledge base in fluid mechanics principles before applying this knowledge in the context of vehicle design for aerodynamic performance. Students gain an understanding of the aerodynamic design sensitivities associated with various road vehicle body types, particularly lift and drag sensitivities relating to different body styles (hatchback, notchback, fastback, squareback/estateback), and subsequently investigate these effects through completion of an assessed wind tunnel laboratory.
Automotive Electronics Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces core concepts of electrical and electronic systems found in automotive applications, and complements the knowledge developed as part of the Automotive Electrical Systems module. The module focuses on electronic circuit design, assembly and testing. In addition to practical exercises, students are introduced to the role of computer aids for electronic schematic capture and electronic PCB layout and design. The module also contributes to the development of students ability to use typical electronic laboratory hardware-based instrumentation.
Career Planning	0 Credits	Optional
This module aims to encourage students to reflect on their career aspirations and review/plan for the development of appropriate skills necessary to realise these aspirations. Many students will specifically use this module as an aid to prepare for the optional industrial placement year. Students who undertake the placement will work within industry or a commercial organisation that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering environment. This placement must be of at least 48 weeks duration. To be eligible for placement students should normally have passed the progression requirements to Level 6. For students who do not go on placement, this module will be a precursor to the Level 6 Career s Portfolio module.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Instrumentation and Control Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
Sensors, instrumentation systems, actuators, selection criteria, signal conditioning. Analogue and digital systems. A to D and D to A conversion. Open loop, feedforward and closed loop control. Error, stability and controller gain, frequency response and time domain methods. Tuning PIO controllers, Z/N continuous cycling method, digital control strategies.
Vehicle 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.
Automotive Body Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers various aspects of body engineering, including body materials (steels, aluminium alloys, polymers and composites), manufacturing processes (for forming, joining and finishing the body) and automotive structural integrity. The module is aimed to further students knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing processes used in the automotive industry; and to develop the students understanding of the role of the vehicle frame and body structure in crashworthiness.
Autonomous Automotive Transportation	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to develop a wide understanding of the challenges of these relatively new and innovative technologies; to develop the skill of interpreting a complex problem which human beings solve instinctively into one for which a real time engineering solution can be proposed. This module sets out the fundamental knowledge for designing embedded systems in motor vehicles, with particular reference to 5G and CAN bus. The knowledge will be used to solve real life problems both by simulation and laboratory test. Each student will be asked to defend his or her solution to the problem to both staff and fellow students.
Automotive Powertrain	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will enable the student to understand and evaluate forms of renewable energy. This will include; solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cell, nuclear and micro energy sources. Energy production systems will be evaluated to determin energy generation, optimisation, and flaws in the technology. This will require students to develop creativity to enhance solutions, increasing familiarity with research and development job roles. Introduction Engine basics Applied thermo (Diesel and Otto Cycle) Force Air induction Technology Turbine equations Bernoulli s Advanced engine cycles (6 stroke Atkinson) ECO technology Energy recuperation methods Fuel technology Advanced fuel technology Hybrid electric vehicle setup Hybrid electric vehicle components Wiring design Safety Power electronics Full Electric vehicle Setup design Battery selection Motor selection Battery technology Future Research and Developments
Automotive Chassis Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module examines the sub-systems that comprise the chassis of typical automobiles, and covers suspension systems, steering systems, tyres, and brakes.
BSc Individual Project (Automotive Technology)	30 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in either third or fourth (sandwich awards) year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. Students are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Students should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project. Student will be subjected to both end-point assessments and a continuous progress assessment that will assess the learning outcomes.
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.
Careers Portfolio	0 Credits	Optional
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.
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.

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. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your CV with a work placement sandwich year that will make you stand out from the crowd. It is 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.

Previous automotive technology students have undertaken placements in organisations such as:
- Nissan Technical Centre
- Triumph Motorcycles
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain
- Multimatic
- Safety Devices Ltd
- UTAC (formerly Millbrook Proving Ground).
You can attend work experience between your second and third year. You will pay no tuition fee for this year at the University of Hertfordshire; payments will recur only once you continue your third year of study. As work experience is optional, we ask that you make your decision in the second year so there is plenty of time to think about if this is something you want to do.
What if I need support?

We understand that the transition from college to university and settling in at each level of study comes with its challenging which is why we offer a personal tutoring system to all automotive technology students on this course. This involves you being allocated to a member of staff that will support you with academic progress and goals, personal and professional development, well-being and develop a sense of belonging.
We have various specialised central support units that are available to support all Herts students. We have dedicated teams that help with careers and employment, finance, counselling, disability services, Hertfordshire Students’ Union, study success/academic skills.

Check out our student blogs

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 MEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport

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?

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology degree options many doors for employment. Some jobs you can get include process engineer, design engineer, technical sales engineer, production specialist, suspension design engineer, vehicle dynamics simulation, test engineer, composites technician.

Not sure exactly what role you want to go into yet? No worries, our teaching staff cover a wide scope of different expertise including manufacturing technology, product design and development, motorsport design, process design and optimisation, lean manufacturing, advanced engines and powertrain systems, technologies for future mobility, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, project management, electrical machines and drives, automotive electrical systems, autonomous and connected vehicles, renewable energy systems (wind and solar energies). A perfect opportunity for you to learn and discover industry knowledge and insights from the perspectives of different well-educated professionals which will help to influence your next decisions based on what job role is for you.
View our Alumni profiles

Katie Dobson Lee Stretch

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 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:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
26/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)
26/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 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.

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BSc (Hons) Automotive Technology

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: H342

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Clubs, societies and extracurricular

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?

Check out our student blogs

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

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

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

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane   