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Automotive Technology MSc

1 year, starting in September 2025

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Sustainability is transforming the automotive sector. Learn the technological skills needed to shape how the future of mobility will look.

Our master's supports you to further your education to specialise in automotive technology. The sector needs to find more sustainable technological solutions for the future of vehicular mobility. And as it evolves, it needs people with the skills to not only keep up with change but also to lead it. Our course helps prepare you for this and covers areas such as advanced propulsion systems, sustainable mobility and innovation.

We’ll introduce you to key scientific principles and give you specialist insight into the subject to help you build on your existing skills. You'll explore the impact of a range of applications and technologies, analysing past failures and predicting future challenges and successes. You’ll develop systems-thinking approaches to understand the breadth of issues faced in the sector such as moral, ethical and sustainability.

Through group projects and a dissertation, you'll explore the application of one or more technologies in depth. You’ll focus on technology roadmapping, supported by holistic assessments such as life-cycle analysis. You'll also study current and future business models, considering how to balance economic growth with impact on society.

Compare our courses and learning pathways to find the right one for you.

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from academics active in researching the latest in automotive engineering. They transfer this research knowledge to your learning experience so you get the benefit of their expertise. We also have good links with industry around the world, and invite guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience with you.

Use specialist facilities

Throughout the course, you'll attend laboratory sessions run on our bespoke facilities that demonstrate the principles of current and future vehicles. You'll also be able to draw on the staff expertise and facilities of our  Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS).

From course to career

Our students go on to work in engineering and specialist technical roles in the automotive industry. They are likely to work in roles that use skills in product design, development and innovation. These can be found at vehicle manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers, SMEs and consultancies. Our past graduates have secured jobs as:

  • Calibration engineer, Ford Motor Company Ltd
  • Product engineer, Renault
  • Engineering consultant, D'Appolonia

Play our alumni spotlight videos to hear from some of our automotive graduates.

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Agile and effective working practices

    5 credits

  • Propulsion and vehicle technologies for sustainable mobility

    15 credits

  • Scientific principles for automotive technologies

    5 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Automotive systems thinking

    10 credits

  • Propulsion systems group project

    15 credits

  • Research project scoping

    5 credits

  • The business of automotive innovation

    5 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Industry-linked research project

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

Learning

  • Research project
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Presentations
  • Written examination
  • Other

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘I want to be part of the change so that's why I enrolled for this course.’
— Ashwin Prakash MSc Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion (Graduating year, 2022)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a Bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a high 2:2 or above.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in mechanical, electrical, civil or chemical engineering, maths, physics, computer science, software engineering, manufacturing engineering, product design, chemistry or natural sciences.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Automotive Technology MSc

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    Automotive Technology
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUME-AT01
  • Department
    Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

Course enquiries

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