Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- H331
- Start date:
- September 2026
- 15th in the UK for Manufacturing and Production Engineering (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 87.9% of our research outputs in Engineering were assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Sustainability is becoming more and more important in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers and suppliers are considering how to implement sustainable processes in the development and manufacture of new vehicles.
At Sussex, we cover many aspects of sustainable automotive engineering. On this course, you’ll:
- gain fundamental engineering knowledge including materials, manufacturing processes, mechanics and electrical circuits
- learn CAD modelling, programming and numerical modelling
- explore low-emission vehicle propulsion, new-generation vehicle technology, electrical drive systems and vehicle dynamics.
Our research feeds directly into our teaching. You’ll benefit from our work in the Dynamics, Control, and Vehicle research group. Research projects include automotive on-board diagnostics systems, intelligent controllers and autonomous vehicles.
You’ll study in our Future Technologies Labs that incorporate computer suites and new automation/robotics facilities. There’s also a dedicated manufacturing lab with facilities such as CNC machines and 3-D printers. In our Formula Student projects, you’ll get the chance to be part of a team to design and build an electric single-seat racing car and enter it into a competition.
During your time at Sussex, you’ll be supported by dedicated academic advisers, as well as a team of student mentors. In addition, you’ll benefit from our links to world-leading automotive companies. As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges and changes in the automotive industry, including those related to sustainability.
Accreditation
Our courses are accredited to include the 2023 intake. We are currently in the process of securing re-accreditation for the 2024 intake onwards, according to the rules of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which require periodic re-accreditation.
- Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Find out more
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
MEng or BEng?
We also offer this course with an industrial placement year, as a four-year MEng, or as a five-year MEng with an industrial placement year. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
I recently did some work experience in the automotive manufacturing industry. It was great to take knowledge gained at Sussex and use it in the world of work.”Cassie Gao
Automotive Engineering BEng
(from 2023 entry: Sustainable Automotive Engineering BEng)
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
My favourite part of teaching is when my students connect the theory we’ve explored to real-life engineering issues. Finding innovative solutions is a great motivation!”Dr Esra Sorguven
Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Dr Vasudevan Kanjirakkad
Associate Professor in Thermo-fluid Mechanics
Dr Kun Liang
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Design)
Dr Mark Puttock-Brown
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Careers
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop skills such as:
- critical analysis
- creative problem-solving
- effective communication
- teamwork.
As a graduate, these skills and your specialist knowledge will help you secure technical and managerial jobs in the automotive and other industries. Some of our graduates are now working at:
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Rolls-Royce cars
- Ricardo
- Ford Motor Company
- Edwards Vacuum
- Thales.
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards