Know why studying automobile courses in the UK is a great decision

The UK’s automotive industry has been very strong last year. In 2021, the UK automotive manufacturing industry turned over €67 Billion and invested €2.1 billion in net capital and €3 billion in Research and Development (R&D). It also added €14.1 billion in value to the UK economy and exported products worth €77 billion, accounting for 10% of the UK’s total export goods. Not just that, almost 350,000+ jobs in the automobile industry were supported in the UK aftermarket*. These factors and the massive development in the field have made automobile engineering in the UK an all the more attractive option for international students.

*Source: https://www.smmt.co.uk/

Why study automobile courses in the UK?

Automobile courses in the UK have become popular among international students because of tremendous growth in the automotive industry in the past years. Here are some more reasons to pursue automobile courses in the UK:

  • World-class infrastructure and education system of the country

  • Highly experienced and knowledgeable faculties across UK universities

  • More than 182,000 people are employed in manufacturing and some 780,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, UK accounts for 10% of total UK exports with more than 150 countries importing UK-produced vehicles, generating £77 billion of trade*

  • More than 30 manufacturers build over 70 models of vehicles in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers*

  • When studying in the UK, you get to mix with a culturally diverse peer group which helps you learn more than what’s taught in the classrooms

  • Get hands-on experience working in the automotive industry

*Source: https://www.smmt.co.uk/

Eligibility criteria

Most colleges have their own criteria for admission, but here are the most common requirements:

  • For an undergraduate degree, you would require a certificate of completion of 10+2 exams

  • You must have these subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

  • For a master’s degree, you must have a minimum of 60% – 65% in your graduation

  • You can pursue a postgraduate degree, such as an M.E/M. Tech, and also sign up for a PhD.

  • You may also apply for scholarships available for international students

  • The courses in the UK have 3 intakes (spring, summer & Autumn), one, during fall - September/October, two, during spring - January/February and 3 during summer May/June. You must be aware of the deadline given by your institute and apply on time.

Documents required

To make it more convenient for you here’s a document checklist to study automobile courses in the UK:

  • Statement of purpose to know your academic and professional aspirations

  • Academic credentials for evaluation

  • English proficiency test scores such as IELTS

  • A CAS is required (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

  • Passport photocopy

  • Recommendation letter

  • Well drafted resume

  • Proof of financial statement

Cost of studying Automobile Courses in the UK

Tuition expenses for international students studying for master’s in automotive engineering in the UK range from £13,000 - £25,800 or higher, per year. When studying in the UK, you must consider the cost of living along with the cost of education. As suggested by UKVI, the cost of living in the UK is around £1,023 - £1,334 per month*. But it may vary with an individual’s choice of living. You can contact your university for their international student accommodation facilities, which will help you save some money.

Top universities offering Automobile Degrees

Here are some popular partner universities for automobile courses according to the QS World University Ranking 2022 in the UK:

Career prospects

Career prospects for graduates are promising in the automobile sector in the UK. Engineers are building the next generation of hybrid automobiles, and many new possibilities are opening up. As an automotive engineer, you will get opportunities for creating and improvising mechanisms and designs for the company. Not just that you will get an opportunity to work in the car manufacturing or equipment manufacturing industry. As an added advantage you will also learn to use CAD software and will also be responsible for coming up with designs relating to electrical components, electric circuits, car software and bodies.

UK automotive employment scenarios

UK automotive industry is ever-growing and employment in the sector is very high. The UK exports to more than 150 markets worldwide. Check out the employment scenarios in the UK’s automobile industry.

*Source: https://www.smmt.co.uk/

Average salary of an automotive engineer

An automotive engineer working in the UK earns an average annual salary is £ 35,000 per year, which is more than what professionals in other similar disciplines earn.

*According to PayScale data; indicative

An entry-level Automotive Engineer with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of £33,832*. An early career Automotive Engineer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £33,553*. A mid-career Automotive Engineer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £39,399*. An experienced Automotive Engineer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £52,654*. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of £32,000.*

*According to PayScale data; indicative
*Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Automotive_Engineer/Salary
Apart from this, the more your expertise in the field the more you get closer to career growth even if you’re in your early stages. Check out the skills that will not enhance your work but get you more pay than you expect in the automotive industry:

*According to Payscale data; indicative

The world has significantly evolved in the last few years. We see the development of efficient machinery and potential global demand for automotive graduates and professionals. With vast career options, good pay and security, automobile courses have become a popular field of study for students all over the world. For studying automobile courses in the UK, get in touch with our international education experts, they will help you with the admission process.
*Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2022/mechanical-aeronautical-manufacturing-engineering