Automotive Engineering

Course Description

BMW strives to maintain its leading role in producing top class vehicles. The demand for continuous improvement of performance, stability, safety, comfort and road holding is high. In order to make improvements in these areas, computer models involving complex calculations and simulations are used.

The course in Automotive Engineering at HAN University of Applied Sciences will prepare students to design and test complete vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, buses, special vehicles, motorcycles, but also trailers, semi-trailers and caravans. The course offers a sound technical basis in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, computation skills and construction principles. It also provides a solid grounding in marketing, management and business economics. Students will gain a unique advantage in the profession by learning to combine technology with a good business sense.

Practical Approach

In addition to classroom study, first year students do a one-day "mini placement" that give them a glimpse of the profession.

The two main topics in the 2nd year are ‘Design of an automotive engineering structure’ (semester 1) and ‘Simulation and testing of a design’ (semester 2). These cover the following core materials:

- Control engineering
- Electrical systems
- Materials science & strength of materials
- Production
- Combustion engines
- Connection technology

The 3rd year subjects focus on the professional tasks of the designer/tester, more specifically the automotive test engineer. A test engineer can design, carry out and report on investigations independently and in a group context, and formulate and quantify proposals for improvement based on simulations. During the 3rd year, you will also do a work placement for a whole semester.

During your 4th year you will complete a minor and a graduation assignment. Your graduation assignment will need to be carried out in the professional field.

The HAN Formula Student Team (HFS)

A team consisting of young, motivated and talented HAN international students, have an ambition to build a brilliant Formula Student racing car. They started a special international student team in January 2015, called HFS Racing Team. 'Besides that we setting up a self-sustainable team for the years to come', says Team Manager Pim Camps. Ever dreamt of building race cars? Maybe the journey as a HAN-student can start at HFS. 'Whether you are a prodigy technician, business mastermind or marketing ace, the new team will need you!', says Ameer Humza.

Career Prospects

The skills of the automotive engineer are in high demand, so there are numerous job opportunities for automotive engineering graduates. Graduates can work at any company, institute or agency that researches, develops, manufactures, validates, maintains or sells products associated with the automotive industry.
Examples of functions after finishing the Automotive Engineering course are: vehicle development engineer, engine development engineer, vehicle or engine test engineer.

For testimonials from British students on this course click here and here.

Application

The application follows the same procedure as for our other Bachelors and it starts with applying through Studielink and further with the HAN Admissions Office.

The application requirements are sufficient scores in Mathematics and Physics as well as diploma of secondary education (General Certificate of Secondary Education – A level or International Baccalaureate).

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