Compare three-year diploma, four-year undergraduate, two-year postgraduate, certificate and doctoral timelines.
Automotive Engineering Course Duration
Duration depends on the qualification and admission route.
| Programme | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Certificate | A few weeks to approximately one year |
| Diploma | Usually three years |
| B.Voc | Usually three years |
| BE/BTech | Four years |
| Lateral-entry BE/BTech | Usually three years |
| Integrated programme | Approximately five years |
| ME/MTech | Two years |
| MS | Approximately one to two years, depending on the country and university |
| PhD | Commonly three to six years or more |
Diploma structure
A diploma usually combines basic science, engineering drawing, workshop practice, vehicle systems, engines, electrical systems, manufacturing, maintenance and project work.
Diploma programmes generally provide more hands-on technical orientation than a conventional degree, although the depth of design analysis may be lower.
Undergraduate structure
A four-year BE or BTech usually includes eight semesters.
First year: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, programming, communication, engineering graphics and workshops.
Second year: Thermodynamics, mechanics, materials, manufacturing, fluid mechanics, machine drawing and electrical fundamentals.
Third year: Powertrains, chassis, vehicle dynamics, transmission, electronics, design, testing and laboratories.
Fourth year: EVs, advanced vehicle systems, safety, electives, internship and major project.
Postgraduate structure
An MTech generally includes advanced coursework in the first two or three semesters, followed by a dissertation or major research project.
Students may specialise in:
- Vehicle dynamics
- Automotive systems
- Electric vehicles
- Powertrain engineering
- Automotive electronics
- Design and simulation
- Manufacturing
- Safety
- Autonomous and connected vehicles
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Course at a Glance
- Course AreaCore Engineering Disciplines
- Study PathwaysDiploma, B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, certificate and doctoral pathways
- Primary FocusComplete vehicle design, powertrains, chassis, dynamics, aerodynamics, electronics, electric mobility, safety, manufacturing, simulation and testing.