3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Technology at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is a hands-on, 3-year program perfect for car enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into a professional edge in the evolving automotive world—from classic engines to electric drivetrains and beyond. You'll specialize in trucks, motorcycles, or motorsport, gaining skills in diagnostics, electronics, and cutting-edge tech through real-world labs at our state-of-the-art Automotive Technology Centre and industry internships.
Curriculum structure
Year 1 (Phase 1): Dive right into the fundamentals with courses like Drivetrain Technologies, Internal Combustion Engines, and Fuel Systems and Alternative Fuels, where you'll explore how powertrains work and experiment with mechanical systems in practical lab sessions. You'll also tackle Automotive Electricity and Vehicle Electronics to build a strong base in electrical diagnostics, plus hands-on projects in Autolab that let you apply everything to real vehicles right away—it's the perfect way to get comfortable with tools and teamwork from day one.
Year 2 (Phase 2): Build on your foundation with advanced modules like Electric and Hybrid Drive Technologies, Battery Systems and Accumulators, and deeper dives into Vehicle Electronics and Automotive IT, focusing on how modern vehicles communicate and integrate smart systems. Courses such as Diagnosis Expert and Engine Management sharpen your troubleshooting skills on complex faults, while an in-company internship gives you that first taste of professional life with industry partners like OEMs and dealers.
Year 3 (Phase 3): Cap it off by choosing your specialization—think Motorsport Engineering or tracks in trucks/motorcycles—and tackle the Bachelor Thesis/Internship (30 credits) or Master Technician Program, combining everything into a 12-week real-world project. You'll master Autonomous Vehicles and ADAS, Vehicle Networks, and high-level diagnostics, emerging ready to lead in the industry with innovative problem-solving skills.
Focus areas: Drivetrain technologies (ICE, electric/hybrid), vehicle electronics and IT, diagnostics, data communication, and specializations in trucks, motorcycles, or motorsport engineering.
Learning outcomes: Master diagnostic techniques for mechanical/electronic faults, innovate with hybrid/electric systems and ADAS, lead projects with management skills, and earn the Master Technician Certificate for immediate career impact.
Professional alignment (accreditation): This full 3-year bachelor's aligns with industry shifts since the 2019 Associate Degree launch, partnering with OEMs/dealers for internships; earn the official Master Technician Certificate to fast-track as a diagnostic expert.
Reputation (employability rankings): Thomas More's Automotive Technology boasts top employability through hands-on training and industry ties—grads become future-proof specialists in high-demand areas like electrification and autonomy, with strong job placement via thesis internships.
At Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, our Bachelor's in Automotive Technology immerses you in real-world skills right from the start, blending classroom theory with hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art Automotive Technology Centre at Campus De Nayer in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. You'll work with over 20 different vehicles, plus specialized setups like a 4x4 dynamometer, suspension test benches, brake test benches, and engine test benches to diagnose and test mechanical and electronic systems. Our 12,000 square meters of research labs give you access to cutting-edge diagnostic and measurement tools, ensuring you're building expertise employers demand.
This practical focus ramps up through projects, internships, and industry partnerships:
- Autolab project (12 credits in phase 1) for early hands-on experimentation with vehicle systems.
- In-company internship (4 credits in phase 2) via ties with local dealers and OEMs for real garage experience.
- Bachelor's thesis internship (30 credits, 12 weeks in phase 3) to tackle advanced challenges at industry partners.
- Group projects integrated across phases, like Drivetrain Technologies, Vehicle Electronics, and specializations in Trucks, Motorcycles, or Motorsport Engineering.
- Automotive Technology Centre with vehicles, dynamometers, and test benches for lab sessions on engines, batteries, hybrids, and networks.
- De Nayer Makerspace featuring 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling machines to prototype innovations.
- Extensive research labs (12,000 m²) for testing alternative fuels, electric drives, and more.
At Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, our Bachelor's in Automotive Technology immerses you in real-world skills right from the start, blending classroom theory with hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art Automotive Technology Centre. You'll work with over 20 different vehicles, plus specialized setups like a 4x4 dynamometer, suspension test benches, brake test benches, and engine test benches to diagnose and test mechanical and electronic systems. This cutting-edge campus in Sint-Katelijne-Waver—right between Antwerp and Brussels—equips you to become a future-proof specialist in drivetrains, electric hybrids, and more, through practical lab sessions and industry partnerships.
Here's what makes our experiential learning stand out: you'll dive into projects, internships, and tools tailored to automotive pros, so you're job-ready by graduation:
- Autolab project (12 credits in phase 1): Kick off with intensive hands-on group work in real lab settings to apply drivetrain, engine, and fuel system knowledge.
- In-company internship (4 credits in phase 2): Gain real industry experience through partnerships with local dealers and OEMs like truck or motorsport companies.
- Bachelor's thesis internship (30 credits in phase 3): Spend 12 weeks on a major project at a top firm, plus options like the Master Technician Program for career acceleration.
- Automotive Technology Centre: Test vehicles and systems with diagnostic and measurement tools, vehicle electronics setups, and engine management tech.
- De Nayer Makerspace: Prototype with 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling machines—perfect for custom automotive parts or innovations.
- Extensive research labs (12,000 sqm): Dedicated spaces for advanced testing in mechanical systems, batteries, and alternative fuels.
- Vehicle-specific tools: Work on setups for internal combustion engines, electric/hybrid drives, battery systems, and networks—no generic gear, all automotive-focused.



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