Automotive and Transport Design MA

Course overview

Working on studio-delivered briefs and ‘live’ industry projects², you will be taught the underlying theory, 2D and the latest 3D techniques used to resolve automotive design challenges within the areas of exterior and interior design. We offer industry-standard facilities⁴, including an automotive clay modelling studio, laser cutting, rapid prototyping and 3D printing.

This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a professional placement opportunity² during your first semester with us. The professional placement opportunity is designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Read more about this option in the 'Modules' section below.

Why you should study this course

Designed to teach you the skills, knowledge and expertise to produce innovative and visionary automotive designs, this course has been developed with significant input and continuing support from automotive design professionals.

• Coventry has gained an international reputation for automotive research and teaching covering design, engineering, business and media. A former winner of ‘Best Design School’ in the World Automotive Design competition, we have hosted major symposiums on the future of transport design, the future of automotive design conferences and the ITS-UK Automotive User Interest Group.
• You will be taught by a college which currently includes specialists in automotive, transport and broader industrial design with expertise in concept generation, modelling, interior, exterior and design-led development of low-carbon vehicles. Their extensive professional experience includes working for well-known companies like Mercedes-Benz, PSA, General Motors, Daihatsu, Nissan and Ford (staff are subject to change).
• We deliberately strike a balance between traditional hand processes and emerging technologies. You’ll participate in workshops for block material, automotive clay modelling and handwork while having access to laser cutting, rapid prototyping (5-axis & 3-axis milling) and 3D printing⁴.
• You can expect to develop the advanced knowledge needed to function as critical and effective practitioners, able to demonstrate excellence in visual aesthetics and develop conceptual designs in and from two dimensions into three dimensions.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

• the visual, analytical and aesthetic synthesis between 2D images and 3D forms
• the ways in which designers work and their role in the design and business process, environment and sustainability
• issues pertaining to the relationship between vehicle design theory and practice at a practical, advanced and conceptual level
• the role of the human as a user of the vehicle product and identify critical user issues.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

• demonstrate the appropriate aesthetic sensibilities through the application of theory and practical knowledge and skills to an automotive design project
• appraise, examine and evaluate the automotive product from a range of critical perspectives
• analyse future trends/scenarios and problems of a creative nature and propose original cohesive solutions
• evaluate design theory, ideas and solutions against automotive design practices
• demonstrate drawing and presentation skills commensurate with professional design studios.

Career opportunities are considered vast and varied within automotive design, research, teaching and design management. You could start your own business or become a design consultant, modeller, illustrator, CAD professional, design manager or marketing professional.