Automotive and Transport Design BA
Study of vehicle and transport design, combining creativity, engineering awareness, and user-centred thinking to shape how people move in the future.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are passionate about cars and transport
Enjoy design and creativity
Like sketching and concept development
Want a career in automotive design
Are interested in future mobility
Popular Career Fields
Automotive Industry
Product & Industrial Design
Engineering & Construction
Aerospace & Defence
Your Personality Might Be:
Vehicle enthusiast
Product & Industrial Design
Technically aware
Innovative thinker
What is it?
What is Automotive and Transport Design?
Automotive and Transport Design focuses on the creative design of vehicles and transport systems, including cars, motorcycles, public transport, and future mobility concepts.
You’ll explore form, function, ergonomics, aesthetics, materials, and sustainability, while learning how design decisions interact with engineering, manufacturing, and user experience.
The degree sits at the intersection of industrial design, engineering awareness, and visual creativity.
It is ideal for students interested in transport, mobility, design innovation, and future-focused problem-solving.
Why study Automotive and Transport Design?
If you enjoy creative design but want to work in a technically informed industry, this degree offers a specialist pathway.
It helps you understand:
How vehicles are designed around users and environments
The relationship between aesthetics, performance, and safety
Sustainable transport and future mobility challenges
Industry-standard design processes and workflows
How designers collaborate with engineers and manufacturers
Graduates are well prepared for careers in automotive, transport, and industrial design sectors.
Course Summary
Study of vehicle and transport design, combining creativity, engineering awareness, and user-centred thinking to shape how people move in the future.
What you'll study
Most Automotive and Transport Design degrees cover topics such as:
Vehicle and transport design principles
Sketching, visualisation, and concept development
Ergonomics and human-centred design
Materials, manufacturing, and sustainability
Digital modelling and CAD (e.g. Alias, Blender, SolidWorks)
Design history, theory, and professional practice
Skills You'll Gain
An Automotive and Transport Design degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Creative and conceptual design – enabling you to generate innovative transport solutions.
User-centred and ergonomic thinking – ensuring designs are functional and inclusive.
Technical awareness – understanding materials, manufacturing, and engineering constraints.
Professional design practice – preparing you for industry workflows and collaboration.
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Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Automotive and transport design
Industrial and product design
Concept and visualisation design
Mobility and future transport consultancy
Design research and innovation roles
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Automotive and Transport Design degrees offer opportunities to gain industry experience.
Some include an optional placement year, industry-sponsored projects, or internships, while others support work experience alongside study.
Typical opportunities include:
Automotive manufacturers and design studios
Transport and mobility design consultancies
Industrial and product design firms
Concept design, visualisation, or CAD roles
Internships with OEMs, suppliers, or start-ups
Building a strong portfolio is essential and often more important than formal placements.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities prefer at least one from Art, Design Technology, Product Design, or Graphics. Some accept a broad range if portfolio is strong.
Personal Statement Tips
Show passion for vehicles, transport, and design innovation.
Discuss design influences, projects, or sketching practice.
Explain interest in future mobility and sustainability.
Highlight creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
What to do Next
Start building a transport-focused design portfolio.
Practise sketching vehicles and environments regularly.
Learn basic CAD or digital modelling tools.
Research courses with strong industry links and studio culture.
Wider Reading
Car Design Yearbook – Stephen Newbury
An overview of contemporary automotive design trends and concepts.The Car Design Reader – Luciano Greggio
A detailed look at automotive design theory, practice, and history.How to Draw Cars Like a Pro – Thom Taylor
A practical guide to vehicle sketching and visualisation.Future Transport – Martin Evans
An exploration of how design and technology are reshaping mobility.Sketching: Drawing Techniques for Product Designers – Koos Eissen
A foundational book on visual communication and design sketching.