About Automotive And Transport Design MA in Coventry University

Building on knowledge gained in undergraduate study or professional practice, this postgraduate course will equip you with the opportunity to develop core skills demanded by design studios of global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

With major industry links, including a chance to show your work to industry leaders, you can get ahead with our Automotive Design MA.

Working on studio delivered briefs and ‘live’ industry projects, you will learn the underlying theory, 2D and latest 3D techniques used to resolve automotive design challenges with in the areas of exterior, interior, colour and trim design. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, including automotive clay modelling studios, laser cutting, rapid prototyping, 3D printing and a 12-camera motion capture studio for the measurement of human motion, machine interaction and biomechanics.

Our reputation within the automotive industry is second to none. Past graduates have gone on to become design directors and chief designers at Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Ford, Aston Martin, Lotus, Tata, SAIC, PSA (Peugeot-Citroen), Johnson Controls, Faurecia, and Volvo.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

This course aims to develop your understanding of the latest developments, drivers and practices of the automotive designer. You will learn to create innovative product design solutions in a range of styles and media, which factor in purpose, usability, materials, ecology, desirability, technological feasibility and professional constraints.

Career prospects

International companies are keen to employ our graduates to acquire their skills and knowledge of the automotive design process. Recent graduates have been recruited by manufacturers and consultants in Europe and the Far East.

Career opportunities are vast and varied within automotive design, research, teaching and design management. You could start your own business, become a design consultant, modeller, illustrator, CAD professional, design manager or marketing professional. You may wish to continue your studies at PhD level.

Our Creative Futures employment team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries. It provides specialist careers information, advice and guidance to all our students from their first year through to final year and beyond graduation, helping them achieve their desired career outcome. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have been recruited by some of the industry’s most well-known manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, GM, Hyundai, SAIC, Tata and Geely. Some have become consultants for companies such as Concept Group International and Drive. 

You should have a degree in industrial, product, automotive or transport design.

1 Year Course (ADT071)
Entry Qualifications equivalent to 2:1 in an automotive, transport, industrial or product design related degree or relevant professional experience  (and the required IELTS qualifications, if applicable). A 500 word personal statement suggesting area of potential MA research.

And an excellent portfolio which should:

• Evidence vehicle exterior and interior design knowledge at a professional level (ideally through placement and/or professional experience) in critical evaluation, creative problem solving, and presentation. Freehand sketching (sketchbooks, etc) skills and exploration of a wide range of ideas must be extensively demonstrated through project work.
• Illustrate proficiency in developing automotive surfaces and volumes from 2D to 3D through automotive clay modelling or appropriate analogue materials and in CAD.

2 Year Course (ADT061)

 Entry Qualifications to Stage 1 equivalent to 2:2  in automotive, transport, industrial or product design and or relevant professional experience (and the required IELT qualifications, if applicable). A 500 word personal statement suggesting area of potential MA research. 

And a portfolio which should include:

• (In addition to the subject area you are currently studying, if not automotive design) a minimum of 2-3 automotive design related projects; demonstrating a good standard of analogue and digital fluid visualisation skills; evidence of 3D modelling alongside an understanding of 2D and 3D automotive design principles.  
• Design projects that clearly show all the phases of the design process - including your project brief, research methods, ideation, development, selection, package, final renderings and models - presented in a clear, logical manner.

English as a Foreign Language: This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

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