MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a highly regarded BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design program, situated within the Swansea College of Art. This comprehensive undergraduate degree is meticulously designed to prepare students for a successful career in the dynamic automotive and broader transport industries. The program encourages students to think globally, focusing on the development of skills needed to design sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles. Graduates are trained not only to create innovative designs with real-world applications but also to consider the social, legal, and ethical issues impacting the future of transportation. The curriculum combines traditional design skills, such as clay modeling, with modern technologies like computer-aided design (CAD), Virtual Reality (VR), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), ensuring students are proficient in industry-standard tools. Taught by experienced automotive designers, along with guest lecturers and industry experts, the program provides a rich learning environment.
Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design curriculum at UWTSD is structured to build a strong foundation in design from the ground up. In the initial year, students delve into core design skills including design thinking (creative and analytical methods), sketching, rendering, prototyping, and communication. They gain familiarity with a range of industry-standard digital design tools and acquire knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes. Modules like "Design Methods," "3D CAD Visualisation," "Creative Design Development," and "Materials & Manufacturing" are integral. As the program progresses, students engage in more complex projects, including advanced digital modeling and visualization using tools like Autodesk Alias Automotive, Autodesk VRed, and Adobe Creative Suite. The curriculum also emphasizes professional practice and often includes live design projects with industry clients, fostering real-world problem-solving skills and building a strong portfolio.
Research Focus: The research focus within the BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design program at UWTSD is centered on fostering innovation and addressing the future challenges of transportation design. Students are encouraged to think critically about the evolution of vehicles and transport systems, considering social, environmental, and political challenges on a global scale. The program integrates research-informed teaching, with projects that push students to explore sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicle concepts. The use of advanced digital visualization tools and practical skills like clay modeling supports students in their material investigations and conceptual development. This enables them to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding future mobility solutions and responsible design practices.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD's BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design program boasts strong industry engagement, crucial for preparing graduates for professional careers. The curriculum is designed to replicate a professional environment, with projects that often involve collaborations with major companies and entrepreneurial businesses such as McLaren. This industrial contact allows students to develop their skills in response to real-world scenarios, building a portfolio of innovative work that explores the future of travel and vehicle design for land, sea, and air. The program team encourages students to participate in professional bodies like the Chartered Society of Designers and the Royal Society of Arts. Furthermore, the university provides access to sector-leading facilities and experienced staff who have real-world industry experience, enhancing students' readiness for employment. An optional placement year is also available, offering invaluable practical experience.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design program at UWTSD inherently embraces a strong global perspective. It encourages students to "think globally" and design vehicles with a keen awareness of future transportation on a global scale, considering social, environmental, and political challenges worldwide. The curriculum's emphasis on creating sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles directly reflects international concerns. Students utilize digital tools and techniques used by top designers globally, preparing them for an international job market. The program's commitment to producing graduates ready to design the vehicles of the future, whether cars, motorcycles, or yachts, positions them to contribute to the global evolution of transport design, fostering adaptability and relevance in a diverse, interconnected industry.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: International students applying for undergraduate programs at UWTSD are eligible for Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievements and help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available for international students who meet the academic criteria, making it an excellent opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
A BA (Hons) in Automotive and Transport Design from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) provides graduates with a highly specialized and creative skill set, preparing them for dynamic careers within the global automotive and broader transport industries. The program, based at Swansea College of Art, focuses on developing skills in designing sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles, encompassing traditional design techniques like clay modeling alongside cutting-edge digital tools such as CAD, VR, and CAM.
Automotive Designer (Exterior/Interior): Specializing in the aesthetic and functional design of vehicle exteriors (body shape, lines, proportions) or interiors (ergonomics, materials, user interface, comfort) for major automotive manufacturers or design studios.
Transport Designer: Expanding beyond traditional automobiles to design a broader range of transportation solutions, including concepts for aircraft, marine vessels (yachts, boats), trains, motorcycles, and even public transit systems.
Digital Sculptor/3D Modeller: Creating highly detailed 3D digital models of vehicle designs using specialized software (e.g., Autodesk Alias Automotive), translating 2D sketches into precise virtual prototypes for development.
Clay Modeller: Working in physical design studios to create full-scale or scaled clay models of vehicle designs, which are crucial for evaluating proportions, surfaces, and overall aesthetics before digital finalization.
Colour and Trim Designer (CMF Designer): Specializing in the selection of materials, colours, and finishes for both the interior and exterior of vehicles, contributing to the brand identity and user experience.
Concept Designer: Focusing on futuristic and innovative vehicle concepts that push the boundaries of current design and technology, often working in advanced design studios or research and development departments.
HMI/User Experience (UX) Designer for Mobility: Designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces and experiences within vehicles, including infotainment systems, autonomous driving controls, and in-cabin digital displays.
Product Designer (related industries): Applying their design skills to other product categories, leveraging their understanding of form, function, materials, and user interaction to develop new consumer products.
Visualization Artist/CGI Artist: Creating high-quality rendered images, animations, and virtual reality experiences of vehicle designs for presentations, marketing, or conceptual visualization.
Automotive Design Strategist: Conducting research into market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements to inform future design directions and develop strategic concepts for new mobility solutions.
