The BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design course at University of Staffordshire prepares students for careers in transport design, with access to specialist facilities and live brief opportunities.

In this course, you'll learn a wide-ranging set of design and communication skills, learning from our team of expert academics and professionals in our dynamic design studio, and making use of our cutting-edge digital and technical facilities.

You'll design everything from cars, yachts and trains to futuristic concepts for games and film. With access to sector-leading facilities, you can visualise your designs using Unreal Engine, Alias, Blender and VRED in our VR labs, virtual production suites and smart zone.

You'll work with industry giants in the automotive and transportation sector, including Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and JCB.

You'll apply your skills to collaborative projects with world-renowned brands, building a portfolio of innovative and exciting work that explores the future of the way we travel and design vehicles for land, sea and air.

On the course, you'll learn in a multi-disciplinary environment and have the opportunity to collaborate with students in game design, architecture and product design, familiarising yourself with life in the industry where multi-disciplinary teams are commonplace.

Our course is taught by academics with real-world experience, who will be at your side throughout your journey to provide you with the knowledge, skills and support you to take the first step to a successful career.

You'll make connections in the industry, including at competitions like the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition, which our students have won five years running.

You'll get the chance to visit leading design studios, manufacturers and exhibitions both in the UK and internationally on our vibrant educational visits to places like New York, Geneva, Frankfurt and London.

School: University of Staffordshire
Course: Automotive and Transport Design BA (Hons)
Type: Undergraduate
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Course duration: start date in September 2026
Application deadline: continuous enrolment

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Creative, technical and professional skills for careers across the global transport industry
– Skills in sketching, proportion and form
– Digital models and immersive visualisations
– Industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine and Alias
– Physical modelling skills through hands-on clay modelling and material exploration

What are the requirements?

– 96 UCAS Tariff Points and creative portfolio

What facilities and resources are available?

– Dynamic design studio supported by cutting-edge CAD and visualisation software, including Unreal Engine, Alias, Blender and VRED
– VR labs, Virtual Production Suite and SmartZone

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates of BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design leave ready for careers across the global transport and mobility industries. With a portfolio built through live industry briefs, competitions, and a self-directed major project, students develop the creative and technical skills sought by leading studios.

Career paths include automotive designer, interior or exterior designer, CMF designer, concept artist, digital surface modeller, and visualisation artist, with opportunities across cars, marine, aviation, advanced mobility, games and film.

Collaborations with companies like McLaren, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover, alongside competition success such as the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition, give graduates professional experience and networks that boost employability.

Who teaches this course?

– Richard Gilmartin, course leader
– Dan Lewis, course director
– Nigel Turner, senior lecturer
– Tim Potts, associate lecturer

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