
Automotive and Transport Design (Full-time) (BA Hons)
Our programme focuses on preparing you for a successful career in the automotive and transport industry. We encourage our students to think globally developing the skills needed to design sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles. You’ll also learn to create designs with real-world applications, taking into account social, legal, and ethical issues.
You will be taught by a team of experienced automotive designers, along with guest lecturers and industry experts. Throughout the course, your projects will ask you to consider the future of transportation on a global scale, and you will learn about the social, environmental, and political challenges we face today. You will also have the chance to work with a fantastic technical team. We also offer opportunities for placements and collaborations with industry partners like McLaren.
You will learn both traditional skills like clay modelling and modern technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) and Virtual Reality (VR). ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ing with us you will also get hands-on experience with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). We are proud to train graduates who are ready to design the vehicles of the future, whether they are cars, motorcycles, or yachts.
By the end of the programme, you will be ready to start your career in the automotive and transport industry. You will have the skills and knowledge to create innovative and sustainable designs that meet the needs of the future. Join us and be part of an exciting journey to shape the future of transport design.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the core of our Automotive and Transport Design programme is the belief that great design combines creativity, practicality, and sustainability. We are passionate about teaching you how to design cars, trains, yachts, and other vehicles that are both beautiful and functional. Our approach integrates traditional skills, like drawing and clay modelling, with the latest technologies, including CAD and Virtual Reality. We are committed to preparing you for a successful career in the automotive and transport industry, equipping you with the tools to create innovative and environmentally friendly designs. Through our programme, you will develop the knowledge and skills to shape the future of transportation.
In the first year, you will learn the basics of automotive and transport design. You will start with traditional skills like drawing and clay modelling. These skills are important for creating your initial designs. You will also begin to use digital tools like computer-aided design (CAD) and Virtual Reality (VR). These technologies help you to bring your ideas to life in new and exciting ways. Throughout the year, you will work on different projects that teach you how to design vehicles that are both beautiful and functional.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the second year, you will build on what you learned in the first year. You will dive deeper into digital modelling and visualisation, using advanced tools. These tools are used by top designers around the world. You will also start to work on more complex projects, including designing vehicles for land, sea, and air. Collaboration is key in this year, and you will work on projects with fellow students.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the third year, you will focus on preparing for your career. With a focus on real-world experience this will be invaluable to you becoming industry ready. You will also work on a major design project, bringing together everything you have learned over the past two years. This project will showcase your skills and creativity, helping you to stand out to future employers. By the end of the programme, you will have a strong portfolio of innovative and sustainable designs, ready to start your career in the automotive and transport industry.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Facilities & Exhibitions
Our Specialist Workshops Include: Fibreglass layup and spray facilities, professional automotive clay tables and surfacing tools, traditional hand tools, laser cutting, milling, turning, CNC machining & 3D printing and digital scanning technologies.

Our Summer Shows are a showcase of the exceptional work of our graduating students across a wide range of creative disciplines.

Further information
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120 UCAS tariff points 
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e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDM, IB: 33 and Portfolio
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work.
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes text
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: 
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE).
This is a one-year course offering a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future. During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills.
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
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Interview
All applicants to Swansea College of Art are required to have an interview.
We really enjoy the interview process, getting to know you and your work, and we feel that this is the best way to find the right students for our programmes. This also ensures that our applicants have all the information they need to make the right choice for them too.
If you have any queries before your interview, please contact us at artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Portfolio
We ask that you bring a portfolio of some past and current work. Your portfolio is a collection of your most exciting and representative work, showcasing your creative abilities, technical skills, and artistic vision. It tells the story of your creative journey, highlighting your unique style, interests, and ideas as they develop. We interpret the term ‘portfolio’ broadly and are happy for you to do the same - this can include finished pieces, work in progress, sketchbooks, drawings, and projects that are still unfolding, as these give us insight into your thinking and creative process. Whether in physical or digital format, your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creative journey in a way that feels authentic to you, with each piece highlighting your creative potential and enthusiasm for the programme you are applying for.
We understand that many applicants are still mid-qualification (e.g. A-Level, BTEC, L3, Foundation) and are developing an emerging body of work, so there’s no pressure for everything to be polished or complete.
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Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written and practical. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module, summative assessment takes place at the end of a module. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course which includes amongst others;
Informal Tutorials
These tutorials are held on a regular basis, across all levels. In Year 1 each student sees and discusses his / her work with a member of staff at each studio session, likewise in Year 2. Third and fourth year students tend to work more independently and sign up for tutorial when she/he feels the need arises. However, as a team, we ensure that every student in Year 3 is seen by at least one member of the academic staff each week. We pride ourselves on the fact that there is the opportunity to see staff as regularly as you may require.
Formal Tutorials
These are held twice a term with at least two members of staff. The work is discussed, practical and conceptual development, future intentions of the student etc. It is an opportunity for any issues/concerns by either party, to be raised. A written account of the tutorial is duplicated, one copy kept by the student the other stored in his / her records file.
Group critiques
These are held on a regular basis, across all levels, with one member of staff. They provide an excellent opportunity for students to share and exchange ideas with their peers in a structured manner in addition to valuable input from staff.
Informal & Formal presentations
The nature of the presentations varies according to the level: in Year 1 informal presentations are introduced halfway through the first semester in order to help students gain confidence in talking about their work to their peers and staff it is also usually part of the assessment at the end of each project. 2nd-year students are expected to give a Formal Presentation as part of their Professional Practice & Group Design Module and at the end of the year as part of their Major project. In Year 3 a Formal Presentation is part of the final assessment at the Degree Show
Exhibiting work
Again the nature of this varies within the context of the projects, the work to be assessed and the stage of the programme – it can range in formality from a public venue to the individual student’s desk space.
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Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, it is likely that art and design students will incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100 but you may well already have much of the equipment required so check with us first. Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase.
Placement
There will be an additional fee of £1800 for students who choose to study the programme with the optional year in industry placement.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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Summer work and volunteer programmes available
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Graduates from our courses have found employment with some of the world’s most established names in manufacturing and design consultancy such as:
- ADIDAS
- ASTON MARTIN
- CALLUM DESIGN
- DAIMLER TRUCK USA
- ENVISAGE GROUP
- FUTURA DESIGN
- GORDON MURRAY DESIGN
- JAGUAR
- JAGUAR SVO
- ICONA DESIGN
- KISKA
- LAND ROVER
- LOTUS
- MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE
- MORGAN
- PININFARINA
- PRIESTMAN GOODE
- PUMA
- RDM GROUP
- RENAULT
- ROLLS ROYCE
- SAIC
- TATA
- TRIUMPH