What is Automotive Product Design? A fast moving and rapidly developing product design sector. A degree course in this area will encompass a wide range of design opportunities using a mix of technological applications and innovation with function and style. Live projects are common and could include the Formula Student racing team, to design, build and race a car against other universities. Links with industry are also very strong in this subject so universities that can provide work placements as part of the degree course is a must. Many universities will be able to provide links overseas.
What kind of job could I get when I gradate? You will have lots of
opportunities available within the automotive industry such as working along
side motorsport engineers. Graduates will be well prepared for employment as a
designer or modeller within the automotive industry, or as a 3D designer in
other creative industries.
http://www.concept-car.co.uk/employment/ a good starting point for relevant
job searches
http://www.sae.org/automag/ automotive
engineering international online resource.
Typical Course Structure: This is an example course structure from
Coventry University.
'Our Automotive Design degree will give you the skills and understanding to work
as a designer in the automotive industry. This course was developed in
consultation with the automotive industry which has identified a strong need for
its graduates. On the course you will learn both 2D and 3D design skills, as
well as how to use physical and virtual tools to create innovative automotive
designs.
You will also learn the theory and analysis needed to underpin successful design
work, plus gain an understanding of engineering and ergonomic requirements for
successful automotive designs.
During the third year of our four year course, you will be able to undertake
collaborative projects with the automotive industry as well as apply for an
industrial placement (internship) in the latter part of that year.
In your final year you will work on substantial design projects, allowing you to
integrate your knowledge and skills and to present yourself at our prestigious
Degree Show.'
Ferrari, the legendary sportscar manufacturer together with automotive
consultancy Pininfarina, and Alcoa, who make Ferrari’s space frames,
commissioned 4 of the world’s most renowned automotive design schools to propose
“New Concepts for the Myth”.
These are some of the finished designs from Coventry University.
