What Degree is Best for Car Design?
There are several car design degree titles that you might encounter when pursuing a career in automotive design. These automotive design degrees vary slightly in focus and name depending on the institution and the specific program offered. Here are some car design degree titles and the schools that offer them. Be sure to check our comprehensive guide to automotive design education to find the school that’s right for you. If you’re still in high school or looking to apply to a top design school, be sure to check out our automotive design course to take your skills to the next level.
1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Transportation Design School
• School: College for Creative Studies (CCS)
• Overview: This car design degree is similar to a BA in Transportation Design but with a stronger emphasis on the fine arts aspect of design, including more courses in drawing, sketching, and visual communication. The program still covers all the necessary technical skills but places a heavier focus on the artistic side of automotive design.
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Transportation Design
• School: Umeå Institute of Design
• Overview: This automotive design degree combines the artistic elements of automotive design with a strong foundation in the technical aspects of vehicle construction and design. It often includes courses on materials science, vehicle dynamics, and the integration of technology into design.
3. Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Transportation Design
School: National Institute of Design (NID)
Overview: The BDes in Transportation Design at NID is a professional degree focused on the creative and technical aspects of vehicle design. It includes comprehensive training in design thinking, digital tools, and the development of innovative transportation solutions.
4. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Automotive Design Engineering
School: Coventry University
Overview: This degree is more engineering-focused than a traditional car design degree. It combines engineering principles with automotive design, making it ideal for students who are interested in the technical challenges of vehicle design as well as the creative process.
5. Master of Arts (MA) in Vehicle Design
School: Royal College of Art (RCA)
Overview: The MA in Vehicle Design at RCA is a graduate-level program that emphasizes innovative thinking, creativity, and leadership in the automotive design industry. It’s designed for those who want to push the boundaries of what vehicles can be, with a focus on future mobility trends.
6. Master of Science (MSc) in Mobility and Vehicle Design
School: Strate School of Design
Overview: This program focuses on the future of mobility, including the design of electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and other emerging transportation technologies. It is interdisciplinary, combining design with engineering, business, and sustainability.
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Transportation Design
School: ArtCenter College of Design
Overview: The MFA in Transportation Design is a graduate program that dives deeper into the artistic and creative aspects of vehicle design. It’s ideal for students who want to explore new forms, materials, and concepts in automotive design.
8. Diploma in Transportation and Automobile Design
School: National Institute of Design (NID)
Overview: While not a car design degree, this postgraduate diploma is recognized for its specialized training in transportation design. It’s typically pursued by students who already have a degree in a related field and want to specialize in automotive design.
Conclusion
The variety of automotive design degree titles reflects the diverse approaches that different schools take in preparing students for careers in automotive design. Whether through a BA, BFA, BEng, or MSc, students can tailor their education to match their specific interests in the field, whether those interests lie in artistic expression, technical engineering, future mobility solutions, or a combination of these.
College for Creative Studies (CCS) and ArtCenter College of Design are ideal for those looking to break into the North American automotive industry with strong industry ties and a focus on practical, hands-on experience. IAAD in Italy and Coventry University in the UK offer a blend of creative and technical education, rooted in rich automotive traditions. Royal College of Art (RCA) in London provides an interdisciplinary approach that challenges traditional design paradigms, pushing students towards innovation and leadership in the field.
National Institute of Design (NID) in India and Strate School of Design in Paris bring a global perspective, emphasizing sustainable and user-centric design practices. Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden is perfect for those interested in Scandinavian design principles and a human-centered approach. Pforzheim University in Germany combines a strong technical foundation with a focus on innovation and future mobility, backed by close industry connections.
Ultimately, the best place to study and get your automotive design degree depends on your personal interests, career goals, and the type of environment in which you thrive. All of these institutions offer top-tier education, so the decision comes down to finding the program that aligns with your vision for your future in automotive design.
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Further Reading About Automotive Design Education
• What Degree is Best for Auto Design?
• What is the Best Major for Automotive Design?
• What Education is Needed for Automotive Designers?
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