Studying Automotive & Transport Design

Meet your Course Leaders!

Rich and Dan welcome you to the studio

Dan Lewis (Co-Course Leader)
Dan is the Design Course Director and Course Leader for Automotive & Transport Design. Dan is also the Co-Course Leader for Product, Furniture, Ceramics.  His background in Product and Furniture Design feeds into his Emotional Design PhD and research.

Richard Gilmartin (Co-Course Leader)
Rich is an Automotive Designer with 25 years of industry experience.  Rich has worked for major international OEMs on production and show car programmes.  He's a lecturer in Transport Design and an active vehicle designer.

 

Student highlights from Automotive & Transport Design

Congratulations on your offer to join our innovative and dynamic Automotive & Transport degree within the department of Creative Industries at University of Staffordshire.

We wanted to share some of the exciting projects that our students have been producing impressive work for this year, so you can get a feel for the sort of live briefs you could be working on when you join our studio.

From working with prestigious brands such as McLaren, Michelin, and LEVC, to developing their skills and portfolios competing in (and winning!) the Superyacht UK Young Design Competition, it's been an exciting and varied year so far for our ATD students.

(image: McLaren Hypercar Design 2044 live brief concept by Stosh Toews, second year ATD student from Canada)

Read more

Hear from a current student


"Studying this design course at the University of Staffordshire is a transformative experience.  As a woman in a field that’s still striving for greater representation, I found not only the skills and creative tools I needed, but also the confidence to express my perspective through design.  The course has empowered me to see my voice as valuable and my ideas as impactful.  Studying here isn’t just about learning design—it is about learning to take up space with it."
Mim Daud

Hear from a current student

"I’ve had such a great experience on this course. It’s helped me grow my skills, meet some amazing people, and explore opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’m especially grateful for the support and encouragement from the academic staff – it’s made a big difference during my time here.”
Erki Klamas

Check out our latest showreel

Concept vehicle designs for Games and Film from 2nd year ATD students.

Using Autodesk Alias, Blender, and Unreal Engine, they brought their visions to life with stunning digital models and cinematic storytelling.  Watch the highlights reel to see their incredible work in action.

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Frequently asked questions

How big are the classes?

For some of your classes you’ll be in lectures with the product design students where class size will be around 30. Working in Automotive and Transport Groups you will be working together between 10 and 15 students. At times you will working on small group projects.

How will I learn on the course?

The learning is very much active learning, you will be shown live examples and taught the theory behind the process then you will be expected to try the skills out for yourself. The projects you undertake will include the learning demonstrated in the classroom. You will then have time to express your ideas through sketching, CAD and model making to create your designs.

Can I do a placement year as part of the course?

Yes, you can look to undertake a year-long industry placement and you’ll be supported by our own placements team and careers staff to highlight your opportunities to apply for placements in industry and help you with your CV, interviews and careers skills to make sure you present yourself and your talent in the best possible way.

What computer should I get?

If you choose to buy your own equipment to work on outside of the studio, gaming PCs are preferable due to the processing power needed to run our industry-standard CAD software.  We can advise you on hardware once you join the course.

How do I get involved in the Formula Student Team: Staffordshire Uni Racing?

All students can look to get involved with our Formula Student team, they’ll talk to the new students in Welcome Week and take part in the Clubs and Societies Fair – you’ll be able to register an interest at that time.

What have graduates gone on to do?

Graduates from our Automotive and Transport Design have gone on to work in the Automotive Design Industry and other careers too. A design degree is an excellent degree to make you organised and an excellent communicator. Transport Design consists of many disciplines: Exterior Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Animation and Visualisation, CMF, CAD modelling and Clay Modelling. Our students have gone to work at these companies: Bentley, Nissan, Winch Design, HPL Prototypes, Princess Yachts, Norton.

And often students choose to study on Masters programs including our own Masters by Negotiated Study and at the RCA in London.

Teaching staff

Dan Lewis

Course Director

Dan is the Design Course Director and Course Leader for Automotive & Transport Design. Dan is also the Co-Course Leader for Product, Furniture, Ceramics. His Background in Product and Furniture Design feeds into his Emotional Design PhD and research.

Dan's profile

Richard Gilmartin

Lecturer

I’m an automotive designer with 25 years of industry experience. I have worked for major international OEMs on production and show car programmes. I’m a lecturer in Transport Design and an active vehicle designer.

Richard's profile

Nigel Turner

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for Automotive & Transport Design, and Product, Furniture, Ceramics, with 20 years’ experience as a luxury designer for Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Viners, Aspreys, and 10 years as a product development manager at Michelin Lifestyle.

Nigel's profile

Keeley Marshall

Senior Lecturer

Keeley is an expert in all aspects of industrial ceramic design and production, specializing in 3D design and decorative processes and currently exploring 3d printing in eco PLA’s and ceramics.

Keeley's profile

Timothy Forrester

Senior Lecturer

Tim Forrester is one of Britain's most innovative designers. He achieved great success whilst working in Milan before returning to the UK to design and manufacture his high quality, inspirational and versatile furniture ranges.

Timothy's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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Research Excellence Framework 2021

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