Master of Arts in Transportation Design

This Master of Arts degree prepares designers who already hold a Bachelor's or "Diplom" in industrial or transportation design to take the next step in their careers. Taught in English, the programme moves beyond individual design skills to focus on the broader responsibilities required in the vehicle and automotive industries.

Graduates leave ready to enter the automotive sector immediately in roles that involve more than producing designs — they will be prepared for responsibilities such as shaping and guiding design projects, leading teams, and overseeing project delivery. The curriculum emphasizes how to plan a design project, structure and manage a project team, and supervise the execution of design work from concept through implementation.

For international students, the English-language instruction supports study and professional preparation in a global industry. The degree combines advanced design thinking with project-management and leadership skills that are valued by employers across the automotive and transportation sectors.

Entry requirements (concise)

• Completed Bachelor's degree or "Diplom" in industrial design or transportation design
• Language of instruction: English (programme taught in English)

This Master's curriculum is organized into three thematic blocks that are taught through hands‑on project work: concepts and theory are immediately applied to studio projects so students build practical portfolios while learning discipline‑specific knowledge.

• Professional Studies introduces the theoretical foundations and representation techniques typical for vehicle design. It teaches vehicle‑specific methods—especially useful for industrial designers who may not yet have car‑industry practices in their background—and focuses on drawing, visualization and design thinking relevant to automotive contexts.
• Automotive Exterior covers the complete exterior design process. As a major study project (an examination deliverable), students develop a full vehicle exterior: from conception and packaging through the idea phase and working/design tape to 3D modelling and photorealistic renderings. The module trains students to produce 3D data models and present finished visualisations.
• Automotive Interior follows the same overall sequence but addresses the added complexity of passenger‑compartment design. Students learn the specific knowledge needed for interior concepts and create equivalent study work, with the additional requirement to demonstrate mechanical functions of design elements via computer animation (moving images).

Across all modules, students learn the technical skills for creating 3D data models, renderings and animations at various stages of development, including software workflows such as Alias AutoStudio and Adobe After Effects. The programme emphasizes iterative design, technical communication and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into finished, examinable projects.

Requirements / key student deliverables and skills

• Produce a full 3D data model of a vehicle exterior as a study/exam project
• Develop photorealistic renderings from the 3D model
• Complete the design workflow stages: conception, packaging, idea phase, working/design tape, modelling and rendering
• Create interior study work following the same workflow, addressing higher complexity
• Present mechanical functions of interior elements using computer animation (moving images)
• Gain proficiency in industry tools and pipelines for modelling, rendering and animation (including Alias AutoStudio and Adobe After Effects)

Graduates are prepared to work immediately in the automotive and vehicle industries, not only as designers but in roles that require responsibility for project planning and team leadership. The programme’s mix of technical modelling, visualisation and management skills equips you for positions such as senior designer, project leader or specialist in exterior/interior design and digital visualisation.

With hands‑on experience producing production‑quality 3D models, renderings and animations, alumni are also well placed for roles in design studios, OEM concept teams, suppliers and agencies that value both creative and organisational competencies.