Bachelor of Arts in
Car Design
Course length
3 Academic Year
Start
October
Language
Italian
Where
Milan
Bachelor of Arts in Car Design
The Bachelor of Arts in Car Design is dedicated to the next generation of professionals working in the automotive sector and, more broadly, in the transportation industry. It is aimed at those who aspire to design products that not only meet current market demands but also anticipate future trends, identify new market opportunities, and respond to users’ latent needs.
Features
The program focuses on automotive design and then expands to other forms of transportation, addressing all possible evolutions of mobility, with electric vehicles as a starting point. With continuous technological advancement, the course explores innovative transport solutions, from autonomous vehicles to connected systems for sustainable urban mobility, as well as alternative fuel sources. The goal is to train versatile professionals capable of succeeding in the globally evolving automotive and transportation sectors, ready to face the challenges of future mobility in all its different forms.
By combining tradition and innovation, the Bachelor in Car Design provides a deep understanding of the foundations of the sector and valuable insights into the global automotive market and its evolving trends, preparing you to anticipate and address future challenges.
Method
Car Design is based on a learning strategy aimed at cultivating creative talent through the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills.
- Provide a solid foundation in design methodology, equipping students with the skills necessary to conceptualize, develop, and refine automotive and transportation design projects, guiding them through every phase of the design process, from initial research and ideation to the complete realization of the project.
- Foster creative and critical thinking skills, encouraging students to generate innovative and sustainable design solutions for the automotive and transportation industries, while staying up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the field, promoting a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability within the evolving mobility and transportation sector.
- Offer opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals, design studios, and automotive manufacturers, providing students with concrete insight into professional practices and challenges within the automotive and transportation design industry, ultimately enhancing their employability and preparation for a successful career in the field or for further studies.
Admission
Recognition and qualification
Internship
Major Project
Career Opportunities
Study Plan
Faculty
Italian students: High school diploma
International students: High school diploma valid for the Italian higher education system + B2 certification in the language of instruction of the course.
The Bachelor in Car Design recognized by the MUR, equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree, established through the collaboration between SPD and RUFA.
Through the course Additional linguistic and relational skills, internships, etc., a valuable opportunity is offered to face real-world challenges within a professional or academic context. During the third year, you can choose between three distinct options:
- Internship: a professional experience in a real working environment;
- Project work: an in-depth exploration of a particularly significant topic of study through a research project within the school;
- Erasmus/Exchange program: an experience of personal and cultural growth through a period of study abroad.
The thesis plays a dual role:
- It marks the conclusion of the academic journey, synthesizing the knowledge and skills acquired during the degree program;
- It represents the first step in the students’ professional career in the design industry.
The thesis consists of an individual design research project through which students are required to propose and explore in depth a project theme within the fields covered by the study programme.
After completing the Bachelor in Car Design, you will be well prepared to begin a career in various sectors within the automotive and transportation industry or to pursue further studies. Career opportunities may include:
- Design studios
- Automotive consulting companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle design centers
- Mobility design consulting companies
| YEAR | MODULE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| First Year |
Design Methodology This course introduces students to the theoretical and methodological foundations of design, with a specific focus on contemporary automotive and mobility contexts. Through the analysis of current scenarios, market evolution, and design languages, students develop the ability to critically interpret the relationship between form, function, technology, and socio-cultural context. Teaching activities integrate two-dimensional representation tools and sketching techniques to support the ideation process, fostering the development of a structured, conscious, and coherent design methodology aligned with contemporary design practices.
|
6 |
|
Technical and Design Drawing This course provides theoretical and practical knowledge of technical and design drawing as a fundamental tool supporting the design process. Through the study of descriptive, projective, and perspective geometry, students acquire skills in the accurate and functional representation of form. Particular attention is given to the integration of ergonomic principles and to sketching and digital rendering techniques, understood as tools for project verification, control, and communication in the automotive field.
|
6 | |
|
Fundamentals of Digital Drawing This course explores methodologies and tools for digital drawing applied to design, developing skills in the use of digital technologies for form representation. Through dedicated devices and software, students learn digital sketching and rendering techniques aimed at the construction, verification, and final definition of projects. Digital drawing is approached as an integrated design tool that supports formal research and visual communication.
|
6 | |
|
Model Making This course introduces the principles and techniques of physical and digital model making as tools for analysis, development, and validation of design projects. Students acquire skills in the creation of three-dimensional models, intended both as tools for studying form and space and as instruments for controlling the design process. Teaching activities integrate the use of 3D modeling software, enhancing the understanding of the relationship between design, representation, and final outcome.
|
6 | |
|
New Materials Technology This course focuses on the study of traditional and innovative materials in relation to design, analyzing their physical, qualitative, and expressive properties. Particular attention is given to material perception in terms of luxury, sportiness, and innovation, as well as to the role of color and surface treatment in automotive design. Through theoretical and laboratory activities, students develop a conscious understanding of material technologies, their application potential, and selection criteria based on project requirements
|
8 | |
|
History of Design 1 This course provides fundamental historical and critical knowledge on the evolution of modern and contemporary design, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Through the study of objects, formal languages, and production contexts, students gain tools for recognizing styles and their transformations over time. The course develops a critical approach to design history as a support for contemporary design practice.
|
6 | |
|
Design 1 This course introduces students to design practice through laboratory activities aimed at developing projects at different scales. The learning path guides students from concept development to formal definition and project presentation, integrating methodological, technical, and communication aspects. Particular attention is given to the development of design thinking, coherence between concept and form, and the use of representation techniques as tools for synthesis and communication.
|
12 | |
|
Digital Modeling Techniques – Computer 3D 1 This course introduces three-dimensional digital modeling techniques applied to design, with a specific focus on the automotive field. Through the use of specialized software, students acquire skills in the construction, management, and representation of 3D models for project development and prototyping. The course emphasizes the integration of digital modeling into the design process as a professional and operational tool.
|
6 | |
|
Information Technology This course provides essential digital skills required for project management and communication. Through the use of key graphic and layout software, students develop abilities in visual organization, digital presentation, and portfolio creation. Teaching activities focus on the conscious use of digital technologies as tools supporting design and professional communication.
|
4 | |
| Second Year |
History of Design 2 This course deepens the historical and critical study of design, with particular attention to the evolution of automotive and car design. It analyzes key stylistic, technological, and cultural developments in the field. Through case studies, movements, and designers, the course provides interpretative tools to understand the relationship between design, industry, and society, enabling students to place contemporary projects within a well-informed historical framework.
|
6 |
|
Design 2 This course develops advanced design skills through laboratory activities focused on automotive exterior design. The program integrates two-dimensional sketching, concept development, clay modeling, and formal validation, guiding students from ideation to project definition. Teaching activities strengthen the ability to manage the design process in relation to functional, technological, and expressive constraints specific to transportation design.
|
12 | |
|
Digital Modeling Techniques – Computer 3D 2 This course further develops advanced three-dimensional digital modeling techniques, with a focus on specialized software for complex surface development. Activities are aimed at integrating 3D models into the automotive design process as tools for verification, control, and professional communication.
|
6 | |
|
Light Design This course addresses light as a design, linguistic, and emotional element, with a specific focus on automotive applications. Through the study of the historical evolution of lighting design and laboratory activities applied to exterior and interior projects, students develop skills in the design of integrated lighting systems. The course also introduces digital tools and intelligent design support systems as aids to the creative process.
|
8 | |
|
Product Design 1 This course focuses on automotive interior design, integrating spatial design, formal definition, color & trim, and two-dimensional and digital representation. Through laboratory work, students acquire skills in designing interior products and environments, considering functional, ergonomic, and expressive aspects in line with contemporary mobility design requirements.
|
6 | |
|
Ecodesign This course addresses sustainability-oriented design applied to mobility systems, with particular attention to zero-emission vehicles and autonomous systems. Through laboratory activities, students develop integrated projects that consider environmental, technological, and ethical aspects. The course also introduces the conscious use of artificial intelligence tools as support for design and decision-making processes.
|
6 | |
|
Urban Design This course introduces the fundamentals of urban design and contemporary architecture, analyzing the relationships between urban space, mobility, and infrastructure systems. Through theoretical and laboratory activities, students develop skills in understanding and designing complex urban systems, with a focus on the connections between architecture, urban planning, and mobility design.
|
6 | |
| English | 4 | |
| Elective Course | 6 | |
| Third Year |
History of Contemporary Art This course analyzes the evolution of contemporary visual arts in relation to technological, aesthetic, and cultural changes, with particular attention to new digital languages. Through theoretical and laboratory activities, students develop critical skills in interpreting contemporary art and applying these insights to the creation of visual and narrative content related to concept car projects.
|
6 |
|
Design 3 This course represents an advanced stage of design education, focused on the development of a complex transportation design project. Through laboratory activities, students integrate digital sketching, ergonomics, and three-dimensional modeling to fully define the project, strengthening autonomy, synthesis skills, and coherence between concept, form, and function.
|
12 | |
|
Product Design 2 This course deepens product design through the development of complex projects, integrating advanced digital modeling and formal validation. Teaching activities reinforce students’ ability to independently manage the design process while considering technical, production, and expressive constraints in relation to contemporary design.
|
6 | |
|
Virtual Architecture This course introduces tools and methodologies for advanced project visualization through animations and virtual reality environments. Activities focus on immersive representation of automotive projects, developing skills useful for professional communication, validation, and presentation.
|
6 | |
|
Multimedia Design This course develops skills in multimedia design applied to project communication, integrating portfolio development, presentation techniques, video, and advanced visual tools. Teaching activities focus on building effective project presentations, strengthening narrative, visual, and communication skills in a professional context.
|
8 | |
|
Layout and Visualization Techniques This course explores visual representation and layout techniques as tools for project communication. Through sketching and visualization activities, students develop skills in graphic and narrative presentation, with attention to clarity, consistency, and visual coherence.
|
6 | |
| Additional Language and Interpersonal Skills, Internships, etc | 4 | |
| Elective Course | 4 | |
| Final Project | 8 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 180 |
Francesca Balena Arista, Sarah Ciracì, Alessandro Ciancio, Alessio Cremisini, Rosella Cuppone, Giovanni Lauda, Lara Monacelli Bani, Elbert Moritz, Paolo Parea, Giuseppe Ragosta, Maurizio Scalzi