University of Bradford

School of Engineering, Design and Technology

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University of Bradford
BSc (Hons) [National Qualifications Framework level H]
Automotive Design Technology
3 full-time or 4 years sandwich
H390 BSc/ADT, H391 BSc/ADT4
Art & Design; Engineering; General Business &
Management;
Not applicable
Original: 12 March 2002 Last updated: June 2009

Vehicles have a deep-seated place in modern life. They are seen as an economic and
social necessity as well as a source of enjoyment and sport. However they consume vital
natural resources and have a serious impact upon the environment. Automotive Vehicle
Design is a challenging career calling for an increasing awareness of diverse technical
and social issues.
Any automotive vehicle is a highly complex set of solutions and compromises. The
designer aims to achieve performance, aesthetics and marketability whilst meeting tight
constraints on safety, fuel consumption, emissions and recyclability. This calls for
specialised knowledge and skills as well as a keen awareness of cultural, social and
technological developments. Sharing a common first year with Product Design, this
course aims to develop graduates with a long-term view of change, a balanced approach
to design & technology and a clear understanding of design methods and the design
process.
Your studies at Bradford will also be a foundation for life aimed at developing a wide range
of personal and professional skills. The ability of a designer and technologist to think
clearly and logically is widely appreciated by many other professions and your studies
may well be a bridge to alternative careers. Moreover, the breadth of the degree will
provide a suitable foundation for entry to higher degree courses in a range of subject
areas.
As a successful automotive designer, you will be creative, enterprising and innovative. At
Bradford, our distinctive approach emphasises the development of an integrated
understanding of design and technology, their applications, their management and their
role in society.
In accordance with the Universitys mission, Making Knowledge Work, the School of
Engineering, Design and Technology aims to provide excellence in a range of topics
covering design, relevant technologies, business, management and commerce, and social
science, with an emphasis on the links and interactions between different topics. The
School places emphasis on both teaching and research, believing them to be mutually
dependent.
We have particular research strengths in; automotive engineering (component design and
manufacturing quality); materials engineering (powders, composites, and polymers);
computer modelling and design. We conduct this research jointly with many companies
including Ford, Jaguar, and Land Rover and this work shapes and informs our
undergraduate programmes.

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With reference to teaching and learning, the School aims to produce graduates who
aspire to challenging careers in industry, commerce and the public sector, and who will be
able to move directly into responsible roles in employment with a minimum of additional
training.
The Automotive Design Technology course aims to provide a balanced education in
automotive design, in technologies that underpin vehicle manufacture, in management
and in the commercial environment and pressures that drive automotive design and
innovation.
Learning outcomes, which indicate what a graduate should know, understand and be
able to do on successful completion of one of the programmes, were developed with
reference to the Art & Design, Engineering, and General Business and Management
subject benchmarks published by QAAHE.
On successful completion of a BSc in Automotive Design Technology, you will have
acquired the following:

Knowledge and Understanding in the generation of ideas, concepts, proposals and

solutions, either self-initiated or to set briefs the importance and role of automotive
design and technology in industry and society; appropriate computer applications;
basic principles underpinning automotive systems; convergent and divergent thinking
in the processes of observation, investigation, visualisation and/or making; design
constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; fitness for purpose in
production, operation, maintenance and disposal; development of ideas through to
material outcomes such as images, artefacts, products, and/or systems; appropriate
use of the interaction between intention, process and outcome; selection, evaluation,
use and exploitation of materials, processes and environments; organisations, their
management, external environments and response to change; commercial and
economic context of product development; management and development of
people within organisations; entrepreneurial skills to support the practice.

Discipline Skills in aesthetic sensibility and the capacity to be creative in two main
areas relevant to automotive design: exterior styling and interior packaging; creation of
design outcomes as prototypes, models or proposals; ability to conduct research and
manage information; use of visual languages to investigate, analyse, interpret, develop
and articulate ideas and information; critical and creative thinking, analysis and
synthesis; recognition of the business, economic, environmental, cultural and ethical
contextual dimensions of design; problem solving and decision making; ability to
address design constraints based on the relationship with clients, markets, users
and/or consumers; recognition of the implications and potential presented by the key
developments in current and emerging media and technologies; ability to balance the
relationship between the aesthetic and utilitarian dimensions (form and function);
awareness of nature of basic intellectual property and contractual issues;
numeracy; appropriate computer applications.

Personal and Transferable Skills In data management & presentation; interpretation

of information; IT and communication skills; critical awareness, creative and
systematic problem solving; interpersonal and social skills; life long learning; teamwork
& leadership; self-management.

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About the Course

The Automotive Design Technology course provides a balanced education in vehicle
design, in technologies that underpin vehicle manufacture, in management and in the
commercial environment and pressures that drive automotive design and innovation. The
course covers the crucial relationships between a vehicles aesthetic form and its function,
the technology of vehicle production and the social and economic environment in which
automotive production takes place.
Most of the knowledge and skills based aspects are introduced, explored, examined and
practised in taught modules using a mixture of formal lectures, seminars, tutorials and
practical sessions. These are brought together and applied in the integrating projects that
revolve around the STUDIO model Learning about design and accumulating skills in a
social setting. First year projects are quite short but rapidly develop to longer and more
demanding tasks in the second year, these may include industrial live projects. Half of
the final year is dedicated to a single major automotive design project.
In the first year you will acquire fundamental knowledge in information technology,
conceptual design, manual communication skills, computerised presentation, materials,
manufacture, design process and methods, mechanical and electromechanical
technology, computer-aided design (CAD) and enhance your creativity by studying the
history of visual arts. Much of this will be applied in the 4 or 5 projects introducing you to
the design process and some of the more important methods.
The second year builds upon the foundations laid in the first year with an increasing
emphasis placed on professional car design. You will develop a greater awareness of
ergonomics, driver workstation, reverse engineering, 3D solid and surface modelling,
aerodynamics, car manufacture and assembly and marketing. Car interior packaging and
car body modelling continues to develop your design skills which will be applied in the
Studio 2 Project/s.
We recommend that, where possible, students undertake a placement year. This is an
extremely useful year allowing you to work in an industrial setting with a company closely
associated with design or manufacture. You will gain from the experience of job
searching, making applications, interviews, portfolios, teamwork, personal management,
recording your progress and applying you skills and abilities. This is invariably a
beneficial experience rewarded by an additional Diploma of Industrial Studies and
possibly sponsorship or even a promised job on graduation!
In the final year the essential expertise required for the design, development and
marketing of vehicles is further enhanced by taking modules in safety & legislation, project
management, marketing, corporate strategy & management. The final-year automotive
design project takes up one half of your time enabling you to integrate many different
aspects of the course into a vehicle design project.

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Curriculum for all awards

Each year, or stage, of an Honours course comprises 2 semesters with 60 credits being
studied in each semester. The map of the curriculum shows the core (C) and optional (O)
units for each semester / stage. A common first year allows you to progress to either the
Automotive Design Technology course or Product Design course. Although the first year is
common, a flavour of your intended speciality is given via selected design projects.
In the Automotive Design Technology course we strongly encourage you to undertake a
year of industrial placement between stages 2 and 3. Via the Industrial Placement Office
the School supports you providing advice and guidance on issues such as CVs,
application letters and interview techniques. Some organisations and companies prefer to
make contact through the Placement Office. However, in many situations, the student
makes the first contact. It is your task to impress them sufficiently to gain an offer of
employment. While in the placement year you will submit a number of reports on your
experiences; satisfactory performance (50%) is awarded with a Diploma of Industrial
Studies.
Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is available
to students for whom a less intense course of study is appropriate. Ordinary degrees
comprise 100 credits at stage 1 and 80 credits at stages 2 and 3. Graduates with the
Ordinary degree can, at a later date, take extra credits to convert their degree to Honours.

Assessment regulations (summary): the text of the progression regulations is

maintained on the Web
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html

The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the
overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage (Stage 2 - 30%, Stage 3 - 70%)
The classes and divisions of the Honours degree are awarded on the basis of the
following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
Otherwise:

First Class Honours

Second Class Honours First Division
Second Class Honours Second Division
Third Class Honours

If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education;
if you complete Stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education.
The learning outcomes for these awards and the final award are consistent with those of
the national qualifications framework for England.

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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies

The teaching strategy revolves around the STUDIO model Learning about design and
accumulating skills in a social setting, which is based on the theoretical framework of
constructivism, cognitive apprenticeships and scaffolding, and learning-through-teaching.
Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practised in
associated tutorials and demonstrated in practical classes. Practical skills are developed
in laboratories and the Design Studio. Professional and personal skills are developed in
more open-ended problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small
groups supported by members of academic staff. Project work is used to bring various
aspects of your course together. Learning from peers is supported within a formal
mentoring framework across all years of study.
The School has excellent contacts with industry which provides the opportunity to work on
real-life design projects and industrial visits, such as the European trip to car production
and testing facilities, placing your class-based teaching into context.
Typically, each module at stage 1 and 2 will involve you in 36 hours of organised teaching.
However, this is reduced to 24 hours at stage 3, as you are encouraged to become more
self-supporting and independent in your approach to learning.
Methods of Assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed using a
mix of formal examinations, various technical reports, laboratory portfolios, essays, oral
presentations and design project work. The appropriate method is chosen so that you may
demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of each module.
Student support and guidance
This is provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a
personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or
personal concerns. However, all members of staff are equally approachable so you will
always be able to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. The School has a
system of handbooks, year and course tutors and formal staff-student liaison committees
so that issues are rapidly dealt with.
The School has a Womens Engineering Society named FAIRER (Females Actively
Involved in Rewarding Engineering Roles). It provides a social network support to all
students in Engineering, Design and Technology, form Foundation Year to Postgraduate.
The University provides important facilities such as extended access to Library and
computing facilities, counselling and welfare services, careers advice and a Disabilities
Office. The Universitys Disabilities Office encourages prospective students to visit before
applying to the University so that you can see for yourself what facilities and support are
available. You can also discuss any concerns you may have about your individual needs,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues.

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Admissions policy
This programme has been developed for students who want to learn about Design in a
broad and realistic way. To benefit fully from this programme you will need to be creative,
analytical, self -motivated and able to work hard.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
enthusiasm for Design,
sufficient motivation to benefit from the course,
an understanding of what the course involves,
basic creativity,
an appropriate level of visual awareness and basic ability to draw,
the ability to express themselves clearly in spoken and written English,
sufficient analytical ability to deal with the technological content of the course.
The diversity of topics embodied in the study of design makes it impossible to identify a
specifically ideal candidate. It is recognised that students with a wide range of
backgrounds and previous relevant experience are often able to benefit fully from such a
broadly based course if they have sufficient dedication. Where possible, all appropriate
applicants will be interviewed.
A typical offer would be:

GCSE results A*-C in English, Design Technology, Art and Science, with a minimum
Grade C in GCSE Mathematics,
and
240 points from at least two GCE A Levels (or qualifications with equivalent depth and
volume) or one 12-unit qualification. These would ideally be in subject areas that
demonstrate both creative and analytical abilities such as a relevant combination of
Design and Technology, Mathematics, Art, Physics, Art and Design, Combined
Science, Computer Science and Communication.

The following admission process is designed to allow us to establish the suitability of

candidates:
UCAS applications are carefully considered with special attention to the personal
statement,
If possible, appropriate candidates are asked to attend an Applicant Visit Day
(AVD) & interview, and bring a portfolio or samples of their work which is
discussed during a short personal interview with staff,
during the AVD applicants undertake an ability quiz, are introduced to the
approach to design adopted by the course team, visit the University and the
School, and meet existing students and staff.
Where appropriate offers of a place on the course will be made at the interview.

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English Language Requirements

All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described in
http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english-prepare.php. If your native language is not
English, you will have to pass a test in English approved by the University before you can
be admitted. The following qualifications are acceptable as satisfying this requirement.
Both are available internationally.

The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS) administered by the
British Council is the test which is preferred by the University. You will need to achieve
an Overall Band of at least 6, with at least 5 in each of the four sub-tests. Testing
facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take your
test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational
Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will need to score at least
550 (220 on the computer-based test). If you take this test, you should enter the
Universitys code 0828, on your answer sheet.

Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions
Tutor for further advice.
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

The Admissions Office

School of Engineering, Design & Technology
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 234567
http://www.eng.brad.ac.uk/

IMPORTANT NOTE
The contents of this Programme Specification may change, subject to the University's course and regulatory approval,
monitoring and review procedures. Optional modules (O) are offered subject to student numbers and timetable constraints.
If appropriate, alternative optional modules may be offered

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Automotive Design Technology Curriculum Map

Academic year 2009/10 (Interim arrangement)
Unit code

Credits

Level

Stage

Sem

Unit title

Hons

Ord

ENG1058L

20

1, 2

Scientific & Mechanical Principles

N/A

ENG1066L

20

1, 2

Exhibition & Presentation Media

N/A

ENG1051L

20

1, 2

STUDIO 1

N/A

ENG1055L

20

1, 2

Communicating & Understanding 3D Forms

N/A

ENG1004M

10

Manufacturing Systems

N/A

ENG1064M

10

Materials Technology & Processing

N/A

ENG1025M

10

Introduction to Design & Manufacture

N/A

ENG1052M

10

Introduction to Solid Modelling

N/A

ENG****K?

40

1,2

STUDIO 2 (10/30)

ENG2078D

20

3D Solid Modelling

ENG2031M

10

Product Interaction & Interfacing

ENG1004M

10

Manufacturing Systems

ENG1039M

10

Automotive Technology

ENG2063M

10

Car Manufacture & Assembly

ENG2082M

10

Technology for Styling & Concept Design

ENG2033M

10

Aerodynamic Design

ENG3071B

60

1, 2

Major Design Project (10/50)

ENG3069M

10

Car Safety & Legislation

ENG****D

20

Blue Sky Brief

ENG3009M

10

Project Management

ENG2015M

10

Design for Manufacture & Assembly*

ENG3014M

10

Product Design & Innovation

ENG3048M

10

Six Sigma for Business Excellence

EN-3002M

10

Environment Law and Policy

ENG3075M

10

STUDIO MENTORING

LSS2001M

10

Self Employment and Enterprise Skills*

Stage 3, Semester 1

20

20

Stage 3, Semester 2

10

Required optional credits

IMPORTANT NOTE
The contents of this Programme Specification may change, subject to the University's course and regulatory approval,
monitoring and review procedures. Optional modules (O) are offered subject to student numbers and timetable constraints.
If appropriate, alternative optional modules may be offered. * A maximum of 20 credits of level 2 credits may be taken at
Stage 3. Modules that have been taken before may NOT be repeated.

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2009 University of Bradford

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Automotive Design Technology Curriculum Map

Academic year 2010/11 and future
Unit code

Credits

Level

Stage

Sem

Unit title

Hons

Ord

ENG1058L

20

1, 2

Scientific & Mechanical Principles

N/A

ENG1066L

20

1, 2

Exhibition & Presentation Media

N/A

ENG1051L

20

1, 2

STUDIO 1

N/A

ENG1055L

20

1, 2

Communicating & Understanding 3D Forms

N/A

ENG1004M

10

Manufacturing Systems

N/A

ENG1064M

10

Materials Technology & Processing

N/A

ENG1025M

10

Introduction to Design & Manufacture

N/A

ENG1052M

10

Introduction to Solid Modelling

N/A

ENG****K?

40

1,2

STUDIO 2 (10/30)

ENG2078D

20

3D Solid Modelling

ENG2031M

10

Product Interaction & Interfacing

ENG***M

10

Design in Context

ENG1039M

10

Automotive Technology

ENG2063M

10

Car Manufacture & Assembly

ENG2066M

10

Technology for Styling & Concept Design

ENG2033M

10

Aerodynamic Design

ENG3071B

60

1, 2

Major Design Project (10/50)

ENG3069M

10

Car Safety & Legislation

ENG****D

20

Blue Sky Brief

ENG3009M

10

Project Management

ENG2015M

10

Design for Manufacture & Assembly*

ENG3014M

10

Product Design & Innovation

ENG3048M

10

Six Sigma for Business Excellence

EN-3002M

10

Environment Law and Policy

ENG3075M

10

STUDIO MENTORING

Required optional credits

Stage 3, Semester 1

20

20

Stage 3, Semester 2

IMPORTANT NOTE
The contents of this Programme Specification may change, subject to the University's course and regulatory approval,
monitoring and review procedures. Optional modules (O) are offered subject to student numbers and timetable constraints.
If appropriate, alternative optional modules may be offered. * A maximum of 20 credits of level 2 credits may be taken at
Stage 3. Modules that have been taken before may NOT be repeated.

BSc ADT 2009 10 NH

2009 University of Bradford

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