Master’s in Styling Aerodynamics and Form Language
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in styling aerodynamics and form language: integrating aerodynamics with styling, managing visible vortices and brand signature. 12 modules covering fluid mechanics for designers, volumes and proportions, aerodynamic details, CFD, wind tunnel testing, EV efficiency, aeroacoustics and regulations, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Styling Aerodynamics and Form Language — studying from Malta
Product and interface design in Malta is closely tied to the island's digital economy, where software companies, gaming studios and online service providers require skilled designers. Human-machine interface work is relevant to aviation, maritime and industrial clients who need clear and safe control systems. Engineers and designers often collaborate with multinational teams, so fluency in English and familiarity with international design standards are advantageous. The sector values practical experience in user research, prototyping and usability testing.
Fees for Malta: €5,920 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a professional body in Malta that regulates design, HMI or product roles?
Design and HMI are not regulated professions in Malta, so there is no licensing title. Professional networks and associations may offer membership, but these are not statutory. SEIUM qualifications are private, not state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so employers judge them according to the portfolio and experience you bring.
Which employers in Malta hire designers with HMI and product skills?
Demand comes from software and app developers, gaming and digital firms, financial services, and product companies, many of which serve international markets. Hiring tends to focus on portfolios and user-research experience. A private qualification can complement a strong portfolio but is unlikely to replace it.
Can I study this alongside a job, and what should I know about language and support?
Yes. Courses are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You can study from Malta without a student visa. Choose between 300-hour specialist courses and longer diplomas or master's programmes depending on your time. Ask about instalment payments and employer sponsorship.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Relate aerodynamics to vehicle form and proportions.
Interpret flow phenomena to make design decisions.
Design aesthetically integrated aerodynamic details.
Evaluate shape variants using CFD and wind tunnel testing.
Optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles.
Define a form language consistent with brand identity.
Meet regulatory requirements in exterior design.
Who it's for
- Exterior designers who want aerodynamics to inform their styling.
- Aerodynamics engineers working closely with design studios.
- Digital concept modellers.
- Automotive CFD engineers.
- Mobility product designers.
- Aeroacoustics specialists.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- UN Regulation No. 26 (external projections)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP emissions testing)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/631 (CO2 emission standards for cars and vans)
- Regulation (EC) 78/2009 (pedestrian protection)
- SAE J1252 (wind tunnel test procedure)
- SAE J2263 (road load measurement by coast-down)
- UN Regulation No. 46 (devices for indirect vision)
- Autodesk Alias
- Simcenter STAR-CCM+
- PowerFLOW
- OpenFOAM
- Blender
12 modules
1.1History of automotive aerodynamics1.2Streamline design of the 1930s1.3Kammback and truncated tails1.4Cd, frontal area and drag1.5Form language and aerodynamics1.6Brand design and proportions1.7Trends in electric vehicles1.8Aesthetic and technical trade-offs1.9Icons of aerodynamic design1.10Case study: form analysis of three benchmark vehicles
2.1Boundary layer and separation2.2Pressure and suction on the body2.3Wake and pressure drag2.4Lift and balance2.5A-pillar and mirror vortices2.6Reynolds number2.7Ground effect2.8Wheels and wheel arches2.9Reading pressure maps2.10Lab: smoke flow visualisation on a scale model
3.1Bonnet-to-cabin proportion3.2Windscreen and roof rake3.3Plan-view curvature3.4Tumblehome and cross-section3.5Rear height and tapering3.6Overhangs and wheelbase3.7Proportions in SUVs and saloons3.8Proportions in commercial vehicles3.9Volume sketches3.10Practical exercise: proportion study with sketches
4.1Spoilers and rear lips4.2Diffusers4.3Mirrors and cameras4.4Flush door handles4.5Aerodynamic wheels4.6Active grille shutters4.7Air curtains4.8Covered underbody4.9Aesthetic integration of add-ons4.10Case study: redesign of a door mirror
5.1CFD workflow in design studios5.2Geometry preparation5.3Meshing and turbulence models5.4Lattice Boltzmann with PowerFLOW5.5OpenFOAM and STAR-CCM+5.6Visual post-processing for designers5.7Rapid shape iteration5.8Adjoint optimisation5.9Limitations of simulation5.10Lab: CFD comparison of two rear-end variants
6.1Scale and full-size tunnels6.2Clay models in the tunnel6.3Moving ground and wheel simulation6.4Aerodynamic balances6.5Visualisation with tufts and paint6.6Aeroacoustic tests6.7Tunnel–CFD correlation6.8Coast-down road tests6.9Planning tunnel sessions6.10Practical exercise: test plan for a scale model
7.1Impact of Cd on driving range7.2WLTP cycle and drag7.3Battery cooling and openings7.4Closed front ends7.5Thermal management and internal flow7.6Holistic efficiency optimisation7.7Ultra-efficient vehicles7.8Record-setting Cd cases7.9Trade-off with interior space7.10Case study: range gain from aerodynamic improvements
8.1Sources of aerodynamic noise8.2Joint and seal noise8.3Mirror and A-pillar noise8.4Sunroof noise8.5Window buffeting8.6Measurement in an acoustic tunnel8.7Aeroacoustic simulation8.8Influence on perceived quality8.9Design solutions8.10Workshop: identifying noise sources
9.1Formal grammar of a brand9.2Character lines and surfaces9.3Gestalt and perception9.4Expressing speed at a standstill9.5Product semantics9.6Coherence across a model family9.7Evolution versus revolution9.8Form language in electric vehicles9.9Design for the global market9.10Practical exercise: form language guide for a brand
10.1Digital sketching10.2Volume modelling in Alias10.3Subdivision modelling10.4Real-time visualisation10.5Virtual reality in reviews10.6Export to CFD10.7Generative shape design10.8Generative AI in concept development10.9Integrated design–aerodynamics workflow10.10Lab: concept modelled and evaluated in CFD
11.1External projections UN Regulation 2611.2Pedestrian protection11.3Visibility and field of view11.4Lighting and headlamp position11.5Homologation of aerodynamic devices11.6Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and emissions11.7Labelling and efficiency11.8Motorsport requirements11.9Packaging constraints11.10Case study: compliance of an active rear wing
12.1Concept briefing12.2Reference research12.3Proportion study12.4Concept modelling12.5Aerodynamic evaluation12.6Shape iterations12.7Final form language12.8Concept presentation12.9Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Alias, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, PowerFLOW, OpenFOAM and Blender, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied on real procedures for wind tunnel tests with scale models, CFD simulations of shape variants and coast-down track tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: UN Regulation No. 26, Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP), Regulation (EU) 2019/631, Regulation (EC) 78/2009, SAE J1252, SAE J2263, UN Regulation No. 46.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Autodesk Alias, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, PowerFLOW, OpenFOAM and Blender, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent demonstrable professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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