Leather Finishing Automotive

Presentation

This international postgraduate program offers advanced and highly specialized training in leather finishing for automotive interiors—a sector that blends technical, aesthetic, environmental, and regulatory demands. Its main objective is to equip professionals with the skills to develop, apply, and evaluate finishing solutions that meet the most rigorous global standards in terms of both performance and sustainability.

The program provides technical knowledge on chemical formulation processes, raw material selection, the use of specific machinery, and the application of functional and aesthetic coatings. Additionally, it introduces students to international regulations, design trends, life cycle analysis, OEM approval processes, and the management of restricted substances. Each module combines theoretical sessions with intensive hands-on practice in technical environments and pilot laboratories, following a methodology based on real-world problem solving.

The curriculum is divided into three blocks:
(1) Characteristics and requirements of automotive leather;
(2) Formulation of finishing systems tailored to different components (seats, steering wheels, panels);
(3) Application and validation of the developed solutions, including a practical and personalized final project.

Students will complete three in-person residencies of two weeks each: one at the Campus Universitari d'Igualada (Spain) and two at the Stahl Campus (Netherlands), where practical and experimental sessions will take place using specialized equipment, technical staff, and pilot-scale facilities.

Throughout the course, students work both in teams and individually to tackle technical challenges related to specific products and markets (USA, EU, Asia).

This program is intended for university graduates in science, engineering, or leather technologies, as well as professionals from the leather, applied chemistry, or automotive components industries. It is also relevant for quality technicians, sustainability managers, formulation specialists, or R&D personnel looking to deepen their expertise in functional finishing for vehicle interior materials.

With a clear international and professional focus, this postgraduate program prepares students to operate in a globalized, innovative, and highly regulated environment—contributing to a more efficient, circular, and performance-oriented industry.

Coordinators and teaching staff

Other information

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be admitted to this international postgraduate program, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in fields such as science, chemical engineering, materials engineering, leather technology, or related disciplines. Professionals with a proven track record in the leather sector, applied chemistry, or the automotive components industry may also be admitted, provided they bring relevant experience and a strong motivation to specialize in leather finishing for automotive applications. As all theoretical sessions, practical activities, and assessments are conducted entirely in English, candidates must provide proof of a minimum English level equivalent to advanced B2 (for example, an IELTS score of ≥ 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, or equivalent certifications such as TOEFL or Cambridge). If an official certificate is not available, a placement test or oral interview may be requested during the selection process. The number of places is limited and will be allocated based on previous education, professional experience, motivation, and the suitability of the candidate’s profile. A selection interview will be conducted to assess these aspects. Special consideration will be given to those currently or potentially involved in the leather or automotive sectors, as well as to applicants with a strong interest in areas such as sustainability, product innovation, or technology transfer.

STUDENT LIMIT
9

ISSUANCE OF ACADEMIC DEGREES
The rate in force at the time of issuance of the title will be applied

PRE-REGISTRATION
03/03/2026 until 05/10/2026

REGISTRATION
13/07/2026

FURTHER INFORMATION