Program Overview

Master's Programme in Transportation Design

The Master's Programme in Transportation Design is a 2-year, 120-credit programme that focuses on the design of transportation systems and products. The programme is unique in its broad coverage of mobility and its relation to the transport industry worldwide, with a strong emphasis on the Scandinavian design tradition.

About the Programme

The programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of users' needs and the ability to design successful products. Students will learn how to work with conceptual ideas through projects in collaboration with external partners, and will develop specific knowledge in areas such as presentation techniques, strategic design, visual storytelling, physical and digital development.

Courses within the Programme

The programme consists of the following courses:

• Skills and Techniques (7.5 credits)
• CAID 1 & 2 (7.5 credits)
• Vehicle Concept Design (15 credits)
• Form in Transportation Design (7.5 credits)
• Vehicle Design Analysis (7.5 credits)
• Strategic Design (15 credits)
• Storytelling in Design (7.5 credits)
• Vehicle Interior Design (15 credits)
• Future Mobility (7.5 credits)
• Elective track: Practice in Transportation Design (30 credits)
• Degree project (30 credits)

Project Work

Each semester, students will engage in a core design project as part of a project-based learning approach, exploring relevant design opportunities to solve real-world problems in collaboration with external partners. The projects include:

• Project 1: Vehicle Concept Design
• Project 2: Strategic Design
• Project 3: Vehicle Interior Design
• Project 4: Degree Project

Internships

Internships are available to allow students to further develop their professional skills and expand their business networks in preparation for a future career in transportation design.

Industry-like Design Studios

All programmes reside in industry-like design studios, where each student has an individual workspace. The shared spaces, including workshops, computer labs, painting rooms, and libraries, build innovative learning environments defined by a collaborative spirit.

24/7 Access to Facilities

Students have access to the school premises 24/7, with key equipment including 3D-printers, laser cutters, milling machines, painting rooms, and more.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme, students must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements include 60 ECTS in the field of Design + Portfolio, and proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Selection

Selection among qualified applicants is based upon submitted portfolio material and interviews and/or creative assignment.

Degree

After completing the study programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Industrial Design) with specialisation in Transportation Design.

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, students are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University. The application fee is SEK 900, and the tuition fee for the first instalment is SEK 160,650, with a total fee of SEK 642,600.

Future and Career Opportunities

Many previous graduates are employed in major global corporations, and the programme provides opportunities for students to develop their professional skills and network in preparation for a career in design. Depending on performance and professional experience, students may join companies as junior, senior, or freelance designers.

Further Studies

An MFA degree from Umeå Institute of Design will provide the basic academic merits required to apply for PhD positions worldwide.