Master's Programme in Advanced Product Design, 120 Credits

Entry Requirements

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 are: 60 ECTS credits in the field of Design + Portfolio. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

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 (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) is called Konstnärlig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Industrial Design) with specialisation in Advanced Product Design.

Description of the education for current education cycle

The education is at an advanced level (second cycle). The aims for second-cycle courses and study programmes are set out in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9.

National goals for current degree

The national aims for qualification are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance's Annex 2.

Knowledge and understanding
 
For a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in areas of the field as well as specialised insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate familiarity with methods and processes for dealing with complex phenomena, issues and situations in the field.

Competence and skills
 
For a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to formulate new issues autonomously and creatively and contribute to the formation of knowledge, solve more advanced problems, develop new forms of personal expression as well as to reflect critically on his or her artistic approach and that of others in the main field of study,
• demonstrate the ability to create and execute his or her own ideas with his or her own personal expression, to identify, formulate and solve artistic and creative problems autonomously and also to plan and undertake advanced artistic tasks using appropriate methods within predetermined time frames,
• demonstrate the ability both nationally and internationally to clearly present and discuss his or her works and artistic issues in speech, writing or in other ways and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the competence and knowledge required to work autonomously in a professional capacity.

Judgement and approach
 
For a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant artistic, social and ethical issues,
• demonstrate insight into the role of art in society, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local goals for current degree

General objective for Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) in Industrial Design at Umeå University
 
A student who has completed a Master's Programme of Fine Arts in Industrial Design shall:

• have good ability to collect relevant information,
• have an advanced ability to identify, formulate and analyse problems,
• on an advanced artistic level have an advanced ability to work with two- and three-dimensional form and creative thinking,
• on an advanced artistic level be able to present form through, inter alia, physical and/or digital models and sketches,
• master the different components of the design process very well,
• apply advanced and contemporary design methods in practical project work,
• have a very good ability to independently organise project work with respect to planning, execution, and presentation,
• have the ability to participate in the product development process in collaboration with other specialists,
• have an understanding of the organisation and activities of companies within the relevant industries.

Objectives for a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) with a specialisation in Advanced Product Design at Umeå University.

In addition to the general objectives for a Degree of Master in Industrial Design, a student shall have achieved the following objectives for a Degree of Master (120 credits) with a specialisation in Advanced Product Design:

• very good artistic ability to create form with personal expression,
• very good creative ability to develop new concepts and ideas in an iterative process together with other experts in the product development process,
• good ability to work with modern computer-based equipment and processes,
• good ability to work both independently and in groups,
• great understanding of the possibilities to combine different working methods within information collection and analysis, creative idea development, and visualisation of the work process and the final design result,
• great understanding of and ability with respect to working with different types of industrial design within different industries,
• great understanding of, and very good ability with respect to planning and presentation of results in writing, orally, and by means of different types of visualisations,
• in-depth knowledge of running innovative high-technological product development projects.

Examination format

Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.

Grades

Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.

Transfer of Credits

A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.
www.umu.se/en/education/how-to-apply/transfer-of-credits/

General

The programme is divided into four terms. The first term focuses on form studies, user studies, design methodology, and 3D-modelling computer skills. The second term focuses on product analyses and strategic design. The third term focuses on conceptual product solutions, storytelling, and visualisation in dynamic media. The fourth term is dedicated to the degree project. All teaching is in English.

Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
 
Artistic practice:
5ID223 Introduction course, APD, 7.5 credits
5ID208 Sound in Industrial Design, 7.5 credits
5ID217 Creative reflections on product design, 7.5 credits
 
Advanced computing and visualisation:
5ID229: CAID - Advanced level, step 1, 3 credits
5ID230: CAID - Advanced level, step 2, 4.5 credits
5ID213: Visual Storytelling in Industrial Design, 7.5 credits
5ID209: Product Analysis and Construction, 7.5 credits
 
Thesis work with focus on Advanced Product Design:
5ID224: Project 1: Methodology in Product Design, 15 credits
5ID210: Project 2: Strategic Product Design, 15 credits
5ID218: Conceptual Product Solutions, 15 credits
 
Programme overview 
http://www.dh.umu.se/education/programmes/ma-in-advanced-product-design/subjects.aspx

Term 1:

Term 2:

Term 3:

Term 4:

Scheduled courses in the programme
http://www.uid.umu.se/en/education/programmes/mfa-in-advanced-product-design/subjects/
 
Degree Project/independent project
The degree project in the Master's Programme in Industrial Design with a specialisation in advanced product design concludes the programme and may be started once the entry requirements in the course syllabus have been met. In the degree project that comprises 30 credits, the student shall apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and present the result orally and in a written report/thesis. The work shall include some form of topic-specific specialisation in the area of advanced product design.
 
The degree project can advantageously be completed in cooperation with the business world. However, the work on the degree project is part of higher education. A thesis supervisor at the university shall always be appointed and be responsible for ensuring that the required subject specialisation is achieved.
 
The report shall be linguistically and stylistically designed to ensure its quality is equivalent to reports published within the university and the industry. The report shall be written in English.

Deferment of studies

Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website

Approved leave from studies

Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

A student who leaves the programme shall notify the programme director of the discontinuation. Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.

Other

Selection
Selection is based on the applicant's portfolio and, if applicable, final interview. For general rules on the selection process, please see the university's admission regulations:
http://www.umu.se/english/education?languageId=1