Master's Programme in Transportation 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 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. Degree is awarded in the main field of study (Industrial Design) with specialisation in Transportation 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 goals for a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) in Industrial Design with a specialisation in Transportation Design at Umeå University

Student who has completed a Degree of Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design with a specialisation in Transportation Design shall:
- have good ability to collect relevant information
- have an advanced ability to identify, formulate and analyse problems
- on a second-cycle artistic level have an advanced ability to work with two- and three-dimensional form and creative thinking
- on a second-cycle artistic level be able to present form through, inter alia, physical and/or digital models and sketches
- with good ability handle modern adequate computer-based equipment (3D CAD).
- demonstrate clear artistic ability and design knowledge, which includes an advanced sense of form, 3D design, presentation techniques and transportation design methodology,
- demonstrate creative capacity to develop new concepts and ideas in an iterative process together with specialist competences in the area of product development,
- 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 cooperation with other specialists
- have an understanding of the organisation and activities of companies within the relevant industries

Goals for a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) with a specialisation in Transportation 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 Transportation Design:
- very good artistic ability to create advanced 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
- very good artistic ability to visualise and present form
- very good ability to work with modern computer-based equipment and processes
- very good knowledge of design methodology in the field of transportation
- in-depth understanding of structure and organisation within the transportation industry
- great understanding and broad knowledge of various means of transportation with respect to functional, technical and ergonomic requirements
- good understanding of and ability to work with different types of industrial design in the transportation sector

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.

https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/

General

The programme is divided into four terms. The first term specialises partly on proficiencies with design tools and projects focused on vehicle design. The second term is further focused on design development of vehicles, both in terms of form but also from a design-strategic perspective. The third term focuses on complexity between vehicles and entire transportation systems and specialisation with respect to vehicle interiors and advanced form and aesthetics or practical placement at the company and in parallel reflections on the future of transportation design and the role of designers in relation to industry and society. 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:
Skills and Techniques, TD, 7.5 credits
Vehicle Design Analysis, 7.5 credits
Form in Transport design 7,5 credits

Advanced computing and visualisation:
CAID - Advanced level, step 1, 3.0 credits
CAID - Advanced level, step 2, 4.5 credits

Application with a specialisation in transportation design:
Project 1: Vehicle Concept Design, 15 credits
Project 2: Strategic design, 15 credits

Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which of these courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus. 

Students have two options during the third semester.

Practice in Transportation design, 30 credits
Counts as 7.5 credits artistic work, 7.5 credits advanced computer skill and visualisation and 15 credits application with a specialisation in transportation design.

Or

Storytelling in Design 7,5 credits
Counts as 7.5 credits in artistic work in degree.

Future Mobility, 7.5 credits
Counts as 7.5 credits Advanced computer skill and visualisation.

Project 3: Vehicle interior, 15 credits
Counts as 15 credits Application with a specialisation in transportation design.

In compulsory courses, the student has a guaranteed seat. In elective courses, admission is guaranteed for full study pace but not for individual courses. For current information on elective courses, please see the university's course catalogue and programme website: https://www.umu.se/utbildning/program/masterprogrammet-i-transportdesign/

Programme overview 
http://www.dh.umu.se/education/programmes/ma-in-transportation-design/subjects.aspx

Term 1:

Term 2:

Term 3: Elective courses

Or
 

Term 4:

Degree Project/independent project
The degree project in the Master's Programme in Industrial Design with a specialisation in Transportation Design concludes the programme and may be started once the entry requirements in the course syllabus have been met. In the degree project that includes 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 Transportation 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

Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.

Other

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:
https://www.umu.se/en/legal-framework/