
The Master of Arts in Advanced Product Design (Industrial Design) is a two-year, full-time, on-campus program focused on developing advanced skills in product innovation, user-centered design, and sustainable industrial solutions. The program integrates design theory with practical studio work, allowing students to explore the full product development process from concept creation to prototyping and final design execution.
Graduates build strong expertise in product innovation, industrial design methodology, and design research, preparing them for careers in design studios, innovation departments, manufacturing companies, and international creative industries. Umea University provides a research-oriented and studio-based learning environment that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and sustainable design practices, enabling students to create impactful and future-oriented design solutions.
Semester 1 – Foundations of Advanced Product Design
• Introduction to Product Design and Innovation
• User-Centered Design and Prototyping
• Materials Science and Sustainable Design
• Research Methods in Product Design
Semester 2 – Advanced Product Design
• Design Thinking and Concept Development
• Product Development for New Markets
• Digital Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping
• Elective Modules in Product Design
Semester 3 – Specialized Product Design
• Design for Sustainability and Social Impact
• Advanced Product Modeling and CAD Tools
• Product Design for Digital and Interactive Systems
• Fieldwork/Research Project in Product Design
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis & Final Project
• Independent Research / Thesis
• Advanced Topics in Product Design
• Final Presentation & Research Evaluation
Graduates of the Advanced Product Design program are equipped for careers in product development, design engineering, and innovation management. They can work as product designers, design engineers, innovation consultants, and project leaders. The growing demand for innovative and user-centered products across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare offers strong career opportunities. Graduates often work in design agencies, tech companies, or R&D departments, creating products that meet user needs and market demands.
The Advanced Product Design program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of product design, providing students with advanced skills in design thinking, prototyping, and user-centered design. Students gain hands-on experience in developing new products from concept to market. The program’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability ensures that graduates are equipped to design products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +46 90 786 50 00
Email: info@umu.se
Address: Umea University, 901 87 Umea, Sweden