Transportation Design
The Master of Arts in Transportation Design (Industrial Design) is a two-year, full-time, on-campus program focused on advanced vehicle design, mobility systems, and user-centered transportation solutions. The program explores future-oriented design approaches for cars, public transport, and emerging mobility concepts, combining aesthetics, engineering principles, and innovation in sustainable transportation.
Graduates develop strong competencies in transportation design, mobility innovation, and industrial design research, preparing them for careers in automotive design studios, mobility companies, industrial design consultancies, and innovation-driven engineering environments. Umea University provides a studio-based and research-oriented learning environment where students refine their creative and technical skills to shape the future of transportation systems.
Key Facts
Key Facts
- Program Title: Transportation Design
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Location: Umea University, Sweden
- Field of Study: Industrial Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Transportation Design
• Introduction to Transportation Design and Planning
• Vehicle Dynamics and Design Principles
• Ergonomics and User-Centered Design
• Research Methods in Transportation Design
Semester 2 – Advanced Transportation Design
• Automotive Design and Vehicle Architecture
• Transportation Systems and Infrastructure
• Sustainable Transportation Design
• Elective Modules in Transportation Design
Semester 3 – Specialized Transportation Design
• Future Mobility and Electric Vehicle Design
• Advanced Topics in Aerodynamics and Design Innovation
• Human Factors and Vehicle Performance
• Fieldwork/Research Project in Transportation Design
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis & Final Project
• Independent Research / Thesis
• Advanced Topics in Transportation Design
• Final Presentation & Research Evaluation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Transportation Design program are well-prepared for careers in industrial design, transportation engineering, and mobility solutions. They can work as transportation designers, industrial designers, urban mobility consultants, and automotive designers. With the increasing focus on sustainable and innovative transportation systems, there is a growing demand for professionals who can design functional and aesthetically pleasing transportation solutions. Graduates often work in automotive companies, design agencies, and urban planning firms, contributing to the development of future transportation systems.
Why Choose This Program
The Transportation Design program combines the principles of industrial design with transportation engineering, providing students with the skills to design vehicles, transportation systems, and mobility solutions. Students gain hands-on experience in product design, prototyping, and testing, preparing them for careers in automotive, public transit, and urban planning sectors. The program’s focus on innovation and sustainability ensures that graduates are ready to address the challenges of designing the transportation systems of tomorrow.
Contact Information
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
