Industrial Design, Transportation 30 credits

About the course package

The exchange semester at Transportation Design Programme gives the student basic competence to work with design and development of different types of vehicles. Students entering must have a basic understanding of designer tools together with a competent level of sketching skill. They will develop their creative thinking process with tutoring support focused on trying to solve future transportation problems. Students will explore how to design and develop vehicles with a growing awareness of the environmental issues. The students are encouraged to build realistic vehicle concepts around future lifestyles. Equally, these designs must be attractive and desirable. The essence of the student work will be about form and function in balance with the human needs at the center of their design development process.

5ID231 Skills and Techniques, TD 7,5 credits This course provides an introduction to Umeå Institute of Design and its educational resources. It also delivers knowledge and practice of core artistic skills required in the transportation design field. Module 1. Introduction Week (1,5 credits) A series of lectures, activities and assignments provide all new students with fundamental information about the culture, routines, resources and possibilities found at the Umeå Institute of Design. Module 2. Sketching Techniques and Form (3 credits) An intense practice of analog and digital sketching techniques levels up the students visual communication skills as well as their understanding of form applied to the transportation design. Module 3. Basic Skills (3 credits) This module introduces the techniques and safety precautions to be observed when utilising the modelmaking workshops at Umeå Institute of Design.

5ID229 CAID - Advanced level, step 1 3 credits The aim of the course is to introduce CAID (Computer Aided Industrial Design) as a tool to test and communicate design ideas and proposals. The course covers different methods used to create, use and develop forms and details with the aid of computers. By creating virtual 3D-models the students gain the ability to generate presentation material in the form of digital images, printouts or animations.

5ID230 CAID - Advanced level, step 2 4,5 credits The general aim of the course is to prepare for independent work with different CAID tools (Computer Aided Industrial Design). Students will perform a variety of practical exercises and learn to create advanced models with regard to both workflow efficiency, quantitative and qualitative requirements from specific modeling tasks. The instruction also includes how to digitally scan physical objects to be able to use them as a reference to process and refine form in specialized software. Students are trained in presentation methods including virtual reality, animation and real-time visualization. Knowledge of creating and exporting CAID files for physical modeling and rapid prototyping is also covered during the course.

5ID234 Project 1: Vehicle Concept Design 15 credits The course provides a practical platform to learn and develop the vehicle design process with a main focus in the two-dimensional presentation of ideas. Module 1. Research and concept formulation (3 credits) This module includes instruction about information and inspiration gathering, context mapping and reflection leading to argumentation around a vehicle design concept to be explored in the process. The result of this phase is usually a design brief, including an objective description of desirable attributes for a future transportation solution. Module 2. Technical definition and ideation (4,5 credits) During this module students learn how to define the basic technical and ergonomic references that will frame and support the creation of a future vehicle. The students also get guidance on both broad and focused idea exploration including analog and digital methods. Module 3. Project development (6 credits) This module consists of learning how to effectively implement conceptual ideas into a tangible product proposition supported by 2 and 3-dimensional design tools. Module 4. Presentation (1,5 credits) The final part of the course will prepare the students to select relevant information needed to communicate the design process and create visualisation material that effectivelly conveys the artistic vision for a future transportation solution.

Courses in the course package

Starts 31 August 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.
Starts 30 September 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.
Starts 14 October 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.
Starts 17 December 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.

Apply

Autumn 2026
- Industrial Design, Transportation
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  31 August 2026
  
  Ends
  17 January 2027
  
  Number of credits
  30 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-A5214
  
  Eligibility
  
  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 6/level 2.
  
  Selection
  
  For acceptance artistic talent and design aptitude is essential. Selection among qualified applicants is based upon submitted portfolio material and motivation letter.
  
  Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 18 April 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 160,650
  
  Total fee: SEK 160,650
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Exchange students only

Once your home university has submitted your nomination, you will receive application instructions and a link to the course application portal. Use that link to choose your courses and upload the required documents.

To submit a complete application, follow the instructions on the application page carefully: Application instructions

Explore your future at Umeå University

Join a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. At Umeå University, you will learn from passionate, expert teachers and benefit from a close connection between research, education, collaboration, and innovation.

World's most satisfied international students

#1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.
A university with health at its core

Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.