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Download Vehicle Design Programme Specifications (PDF)
The MA curriculum is structured around three themes:
- Urban Flow focuses on advances in systems design, vehicle typologies and new consumption models to advance personal and inclusive mobility, moving people and goods within and between urban environments. Urban Flow places design at the centre of the debate by studying the journey and understanding the constraints of developed urban areas, and by doing so seeks to improve context, and provide innovative vehicle solutions.
- Inside Out focuses on new opportunities in sustainable vehicle design using materials, production and manufacturing techniques, and fast-developing technologies.With the unparalleled pace of technological change in today’s consumer world, Inside Out explores relevant changes in material process, production technique and systems technology, while engaging the senses through innovation. Inside Out seeks to harness imagination and sensibility through an appreciation of what is made possible by contemporary development of materials, methods and technology.
- Automark focuses on new design opportunities offered through globalisation and new consumer markets. It examines brand loyalty, business image, market awareness and response to consumer research, expressed in the design of the vehicle, its context, components and complex imagery. Automark seeks to place design at the forefront of vehicle development within a commercial framework that satisfies personal need and desire.
Central to the course methodology is the understanding of the broader issues of vehicle design necessary to optimise opportunities for mobility. Students are expected to develop an awareness of the range of issues that affect mobility including accessibility, aerodynamics, environmental impact, ergonomics, legislation, materials, production, safety and technology, as well as aesthetic principles.
Term 1 opens with an introduction to each pathway, and individual
presentations by students of their work and experience to date.
Students also enjoy an introduction to London and its transport
systems. Alongside workshops and lectures, students participate in the
Metro-project, conducting individual research, isolating a specific
issue, and presenting their findings in model, visual and verbal modes.
Term 2 maintains pathway focus and tuition, course monitoring,
seminars, internship interviews and two major initiatives. Either
independently or as part of the term’s major project, students visit a
significant external facility, such as an automotive factory, design
museum, specific exhibition or show. The term features one or more
workshops or lectures with a leading designer, producer, commentator or
outside academic.
The two principal initiatives during the term are the dissertation and
the industry project. The industry project sees the programme working
closely with an industrial partner in the automotive, transport or
related fields. It culminates in a display of student outcomes and a
publication, and may include an exhibition.
The dissertation comprises a major part of the course. Students
determine a relevant theme in discussion with tutors, research it,
develop it, evolve and enlarge a sustainable argument.
Term 3 focuses on students’ independent study and the preparation of a dissertation for submission at the start of year two.
Through their second year, students are expected to become
progressively more independent in both the studios and workshops. By
this stage they have developed a working method that can be sustained
after graduation, together with an understanding of theoretical,
intellectual, creative and professional contexts.
There are regular reviews where any necessary adjustments are made to
students’ individual programmes, supervised by their Year Tutor.
The second year programme includes an industry-focused
project that aims to develop specific high-level vehicle design skills
and a high level of professional orientation for all students. This
project runs during the autumn term in parallel to the self-directed
study area.
The focus of the spring and summer terms is on the major, self-directed
study area, with all students moving from initial research and
conceptualisation into realisation and testing of design ideas. This
work will be presented in the end of year Show.