Application and Contact Details

Dr Ian Walsh
Phone: 01792 481120
Fax: 01792 481158
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Programme Length

This new Masters programme, validated by the University of Wales, is being offered on both a part-time and a full-time basis. The full-time mode will be of one calendar year's duration, while the part-time mode has a minimum duration of two academic years and allows for flexible attendance.

Programme Description

The MA in Transportation Design at Swansea provides a platform for students to further their knowlege of the nature of transportation design and the necessity for its application in the design of sustainable and innovative forms of transport. The programme provides graduates with the opportunity to improve their expertise and philosophical development to make them more effective and reflective practitioners. There is a strong emphasis towards unique, niche and alternative forms of transport which explore our evolving relationship with mobility in a shrinking world.

Programme Structure

The main strands of the programme are design philosophy, innovation and vehicle design. These themes are considered in the context of the clear need to bridge the gap between the design and development of innovative transportation and the need to develop sustainable and universal solutions to human transportation needs.

Part I

Students study the following subject areas grouped together in discrete modules. The total value of Part I is 120 credits. The full-time students study over a period of one calendar year and part-time students study the same subjects over two years.

MA Transportation Design Modules:

Contemporary Issues in Design 20 Credits
Design Development Principles & Practice 20 Credits
Research Methods 20 Credits
Advanced Vehicle Modelling 20 Credits
Sustainable Transportation 20 Credits
Transportation Futures 20 Credits

Part II

Part II, the Major Project, is an in-depth investigation into a particular area. This element of the programme will be equivalent to 60 credits. The execution of this project may take a variety of forms and is a process of negotiation between student and project director. The project outcome would be expected to demonstrate innovation in some, or all, aspects of its design, function and means of manufacture.

Assessment

The taught modules in Part I are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. Each module is examined by means of coursework assignments of a maximum 6,000 words or equivalent. The project in Part II is normally assessed through the submission of a design project and report or alternatively a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words.

Part-time mode

A student enrolled on the part-time MA programme would require a minimum of two years to achieve the award. Students typically study one module per term. Part II (the project) will involve regular tutorials with members of the project supervisory team.

Full-time mode

The full-time scheme runs over a calendar year. The six taught modules in Part I will be studied over three 10-week terms. Each term includes an allowance for revision and assessment of a module. Part II (the project) will involve regular tutorials with members of the project supervisory team.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirements for admission to the MA programme are:

an Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline
for graduates of non-UK universities, sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of the programme (e.g. TOEFL 550 or equivalent).
This programme is ideally suited to applicants who are involved with or who have a background in automotive or transport design though candidates from a wide variety of design backgrounds will be considered.

To be read in conjunction with this page

Equivalent Qualifications

Equivalent qualifications will be considered for entry onto the programme. For example, a candidate with a good HND, together with at least five years relevant experience, would be considered. The candidate would be expected to provide evidence to support his/her application.