Design and Transport MSc at Coventry University

Design and transport lies at the heart of all developed societies and connected urban systems. This MSc offers graduates the opportunity to study the world of complex transportation infrastructures and technologies and develop their specialist design and problem-solving interests.

The programme is not focused on any one particular mode of transport; rather, the emphasis is on gaining understanding of complexity, devising strategies for dealing with wicked problems, and developing your technical, practical, creative and professional skills. Acknowledging the rapidly changing world of transport design and related systems, we cover a broad range of transport themes – from passengers to freight and cargo – within the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. Issues of design concept generation and development, modelling of designs and systems, human factors, sustainability and collaborative group working will be addressed.

There is a strong ethos of cross-disciplinary and transcultural collaborative working. All design projects are underpinned by sound research activities that combine with critical and creative thinking, enabling you to develop innovative design solutions for land, sea, air and space transport, which are grounded in usability, functionality and sustainability.  You will have the chance to practise creative thinking and design visualisation, while developing your knowledge of engineering science, materials, manufacturing and management. You'll work on ‘live’ industry briefs, progressing your ideas from initial concepts to drawing, rendering, modelling and production.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

Design and transport lies at the heart of all developed societies and connected urban systems and this MSc offers graduates the opportunity to study the world of complex transportation infrastructures and technologies and develop their specialist design and problem solving interests.

The programme is not focused on any one particular mode of transport; rather, the emphasis is on gaining understanding of complexity, devising strategies for dealing with wicked problems, and developing your technical, practical, creative and professional skills. Acknowledging the rapidly changing world of transport design and related systems, we cover a broad range of transport themes – from passengers to freight and cargo – within the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. Issues of design concept generation and development, modelling of designs and systems, human factors, sustainability and collaborative group working will be addressed. 

There is a strong ethos of cross-disciplinary and transcultural collaborative working. All design projects are underpinned by sound research activities that combine with critical and creative thinking, enabling you to develop innovative design solutions for land, sea, air and space transport, which are grounded in usability, functionality and sustainability.  You will practise creative thinking and design visualisation, while developing your knowledge of engineering science

Career prospects

Graduates of the course should be prepared for managerial and practical work in the transport manufacturing, transport service and consultancy industries.

You could go on to pursue interesting and demanding careers in automotive design, motorcycle design, yacht design, market strategy and design research worldwide.

Professional enhancement is central to our ethos which is why we encourage collaboration with industry practitioners and work on ‘live’ project briefs. In addition to this, students undertake a compulsory 10-credit module accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which provides them with an internationally recognised certificate of qualification. Upon successful completion of the final major project the students take part in a degree show.

Our Creative Futures employment team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries. It provides specialist careers information, advice and guidance to all our students from their first year through to final year and beyond graduation, helping them achieve their desired career outcome. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.