Intelligent Mobility Design MDes

Royal College of Art

The Intelligent Mobility Design MA/MDes will be available either as a one year MA or a two year MDes. This programme was formerly known as the Intelligent Mobility MA. This programme at the RCA builds on the college’s rich history in vehicle design, exploring mobility within a changing social, cultural and technological landscape. You investigate autonomous systems, renewable power, demographic change and the evolving relationship between people and machines, developing advanced design and innovation proposals for future mobility. Through research, experimentation and collaboration with mobility practitioners, thought leaders and leading brands, you explore questions of business, production, ownership and use across vehicles, mobility services and wider systems. While the intensive one-year MA route focuses on developing critical and technical agency through an Independent Research Project, the extended two-year MDes route builds on this foundation to cultivate sustained creative practice and professional leadership. Programme structure: Term 1 In Term 1, you take People and Places, which explores how future mobility fits within changing global landscapes and how people and places connect through mobility. You also take Humanising Technology, examining emerging technologies such as autonomy and electrification and how these can create new and meaningful interactions between people and mobility. Term 2 In Term 2, you take Automotive Transitions, where you explore the future of automotive design in response to technological and social change, considering advanced manufacturing, contemporary cultural issues and new business models. You also take a choice of elective units, allowing you to shape your learning journey and work alongside students from other programmes. Term 3 In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project, where you define, develop and address a socially relevant and technically challenging research question through a self-directed mobility design project. You lead the development of your ideas through research, experimentation and making, working across 2D, 3D and digital media before presenting your work publicly. Year 2 – MDes For MDes students, Year 2 develops your practice towards advanced independent enquiry and professional leadership. You begin with Professional Development & Contextual Framing, refining your practice, contextual understanding and professional direction while establishing the conditions for your Major Project. You also develop your MDes Major Project as an extended period of independent, practice-led enquiry. You test and refine your proposition through research, experimentation and appropriate technical, social and commercial frameworks, culminating in an original design outcome presented through an appropriate public or professional format.Referring to the website: Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes. About RCA: The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. For 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.

School of Communication and Design