PhD Intelligent Mobility at the Royal College of Art – apply today for 2020 entry

Create future mobility solutions at the world’s number one art and design university.

We welcome proposals that explore mobility within the themes of Automotive Transitions, People and Places, and Humanising Technology. The Intelligent Mobility PhD is based in the Royal College of Art’s Intelligent Mobility Design Centre (IMDC). Lead by Professor Dale Harrow, the IMDC leads research at the intersection of people, mobility and technology within a complex and changing urban and global environment.

Automotive Transitions

Vehicles, formerly conceived as products, are becoming elements of a service and aspects of the complete mobility experience. Research topics could include but are not limited to designing experiences and behaviours for driverless and shared rides, alternative vehicle types and typologies, car culture paradigm shifts, future manufacturing and materials.

People and Places

Mobility is inseparable from its environment. Future mobility will fundamentally change the relationship we have with our cities and suburbs, with our homes, work and play. Research topics could include but are not limited to end-to-end journeys, inclusive design approaches for smart city mobility, mobility solutions for fast growing cities and emerging economies, and urban design.

Humanising Technology

The role of design in satisfying human needs in multiple ways including the functional, the aesthetic, and the expressive. Research topics could include but are not limited to creating meaningful experiences, Human Factors, design for ageing populations, and Human Machine Interaction.

Career opportunities

PhD study leads to a range of opportunities. You might become a researcher in industry or government or an academic in an international institution It is an opportunity for you to investigate a research question or issue in depth, enabling you to take a more reflective, more innovative role in design.

Intelligent Mobility PhD Studentship - Inclusive Design for Shared Autonomous Vehicles

Applications are invited from UK and EU citizens for an LAHP/AHRC-funded Collaborative Doctorate Award at the Royal College of Art in collaboration with Tata Motors Design UK. This studentship will commence in October 2020 and is fully funded for three and a half years, covering tuition fees and stipend. The successful candidate will have full access to the LAHP Doctoral Training Partnership development activities and networking opportunities.

Applications close: 1st March 2020

Programme details

PhD: 3–4 years (full time), 6–7 years (part time)
MPhil: 2–3 years (full time), 4–6 years (part time)