The BA (Hons) in Design is based on a learning strategy aimed at nurturing creative talent through the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills.

The key objectives are:

• Teach students a solid design methodology, grounded on the Italian historical project culture.
• Provide students with the method to master all the phases of the design process, from research to prototyping.
• Enable students to experiment, know and apply local supply chains and markets, and collaborate with local artisans and firms for project realisation.
• Promote the application of innovative and sustainable materials and processing methods.
• Engage students in work-related experiences, industry placements, and professional practice modules, promoting employability and career readiness within the design industry.
• Foster an extensive and responsible use of digital technologies to improve access, flexibility, and learner empowerment.

Candidates are eligible if the award of this qualification is subsequent to a comprehensive educational path of a minimum of 12 years.

If required in the country of origin, they have passed national examination for university entry.

Students whose first language is not English will need to achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.

Additionally, a motivational letter, a portfolio (if available), and an admission interview are required as part of the admission process.

After successful completion of the Bachelor program, eligible students can earn a Bachelor’s. The program provides 360 UK credits, which correspond to 180 ECTS. The Bachelor Courses are accredited by Teesside University, SPD’s Educational Partner.

The Professional Practice module, scheduled in the first semester of the third year, extends for 12 weeks and provides you with a valuable opportunity to engage in real-world challenges within the professional or academic context.

During this semester, you can select from three distinct options:

• Internship: a professional experience in a real workplace environment;
• Project work: an in-depth exploration of a particularly significant study topic through a research project within the school, in collaboration with a company;
• Study abroad: an experience of personal and cultural growth through a period of study overseas.

The Major Project signifies a dual role:

• it serves as the culmination of your academic endeavors, synthesizing the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your BA programme.
• it marks the inaugural step into their professional career in the design industry.

This project isn’t merely a concluding chapter; it’s the opening of a new chapter of their life. The Major Project consists of an individual design research project that allows the students to delve into a chosen theme within a research framework or a project brief proposed by the Course Leader.

Throughout this project, the students will have the opportunity to develop your own design research under the guidance of the Course Leader and with support from Module Leaders.
If the Major Project involves collaboration with companies, the students will have the opportunity to work in a “close-to-reality” environment and gain more practical experience.

After completing the BA (HONS) in Design at SPD, you will be well-prepared to begin a career in various fields within the design sector or to undertake further study.

Career opportunities may include:

• Product design studios
• Interior design studios
• Furniture design companies
• Self-production design
• Design entrepreneur
• Consulting firms, in teams focusing on design

Francesco Faccin, born in Milan in 1977, graduated from the European Institute of Design in 2003 and worked in Enzo Mari’s studio. He then pursued a career as an independent designer, collaborating with both Italian and foreign companies. Starting in 2004, he focused on creating self-produceable projects in small quantities, working closely with artisans and overseeing every phase of product development.

During this period, he also collaborated with model maker and luthier Francesco Rivolta. In 2007, he made his debut at the SaloneSatellite with the “Quadrato” table, which entered production and became a part of the Cosmit’s permanent collection. In 2009, he began an ongoing collaboration with Michele De Lucchi. Also in 2013, he presented an exhibition at the Triennale featuring objects crafted from urban waste in Nairobi’s slums, titled “Made in Slums.” He collaborated with numerous Italian and foreign companies and consistently conducted research through small-scale projects. His work has been extensively featured in national and international publications.