Bachelor of Arts in
Design
Course length
3 Academic Year
Start
October
Language
English
Where
Milan
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design course combines a solid foundation in product and interior design, and technical features with humanistic components, a distinctive feature of the tradition of great Milanese and Italian design.
The student of this programme recognizes the urgencies of the contemporary world, first and foremost the climate emergency, and designs in the light of these demands.
Features
While the first year of the course focuses on the basics of three-dimensional design, from the second year onwards, students tackle projects in both interior design and product design, allowing them to choose the professional field that best suits them in their third year.
The school promotes, through lectures and visits, the companies that are producing new materials, so that students can use them for a correct and innovative design for any brand.
The students’ projects will be exhibited every year during Milan Design Week, thus providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work to the potential 400,000 international industry professionals who visit the city for this event annually.
Method
The Bachelor of Arts (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 considered eligible if they have successfully completed a five-year upper secondary school program and obtained the Italian Diploma di Maturità. Students with foreign qualifications can access Italian universities if they have completed a secondary education program equivalent to the Italian Diploma di Maturità.
For qualifications that are not immediately equivalent, students may access the program after completing a Foundation Year, which aligns them with the requirements of the Italian educational system.
When required, candidates must have passed the national university entrance examination.
Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of at least 5.5.
Additionally, applicants are required to submit a motivational letter, a portfolio (if available), and attend an admission interview.
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 Bachelor of Arts (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
| YEAR | SUBJECTS | UK CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| First Year |
The Third Dimension In this module, students will first be introduced to
geometric drawing and freehand drawing techniques. Alongside these practical exercises, students will be introduced to the basic principles of ergonomics, highlighting the significance of understanding the interaction between human beings and the objects that surround them. |
40 |
|
Design Theory Students will investigate how design can modify and enhance our embodied experiences, offering new perspectives on the human-technology relationship.
Engaging case histories of contemporary designers will be integrated throughout the module. |
20 | |
|
Design Project In the module students wil develop their own project: research, storytelling, materials.
To showcase your journey and accomplishments, you will be assessed on the realization of a complete, correct, and functional design object. |
40 | |
|
Designing at Computer Students will learn to produce digital three-dimensional images, and they will dedicate special attention to the art of illuminating objects and interiors.
|
20 | |
| Second Year |
Design and Markets We aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of diverse design markets. They will then create a design object that aligns with the chosen market.
|
40 |
|
Design and Architecture Explore the relationship between design and architecture. Drawing inspiration from the chosen architectural masterpiece, you will collaborate with your peers to develop a thematically and aesthetically cohesive design group project.
|
20 | |
|
Interactive Spaces Learn how to design interactive spaces for different users. The main goal of this module is the design of spaces that foster engagement, communication, and collaboration among individuals.
|
40 | |
|
Interactive Objects Throughout this module, the students will explore the fundamental concepts and techniques behind creating Interactive Objects, which involve hardware, software, and design.
The students will learn the essential principles of Interactive Objects, including how to design, prototype, and implement them. |
20 | |
| Third Year |
Portfolio Learn strategies for creating effective portfolio presentations.
|
20 |
|
Professional Practice This module provides an opportunity for the student to experience either a vocational internship with external institutions and companies, or an internal research internship, or a study abroad period.
|
40 | |
|
Major Project Develop your own design research under the guidance of the Course Leader.
|
60 |
*The study plans, including laboratory activities, may be subject to updates.
Partners
Faculty
See the projects realised during the course
