Studying at SPD means plunging yourself into a living, dynamic and international environment where foreign students make up to 70% of the total student population and cultural differences are highly valued.
Starting in October 2024, SPD will expand its educational offerings to include 3 Bachelor of Arts programs in Design, Automotive and Transport Design, as well as Communication, Culture, and Business. These Bachelor of Arts programs will be a valuable addition to SPD’s existing postgraduate education options.
SPD’s postgraduate education comprises Master of Arts degrees, each spanning 16 months, across seven distinct departments: Product Design, Interior Design, Transportation and Car Design, Communication Design, Designing Digital Cultures, Food Design and Innovation, and Event and Exhibition Design.
Furthermore, SPD recognizes the importance of providing a strong foundation for students who may not have a design background. As part of our offerings, we will continue to offer Preparatory Courses in three areas of interest: 3D Design Tools (four months in duration), Car Design Tools (four months), and 2D Design Tools (two months). These Preparatory Courses are thoughtfully designed to equip graduate students with essential design skills, software expertise, theoretical knowledge, and methodology through a combination of lectures and workshops.
Every year SPD hosts a series of engaging lectures featuring esteemed international speakers, and we are pleased to inform you that these lectures are open to the general public, providing a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange and inspiration.
The project-based approach applied at SPD promotes cooperative learning and encourages students to get in touch with professionals and companies. Throughout the year they are engaged in different projects – either intensive one-week workshops or studio experiences lasting the whole semester – allowing them to acquire a global vision of the profession, round off their design thinking and build solid skills.
Each student is reviewed by the tutors at least on a weekly base to allow a constant improvement of the proposals. Class critique is also encouraged to build stronger awareness of the pros and cons of each design.
The close collaboration with professionals, brands and institutions enables the students to get ready for the relationship with the client.
All SPD courses have limited seats, and admission is a competitive process that involves evaluating the candidate’s portfolio (for Master’s program applicants), background, and a motivational interview.
The Bachelor of Arts programs, which have a duration of three academic years, starts in October of each year. On the other hand, the Master of Arts programs start in January and conclude by July of the following year. The Preparatory Courses, preparing students for the Master’s programs, begin in September and conclude in December.
Classes are conducted in English, and regular attendance is mandatory for all programs.
SPD’s programs demand a full-time commitment from students, requiring them to actively participate in classes, engage in individual and group study, and complete either an internship or the final Master’s project, depending on the program.
To support students in their educational journey, SPD offers scholarships and tuition waivers in collaboration with academic partners. These opportunities are available for high-potential candidates seeking financial assistance.
The Academic Office is available for information on entry and enrolment procedures. In order to facilitate international applicants, the admission and enrolment process can be conducted on-line and the personal interviews can be taken at distance and via Skype.
The school staff provides foreign students with help in obtaining visas, health coverage and accommodation.