Design Italy
This minor will start from the 2027-2028 academic year.
What happens when you combine Italian design, centuries of artistic heritage and contemporary creative challenges?
In the Design Italy minor, you explore the world of Italian design while living and studying in one of Europe's most inspiring creative regions: Tuscany.
From Florence to Lucca, you'll discover how art, craftsmanship, culture and innovation come together. You'll collaborate with international students, meet creative professionals and work on real-world design challenges.
Expand your creative mindset, build an international network and develop design skills that will make you stand out as a future creative professional.
Minor content
During the Design Italy minor, you'll immerse yourself in the rich world of Italian design, exploring the connections between art, culture, craftsmanship and innovation. Through workshops, excursions, company visits and hands-on projects, you'll discover how Italian designers approach creativity and problem-solving. You'll explore themes such as product design, visual communication, fashion, architecture, sustainability and the famous Made in Italy philosophy. Visits to inspiring locations such as Florence, Lucca and Pietrasanta will bring these subjects to life.
Working in an international and multidisciplinary environment, you'll apply your insights to real-world creative challenges. You'll experiment with different design methods, develop concepts and prototypes, and collaborate with fellow students and local creative professionals. Along the way, you'll learn to look beyond your own cultural perspective and discover how traditional craftsmanship can inspire contemporary design. The minor encourages you to develop your personal design identity, strengthen your creative confidence and build an international portfolio that reflects your experiences and growth.
Structure of the minor
Design Italy is a 10-week, full-time international minor worth 15 ECTS. The programme combines creative exploration, practical design projects, cultural immersion and professional development in the inspiring environment of Tuscany.
Throughout the minor, students work on interdisciplinary design challenges, combining research, concept development, experimentation and prototyping. The programme focuses on four interconnected areas:
- Italian Design & Culture: Exploring Italian design history, art, architecture, craftsmanship and the Made in Italy philosophy.
- Creative Practice & Innovation: Developing innovative design concepts through workshops, experimentation and practical assignments.
- Design in Context: Investigating sustainability, cultural identity and the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
- International Collaboration & Personal Development: Working in multicultural teams, developing intercultural communication skills and reflecting on personal and professional growth.
Learning takes place through project-based education, workshops, guest lectures, independent study and field visits. Excursions to creative centres such as Florence, Lucca, Pietrasanta and Carrara provide opportunities to engage with local designers, artists, businesses and cultural institutions.
Students collaborate with international peers and local creative partners on authentic design challenges. Professional experience is integrated into the programme rather than organised as a separate internship.
Assessment focuses on the creative process, project outcomes, collaboration and personal development, documented through a portfolio and reflection. Relevant literature, design research and case studies support the learning process.
Study features
Assessment in the Design Italy minor is based on a portfolio demonstrating students' creative development, design research, practical assignments and personal reflection. Throughout the programme, students receive feedback from lecturers, peers and creative professionals.
At the end of the minor, students present their work and reflect on their learning journey during a final assessment. Evaluation focuses on the design process, creative outcomes, intercultural collaboration and professional growth, in line with the CMD competencies.
Rather than traditional written exams, the emphasis is on practical application, experimentation and reflective learning.
Target Group, Admission Requirements and Additional Information Design Italy is designed for students with an interest in design, creativity, culture and international collaboration. The minor is particularly suitable for students in Communication & Multimedia Design, Graphic Design, Media, Art, Architecture and other creative disciplines. Students from related fields who wish to broaden their creative perspective are also welcome. No specific technical design skills are required, but an open mind, curiosity, creativity and a willingness to explore different cultures are essential. Students should be comfortable communicating in English and motivated to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment. The minor offers an excellent opportunity to develop your creative identity, strengthen your portfolio and gain valuable international experience. As the programme takes place in Italy, students should consider additional expenses for travel, accommodation, food and personal activities. Some excursions or workshops may involve additional costs. Further practical and financial information will be provided before departure.