Overview
The Master of Arts in Social Design at the NABA Milan campus explores how design can support communities and contribute to sustainable development. Taught in English, this two-year programme brings design practice together with an understanding of society, preparing students to develop projects that respond to social and environmental challenges.
Real case studies provide the starting point for work that engages communities and explores the potential of urban and natural environments. Students learn to interpret social and cultural change, using that understanding to develop design strategies grounded in the contexts where they will be applied.
The programme connects practical design skills with the knowledge needed to work on social initiatives. Its key topics include:
- Community design, supported by anthropology and sociology
- Product design and communication design
- Environmental design, alongside ecology and economy
- Event design and fundraising
- International cooperation and project management
- Co-design and public policies
This combination encourages students to consider both a project's purpose and how it can involve people. They explore how human and natural resources can support sustainable innovation, while developing the ability to anticipate changing needs and manage the complexity of social design projects.
With social design playing a growing role in companies and public administrations, the programme prepares students for professional paths including:
- Social project manager
- Communication designer
- Product designer
- Social designer
- Community designer
- Environmental designer
- Event designer
- Strategic planner
- Public policy manager
- Design consultant
The course awards a Second Level Academic Degree in Design and carries 120 CFA credits.
Accreditation
NABA’s Master of Arts programmes award Second Level Academic Degrees recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). These qualifications have full legal status and are equivalent to the corresponding university degrees. The academic credits awarded can support progression to further study at academies and universities in Italy and abroad.
Programme Structure
The Master of Arts in Social Design connects the study of communities with practical projects, building towards the management of complex social initiatives:
- Year 1: Community design, anthropology, and sociology introduce the relationships between people, the environment, and technology. Project methodology supports work in product, communication and environmental design, alongside brand design and art and design history. Lectures and workshops explore social responsibility and how design responds to changing communities and spaces.
- Year 2: Experimental social design labs apply this knowledge to real case studies. Studies in ecology and economy, co-design, and public policies are complemented by lighting design and art direction. Through interdisciplinary workshops and research projects, students develop the skills to plan and manage social design initiatives within their cultural and social context.
Audience
This course is aimed at graduates who want to apply design to social and environmental challenges. It suits those interested in understanding communities and developing projects that encourage participation, bringing creative practice together with social research to explore more sustainable ways of living.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
Pre-enrolment: between March and November. This procedure is MANDATORY. Usually it takes 90 days to get the study visa, we suggest to start the procedure soon.
Language
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Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Milano, Italy
Disciplines
Design View 63 other Masters in Design in ItalyWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
IELTS & PTE Test Preparation
Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.
- Study on your own schedule
- Live classes with current and ex-examiners
- Accurate score assesment, always
- E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!
Other requirements
General requirements
To apply for a NABA Master of Arts, you need a bachelor’s degree or first-level academic diploma and must meet the course’s entry requirements. We may consider other backgrounds if your motivation and research interests are strong.
Complete the application form, pay the fee, and submit:
- Your CV and motivation letter
- A copy of your passport’s photo page
- Your degree certificate and full academic transcripts in English
- A project portfolio (optional for Social Design)
- Proof of Italian at CEFR B1 or English at IELTS 5.0 or an accepted equivalent
The language certificate must be submitted within one month before the beginning of the programme and should not be older than 2 years. Native speakers are exempt; an English-taught high school diploma also qualifies, subject to verification by the Admissions Office.
Non-EU applicants needing a study visa must complete UniversItaly pre-enrolment and the relevant consular procedures.
Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner
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Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents22750 EUR / year≈ 22750 EUR / year -
EU/EEA Applies to you
Applies to youEU/EEA Nationals10650 EUR / year≈ 10650 EUR / year
Additional Details
EU/EFTA students with 3+ years residency may get reduced fees based on income.
Living costs
Milano
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Design.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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