Overview

NABA’s Academic Master in Italian Design explores the thinking behind Italian design and its contribution to contemporary product development. Taught in English at the NABA Milan campus, this one-year programme combines theory with workshops and meetings with key figures in the field, helping students develop their own expressive, professional approach.

Students investigate the functional and cultural qualities of products, learning to connect creative decisions with broader management and enterprise processes. Research and experimentation encourage them to define design problems and develop solutions independently, while considering how their work can contribute to industrial innovation and new aesthetic perspectives.

Key areas of study include:

Project culture and the evolution of design
Design methodology, encompassing research, strategy and communication
Design systems, including socioeconomic forecasting, sustainability scenarios and marketing innovation
History of design
History of contemporary art

Design research workshops connect students with professionals and organisations involved in design culture. The programme also explores innovation through technologies and new materials, alongside management and design entrepreneurship. An internship gives students the chance to apply the skills they've gained, followed by a final project focused on product innovation and its formal and aesthetic qualities.

Career opportunities include:

Product designer
Furniture designer
Lighting designer
Household appliance design consultant

Upon successful completion, graduates receive a First Level Academic Master Degree worth 60 CFA credits.

Accreditation

NABA’s Academic Master qualifications are recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), have full legal status and are equivalent to Italian first-level university master qualifications. The credits awarded can support further study at academies and universities in Italy and abroad, subject to each institution’s admission and credit recognition requirements.

Programme Structure

The Academic Master in Italian Design combines theory and practice over one year. The programme covers the following areas:

Design culture: Project culture explores the evolution of design, supported by the history of design and contemporary art. Students investigate how forms and symbols give products meaning.
Methods and strategy: Design methodology covers research, strategy and communication. Design system studies examine socioeconomic forecasts, sustainability scenarios and marketing innovation, connecting design decisions with management and entrepreneurship.
Research and practice: Workshops connect students with design professionals and organisations. Projects explore innovation through technologies and new materials while developing students’ own creative approach.
Professional application: An internship puts learning into practice. The final project focuses on product innovation, with attention to form and aesthetics.

Audience

This course is aimed at graduates who want to deepen their understanding of Italian design and develop an independent approach to product design. It suits those interested in the cultural meaning of objects as well as their function, and in connecting creative practice with industrial production and the wider business context.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Non-EU students requiring a study visa must pre-enrol through Universitaly. The visa process usually takes 90 days; start well before your course begins.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

45

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

36

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

97

IELTS

5

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milano, Italy

Disciplines

Design View 69 other Masters in Design in Italy

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

45

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

36

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

97

IELTS

5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

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

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or first-level academic diploma. NABA assesses educational background, relevant skills and motivation against the requirements of the chosen programme.

Applications require a completed form, payment of the fee and:

A CV and motivation letter
A copy of the passport’s photo page
A degree certificate and full academic transcripts in English
A project portfolio, where required
Any programme-specific application tasks
Evidence of proficiency in the teaching language: Italian B1 or English IELTS 5.0, or an accepted equivalent

Submit language certificates within one month before the programme begins; they must be no more than two years old. Exemptions apply to native speakers and, subject to verification, holders of English-taught high school diplomas.

Non-EU applicants requiring a study visa must complete UniversItaly pre-enrolment and the relevant consular procedures.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at NABA, New Academy of Fine Arts and/or in Italy, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23900 EUR / year

≈ 23900 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

19500 EUR / year

≈ 19500 EUR / year

Additional Details

Academic Master's tuition fees are fixed and do not vary with household income.

Living costs

Milano

Italy

850 - 1450 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.