Study design abroad

An in-depth guide to studying design as an international student.

Explore design programs abroad

Design degrees abroad

A design degree will encompass a huge number of areas, offering a broad curriculum that encourages you to identify and develop your own focus. Most programs cover design across different materials, including ceramics, metal and textiles, and you’ll be able to work in creative studios using the latest technology.

Design is a way of understanding and engaging with the world through making and doing, and is an ideal subject if you have a practical and artist mind. You’ll get to explore the role of design within society and culture, and think innovatively about its future.

Studying design abroad opens up many great opportunities. You have the chance to study in locations that can inspire you, for example studying animation in Japan, or fashion in Italy. Design degree programs are available all over the world, so you won’t be short of options.

Design program structure

All design programs will have their on unique structure and curriculum. Many programs start by covering a broad base of design subjects, before allowing you to specialize in an area you’re most interested in and best suits your aspirations.

There are a wide range of design specializations you can choose to focus on, including graphic design, fashion design, interior design, furniture design or illustration. You could choose to study a program that covers these areas specifically, or study a more general design course that allows you to specialize.

Design is offered at a range of degree levels, including foundation, bachelor’s and master’s. A bachelor’s in design is offered as a BA, and will usually take three to four years to complete depending on where you study.

At postgraduate level you can study design as an MA, or some programs like building design or product design are offered as an MSc. Most master’s will take between one and two years to study full time.

Design programs are usually very practical, and will involve a lot of time spent in studios and working on your portfolio. You will also spend some time in lectures, seminars, tutorials and on placements. You’ll be assessed through written assignments, portfolios, projects and your dissertation.

The main subjects and areas that you will study on a design degree program include:

Introduction to design
Art and design history
Contemporary practices in design
Materials tools and processes
Communication design
Fashion and textile design
Three dimensional design
Professional practice
Design project / dissertation

Types of design degrees

Interior Design

Best countries to study design

- USA
- UK
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Canada
- Spain
- Germany
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Cyprus
- France
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Russia

Best universities to study design

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How to study design abroad

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Design study abroad programs

Design undergraduate programs

Design graduate programs

Future design careers

Most students with design degrees will look to find employment in the creative and cultural industries, and many even set up their own business and work freelance. Here’s some of the most popular roles for design graduates:

Creative director
Print maker
Fashion designer
Art director
Graphic designer
Interior designer
Production designer
Game designer
UX designer

Which role and area you choose to go into will depend on the program you choose and what specialization you pursue. Therefore, if you know what design career you want, make sure the program you choose to study covers that area.

Study design abroad

Explore design programs abroad

Bachelor's programs indesign

Master's programs indesign

PhD programs indesign

Design degrees abroad

Design program structure

Types of design degrees

Best countries to study design

Best universities to study design

How to study design abroad

University & program search

Application guidance

Visa & travel advice

Design study abroad programs

Design undergraduate programs

Design graduate programs

Degrees related to creative arts & design

Future design careers

Bachelor's programs in
design

Master's programs in
design

PhD programs in
design