Study in the field of design requires the individual to have an eye for detail and a keen artistic sense of aesthetics. Masters in design enables an individual to broaden their horizon and improve their designing abilities both technically and artistically. Masters in design is a very broad term that includes varied specializations related to design.
Architecture and Urban Design, fashion design, graphic design, product design, landscape architecture, web design are some of the courses to name a few.
Pursuing masters abroad is well sought after but this might seem like a terrifying change due to many factors. But that is exactly the reason why this path should be taken. Besides having access to the state of art universities and world-class faculty, a globally recognized working degree with the chance to practice the profession in a foreign country with the possibility of settling there is worth the effort.
The exposure one gets towards their profession and their individual development as an individual acts as a cherry on the top. That being said, what other place could be better to pursue masters in design than the very place which holds great importance in the said discipline throughout history, Europe.
Here is the compilation of some of the notable top universities in Europe offering postgraduate courses in the field of design.
1. Royal College of Art | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1837, the famous Royal College of Art in London, UK is one of the world’s oldest art and design universities. It ranks 1st in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design for the fifth consecutive time. This university offers a variety of postgraduate courses in the fields of architecture, fashion, design, etc.
For more information visit https://www.rca.ac.uk/
2. University of Arts London
University of Arts London is Europe’s largest university that specializes in the field of art and design. Established in 2004, it ranks 2nd in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. It has six esteemed universities established in the 19th and 20th centuries in the field of arts, design, media, and fashion under its wing. This university gives students unique opportunities to learn, create, research, and innovate.
For more information visit https://www.arts.ac.uk/
3. Politecnico de Milano | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1863 in Milan, Italy, Politecnico de Milano is one of the most sought-after universities offering postgraduate education in Engineering, Architecture, and Design. ranked 6th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design, this is the largest university in Italy with about seven campuses located all over Italy with world-class facilities for research and education. Renzo Piano and Aldo Rossi are notable alumni of this university who bagged the Pritzker prize.
For more information visit https://www.polimi.it/en/
4. Aalto university
Established in 2010, as a result of the merger of three famous universities in Finland Aalto University can be best described as a place where science and art meet technology and business. Aalto University is ranked 7th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The learning system in the university emphasizes cross-disciplinary projects and learning in practice. One interesting aspect of this university is that the student can tailor his own unique study experience that satisfies one’s’ interests and study goals.
For more information visit https://www.aalto.fi/en
5. The Glasgow school of art | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1845, The Glasgow school of art is where practice-based education is given priority. The university is one of the oldest art schools in the UK. It ranks 8th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The university is well known for its practice-based teaching in visual culture. This university is also a place where one can find a vibrant creative community.
For more information visit https://www.gsa.ac.uk/
6. Design academy Eindhoven
Established in 1955, Design Academy Eindhoven is located in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is a multi-disciplinary university offering various courses in the field of art, architecture, and design. It ranks 18th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The core belief system of the university lies in its thought that curiosity and openness, to ideas and people, are a vital part of the design.
For more information visit https://www.designacademy.nl/
7. The royal danish academy of fine arts
Established in 1754, The royal danish academy of fine arts located in Denmark is one of the oldest design universities in the world. It ranks 22nd in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The emphasis on a unique match between research, practice, and artistic research in their education system. They train their students to become someone capable to create, transform and preserve the society and culture of tomorrow.
For more information visit https://royaldanishacademy.com/
8. ENSCI Les Ateliers | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1982, ENSCI Les Ateliers is located in Paris, France. The university offers advanced study, consultancy, and research in all aspects of contemporary design practice. This university is famous for its innovative study system. It ranks 26th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design.
For more information visit https://www.ensci.com/
9. Loughborough university
Established in 1909, Loughborough university located in England is one of the well sought-after universities in the design field. It is famous for its diverse student population from all over the world and a well-planned campus that stimulates one’s learning. It ranks 226th in QS World University Ranking in 2021.
For more information visit https://www.lboro.ac.uk/
10. Umea university | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1965, Umea university located in Sweden is famous for its comprehensive educational approach and creative learning environments. It ranks 33rd in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The American-style main campus and contemporary style art campus is characterized by their openness and pleasant learning environment.
For more information visit https://www.umu.se/en/
11. Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)
Established in 1766, ENSAD is located in Paris, France. It ranks 39th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. This university offers various postgraduate courses in various fields such as animation, photography, etc. This university is also famous for its involvement in the development of the Art Deco movement in the 1920s.
For more information visit https://www.ensad.fr/en
12. Konstfack University of arts crafts and design
Established in 1844, Konstfack University of arts, crafts, and design is located in Stockholm, Sweden. It ranks 21st in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. This university is characterized by its international character and study environment. About 70 international students are received by this university each year.
For more information visit https://www.konstfack.se/en/
13. Universität der Künste Berlin | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1696, Universität der Künste Berlin is located in Berlin, Germany. It ranks 30th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The university is well known for its diversified and traditional education system. The university has about four colleges specializing in fine arts, architecture, media and design, music, and the performing arts with around 3,600 students.
For more information visit https://www.udk-berlin.de/startseite/
14. Zurich University of the Arts
Established in 1878, Zurich University of the Arts is located in Zürich, Switzerland. It ranks 35th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The university is well known for providing an ideal setting for transdisciplinary projects. It is one of the biggest universities for design studies in the entire Europe.
For more information visit https://www.zhdk.ch/en/zurich-university-of-the-arts-1
15. Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design Prague | Top universities in Europe
Established in 1885, the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design Prague is located in the Czech Republic. It ranks 100th in QS World University Subject Ranking in 2021 in the subject of art and design. The university offers various courses in the field of architecture, design, fine arts, graphic design, etc.
For more information visit https://www.umprum.cz/web/en/
