Master of Arts in Fashion and Costume Design
NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, based in Milan, Italy, offers an innovative Maste...
Master of Arts in Social Design
Milan
INTAKE: Feb & Oct
Program Overview
NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) in Milan, Italy, offers a Master of Arts in Social Design, a program dedicated to producing highly skilled professionals capable of designing innovative and meaningful solutions to complex social issues. This program emphasizes design as a tool for creating positive change in society, addressing key challenges such as sustainability, urban development, education, and inclusivity. Students in the Master of Arts in Social Design are trained to develop human-centered design solutions, focusing on both social innovation and design thinking to influence communities and industries worldwide. The curriculum combines practical design skills with an understanding of social dynamics, preparing students to become leaders in social design practices globally.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Master of Arts in Social Design at NABA is designed to equip students with the tools, methods, and knowledge necessary to tackle pressing social challenges through design. Students begin by developing a strong foundation in social design principles, focusing on collaborative methodologies, empathy, and stakeholder engagement. The program covers topics such as human-centered design, service design, participatory design, and design for social innovation. Students also explore areas like social entrepreneurship, design for sustainability, and community development. Key components of the curriculum include studio-based projects, workshops, and collaborative work with real-world clients, enabling students to develop practical solutions to complex societal issues. The program is structured to encourage creative problem-solving while maintaining a deep understanding of social contexts and the impact of design.
Research Focus: The research focus of the Master of Arts in Social Design is centered around exploring innovative design strategies that address the social, cultural, and environmental issues of today. Students engage in research-driven projects that explore themes such as inclusive design, sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and human rights. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore the intersection of design with social sciences, technology, policy, and ethics. Research topics include developing solutions for marginalized communities, designing systems for environmental resilience, and using design to influence public health and well-being. The goal is to foster new ways of thinking about the role of design in social change, empowering students to create scalable and impactful solutions that contribute to positive societal transformations.
Industry Engagement: NABA’s Master of Arts in Social Design program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement to provide students with real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. The program partners with a wide range of organizations, from non-profits and social enterprises to multinational corporations and governmental institutions, to collaborate on projects that aim to make a tangible social impact. Students are involved in live design challenges, internships, and community-based projects, allowing them to apply their skills in diverse social contexts. Additionally, NABA's network of industry professionals, designers, and activists serves as a valuable resource for mentorship, feedback, and collaboration. These industry engagements ensure that students are not only learning from academic theory but also gaining practical insights and building strong professional portfolios for their future careers.
Global Perspective: NABA’s Master of Arts in Social Design offers a global perspective, drawing on Milan’s position as a hub for international design and social innovation. The program encourages students to think beyond local issues and consider global challenges, from climate change and inequality to migration and access to basic services. By working on global design problems, students gain a broader understanding of the universal need for socially responsible design solutions. NABA’s diverse student body and international network of faculty, alumni, and industry partners provide an enriched global learning environment. The program’s international focus prepares graduates to work in a variety of cultural contexts, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to social design initiatives worldwide.
Location
Milan
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 20600
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 55% or equivalent.
English language proficiency
- MOI letter is a mandatory requirement.
Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti (NABA) is supporting international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, assist students with financial need, and encourage talent and creativity across different fields of art and design.
Merit-Based Scholarships: NABA offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement or creative talent. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on the quality of the student’s portfolio, academic performance, and achievements. International students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at NABA may be eligible for these scholarships, which can cover a percentage of tuition fees.
Need-Based Scholarships: NABA provides need-based scholarships to help international students who may face financial challenges in affording their tuition fees. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their studies at NABA. Students applying for these scholarships are required to provide proof of financial need during the application process.
Talent Scholarships: NABA recognizes the importance of artistic talent and creativity, and it awards Talent Scholarships to international students who show outstanding potential in fields such as design, art, fashion, and multimedia. Students who submit a particularly impressive portfolio may be considered for this scholarship, which rewards artistic excellence and encourages students to develop their skills in a dynamic academic environment.
Early Application Scholarships: To encourage early applicants, NABA offers special scholarships to international students who apply well in advance of the academic year. These scholarships are designed to reward students who demonstrate commitment and preparation in securing their place at the institution early. Students applying by the designated early application deadlines can benefit from reduced tuition fees, helping to make their education more affordable.
Partner University Scholarships: NABA collaborates with several international institutions and universities. Through these partnerships, NABA may offer scholarships to students coming from partner universities or participating in exchange programs. These scholarships are typically designed to enhance academic collaboration and provide students with an opportunity to gain global exposure and experience while studying in Milan.
Graduates of NABA’s Master of Arts in Social Design program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of career options in the rapidly growing field of social innovation. The program's interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle a broad spectrum of social, environmental, and cultural challenges through design.
Social Designer: Graduates can work as social designers, creating innovative solutions that address complex social issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. They design systems, services, and products that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Service Designer: With a focus on human-centered approaches, social designers often work in the service industry, improving public services or creating new services that enhance societal well-being. These professionals focus on improving user experiences, accessibility, and service efficiency for diverse communities.
Sustainability Consultant: Given the emphasis on sustainability in the program, graduates can pursue careers as sustainability consultants. In this role, they help organizations develop eco-friendly practices, products, and services, contributing to the global effort to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Design Strategist: Design strategists focus on identifying social needs and creating innovative design solutions to address them. Graduates can work with organizations, social enterprises, or governments to develop strategies that use design to drive social change and achieve long-term impact.
Community Engagement Specialist: Graduates can also work as community engagement specialists, helping to connect organizations with local communities. They design and implement programs that empower communities, address social inequalities, and create opportunities for collective action.
Urban and Social Planner: Social designers can engage in urban and social planning, working on projects that improve the infrastructure and social fabric of cities. They design sustainable urban spaces, transportation systems, and community programs that promote social equity and environmental resilience.
NGO Project Manager: Many graduates find opportunities in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on social justice, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation. As project managers, they oversee social innovation initiatives, ensuring that design solutions align with organizational goals and benefit target communities.
Policy Advisor in Social Design: With expertise in both design and social issues, graduates may become policy advisors, helping governments or international organizations design policies that promote social welfare, equality, and inclusion.
Entrepreneur/Founder: Some graduates choose to launch their own social enterprises or startups, focusing on creating products or services that solve social problems. They can design initiatives that help solve local or global challenges in health, education, and the environment.
Researcher in Social Innovation: Graduates can pursue academic or professional research roles, focusing on areas like social entrepreneurship, community-based design, and the intersection of technology and social impact. They may work in universities, research institutions, or think tanks, contributing to the evolution of social design methodologies.
