Graduate degree in Product Design at University Institute of Architecture Venice Italy
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009clasDIP graduate programme in product design
publisher
Class 103s
Director Raimonda Riccini
Assistant Director Alberto Bassi
location
the programme’s seat is in Venice – Terese Dorsoduro 2206.
for information
infoDesign e arti
office of enquiries of the faculty of arts and design
specialistichefda@iuav.it
front desk 041 257 1346
telephone 041 257 1324/1334/1402/1403
fax 041 257 1326
open to the public:
Mon-Thu 10am-12:30pm
closed Wednesday
educational goals and professional characteristics
The didactic programme of the degree programme in Product Design is aimed at defining and deepening the various aspects of theory and design practice connected to industrial design, production systems and related services of both an individual and collective nature. Through an academic programme that focuses strongly on workshop experience and experimentation, the programmes offers individuals in-depth specialization in industrial product design.
This specialization is based on distinctive elements which make the 3-year programme unique:
- a high level of complexity in the problems approached;
- a balance between the “know-how” gained through experimentation, and a theoretical, critical and historical evaluation of the conditions and outcomes of the design process;
- a close relationship between didactics and research;
- a high level of autonomy and free choice on part of the students (students are given the option of taking courses offered by other graduate programmes of the faculty).
A distinctive characteristic of the programme is the emphasis on thematic choice. The programme in product design has found in ‘energy’ (Energy Innovation Design) its defining theme for its workshop didactics and for its cultural initiatives and rapport with firms and institutions. This has made the programme one of a kind in the Italian university panorama.
The graduate programme allows students to develop a course of study that is suitable for a variety of needs and interests. Students can focus on product interface and interaction design, aspects which are increasingly important in the field of product design due to the integration of computer technologies and micro technology.
Students also have the choice of an itinerary more closely focused on reflection, criticism and historical research, and which allows students to choose from the faculty’s wide range of course offerings in these areas.
The degree programme concludes with an emphasis on students’ final design projects , characterized by experimentation and research. Students may also opt to develop final projects that are theory-based, or historical in nature, which are oriented towards critical reflection and historical research.
At the end of the programme students will have acquired the specific skills required for tackling product design and development, as well as those for product systems in energy and environmental fields. They will also have gained knowledge of the cultural, social and environmental aspects which aid in their ability to reflect, make decisions, design and plan.
cultural and professional profile
The graduate programme in product design provides advanced professional training from project-based, analytical, theoretical and critical points of view.
The programme deals with complex problems related to projects and combines academic and research activities. Graduates from the programme can find work as independent professionals or seek employment in production companies, in manufacturing and innovative services industries, and in public administration.
Graduates who focused on aspects of the discipline involving theory and history will be prepared for careers in design publishing, event planning regarding the design sector, and in communication dealing with culture and design.
The programme provides a good basis for continuing studies in third-level university programmes (level-II Master programmes and PhD programmes).
Programme organisation
courses
Students participate in three applied workshops per year and attend theory-based lectures and seminars. The workshops allow students the opportunity to work in close contact with lecturers and gain hands-on experience. Cooperative relations among the different graduate programmes offered by the faculty of arts and design allows it to offer a broad range of theory-criticism courses. Students nonetheless have the opportunity to individualize their study programme by choosing courses and workshops based on their individual interests and professional goals.
Students earn 60 credits per year by attending workshops and an adequate number of theory courses, some of which are obligatory.
summary of academic programme
The 2-year graduate programme is composed of six didactic periods (three per academic year). Students acquire 120 university credits (CFU) in the form of workshops, classes in theory and criticism, elective courses, mandatory internships, and thesis development, until the completion of the academic programme established for that degree programme at the time of enrolment. Following is a summary of the academic programme:
Type of course
Disciplinary area
CFU credits
A) Core courses
Science
4
Technology
4
Introduction to visual arts and information
0
Humanities
4
TOTAL CFU CORE COURSES
12
B) Concentration courses
Multimedia design and communication
56
Computer technologies
0
Engineering
4
Economics and law
0
Psychology and sociology
4
TOTAL CFU CONCENTRATION CREDITS
64
C) Additional or supplementary courses
Culture of science, engineering and architecture
8
Humanities, law, economics and socio-political culture
4
TOTAL CFU ADDITIONAL CREDITS
12
D) Electives
8
E) Final exam
16
F) Further course work
8
TOTAL
120
tutoring
All faculty teaching staff are required to give tutoring services in their relative field of teaching upon request. Internship tutoring services are offered for help during the internship and for development of internship-related theses (conducted by the didactic tutor supervisor).
Graduate programmes also provide tutoring services for helping students with their final papers, which are provided by PhD students from the University Iuav. Tutors monitor students’ projects and help in defining methods for final papers/projects.
admission to the graduate programme in product design
The programme admits 50 candidates, plus 15 non-EU member candidates.
Candidates in possession of a first level (undergraduate) university degree, including degrees from Fine Arts Academies, or a previous Italian 4 or 5-year university degree, and who pass the admissions requirements, are allowed to enrol in the degree programme.
Students holding a degree in Industrial Design from the University IUAV of Venice may gain direct access to the programme if they meet all requirements, are admitted to the admissions list, and with respect to the number of open places in the degree programme.
Admissions selection
Admission to the programme is made by a pre-enrolment procedure, explained in detail on the IUAV web page http://www.iuav.it.
Admission selection is made by the Admissions Committee for the Graduate Programme in Product Design. The following documents need to be presented to the Admissions Committee: a curriculum vitae (in the format proposed by the degree programme), a degree certificate including all exams held, a Personal Portfolio - in paper form only - which illustrates the candidates experiences accumulated during their university studies and any other activities related to the field of discipline.
If group projects are presented, it is necessary that candidates include a written description of their individual role and work in each project.
Prerequisites
There are no preliminary requisites nor exams required for admission.
Attendance
Attendance of courses and workshops is mandatory for at least two-thirds of all lessons. Daily attendance must be registered in the Register for each course.
Students are required to attend one workshop per didactic period. Students may attend courses for first-level degrees only with proper authorisation from the programme director and if credits are applicable.