Integrated Design (Bachelor of Arts)

The Bachelor's degree programme in “Integrated Design“ can be described as different, vibrant, and inspiring. It features a nationwide unique, non-linear, and trans-semester study model that offers a high level of individual design opportunities. The study programme is characterised by an integrated, intercultural, and interdisciplinary environment in which theory and practice-oriented design processes are complemented by a range of experimental and research-oriented elements. Rather than by relaying a set of supposedly universal basics, knowledge and skills are approached and acquired based on their relevance in the projects chosen by the students. There is no fixed educational canon, but rather students are highly encouraged to set their own focus, deepen their knowledge autonomously, and determine which skills to acquire independently. Study Courses The Bachelor's degree programme Integrated Design offers two study courses to students at the end of their first year of study at KISD. Course of Study in Transdisciplinary Design In the course of study in Transdisciplinary Design, students work in multi-semester projects and seminars on complex design processes and acquire a broad knowledge of contents, working practices, and methodologies of design while developing extensive analytical, conceptual, and design specific competence, which they link with cross-cultural and international experience. Self-initiated teaching and research projects allow them to develop their own interests and to set individual focal points. Supported by a mentoring programme, they learn to redefine and discuss their development as a designer again and again. Course of Study in European Design In the course of study in European Design, students spend the first four semesters of their studies at KISD. Afterwards, they study at two of the European MEDes partner universities. After these two years, students return to KISD to finish their Master’s theses. The MEDes network encompasses seven European universities featuring an innovative and international design education. Besides KISD, these include: Aalto School of Art & Design (Helsinki, Finland), Glasgow School of Art (Glasgow, UK), ENSCI Les Ateliers (Paris, France), Konstfack (Stockholm, Sweden), Politecnico di Milano (Milan, Italy), and the University of Aveiro (Aveiro, Portugal).