Master’s in Business Design
Domus Academy Main Campus, Italy
Master in Business Design
Domus Academy
Business Design
Master in Business Design at Domus Academy — Program Overview
The Master in Business Design at Domus Academy creates new connections between the worlds of business and design, teaching you how to apply design culture, methodology, and sensitivity to a wide range of businesses. Located in Milan, Italy's capital of design and innovation, this program prepares you to rethink traditional business strategies, anticipate customer needs, and develop new products, services, and ventures using design-driven approaches.
The program is workshop-based, supported by seminars, lectures, tutorials, and fieldwork. Industry professionals, the programme leader, and project leaders guide you through individual coaching and mentorship, combining accredited coursework with real-life professional projects that provide valuable work experience directly applicable to your future career.
Students can choose between the Academic Master's Programme accredited by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), earning 60 ECTS credits, or the Dual Award Master path which adds a UK-validated Master of Arts Degree (90 ECTS) awarded by Regent's University London. The Dual Award path includes additional lectures, a more in-depth individual project, and the opportunity to spend a week studying at Regent's University London.
Key Program Highlights
- Workshop-based learning with real company projects from brands such as Google, Ducati, Starbucks, and De Beers
- Dual accreditation option: Italian MUR-accredited Academic Master plus UK-validated MA from Regent's University London
- Located in Milan's vibrant Navigli district, at the heart of Italy's design and business ecosystem
- 96% graduate employment rate within the first year following graduation, according to the BVA Doxa 2023 Survey
Curriculum and Modules — Master in Business Design
The Academic Master's Programme consists of 5 modules, including a curricular internship and a final project workshop. Students following the Dual Award path integrate additional dedicated classes and a 6th module as a Final Major Project. The curriculum is designed around a learning-by-designing methodology, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on, interdisciplinary project work.
Design Thinking and Business Innovation
12 ECTSExplore how to rethink business models using design thinking, creativity, and a visionary approach. You will learn to understand markets, competition, and strategic organizational skills applicable to international business scenarios.
Branding and Communication Strategy
12 ECTSDevelop skills in brand strategy, communication planning, and marketing for companies and specific product lines. This module covers how to create meaningful value, messages, and customer experiences for brands across physical, digital, and social channels.
Business Development and Entrepreneurship
12 ECTSLearn to identify opportunities, validate ideas, create viable business models, and lead the full process from concept to launch. Students apply design-driven project management strategies to draft plans for new ventures and startups.
Market Analysis and Strategic Planning
12 ECTSMaster key activities including industry and trend analysis, designing experiments for market validation and prototyping, and developing business models. This module emphasizes human-centered approaches to drive innovation and long-term business success.
Curricular Internship
6 ECTSGain direct professional experience through a placement at a design-driven company, branding agency, consulting firm, or startup. The internship bridges academic learning with real-world application in the Italian and international business landscape.
Final Workshop Project
6 ECTSDevelop and present a comprehensive final project that demonstrates your ability to integrate design thinking with business strategy. This capstone experience synthesizes all program learning into a professional-grade deliverable.
Elective Focus Areas
Admission Requirements for the Master in Business Design
The Master in Business Design is directed at candidates who have a first-level degree and professional experience in economics, management, the humanities, or design. The programme is also open to candidates with a background in other disciplines, provided they demonstrate strong interest in the program's topics and the necessary technical skills. All applications are reviewed by the programme leader and the Admissions Committee through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationA first-level academic degree (Bachelor's Degree or Academic Diploma) in a related field
- Relevant BackgroundDegree or professional experience in economics, management, humanities, design, or related disciplines
- Portfolio or MotivationPortfolio of previous work or a strong motivational statement demonstrating interest in business design topics
- Curriculum VitaeUpdated CV detailing academic background, professional experience, and relevant skills
- Dual Award Additional RequirementFor the Dual Award path, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree not lower than a 2:2 (British classification equivalent)
Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 5.0 (Academic or General)
- English ProficiencyAll courses are taught in English; a high level of proficiency is required
- Alternative TestsContact Uni4Edu for information on other accepted English language certificates
Required Documents
Program Start Dates and Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Domus Academy offers several scholarship opportunities throughout the year to support talented and deserving students. Scholarships are awarded through merit-based portfolio or project-based competitions. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on the latest available scholarship competitions and application deadlines.
Project-Based Competition Scholarship
Up to EUR 8,000Showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills by developing a project in response to a specific brief. This competition rewards innovative thinking and is open to Academic Master and Dual Award Master applicants.
Portfolio Competition Scholarship
EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,000Submit your existing portfolio for evaluation, with a focus on the quality and innovation of your previous projects. Awards vary depending on whether you apply for the Academic Master or Dual Award Master path.
DSU (RUE) Scholarship
Varies based on financial needA financial contribution assigned through an annual competition based on specific financial and merit requirements. The total amount is differentiated according to income bands and geographical origin of students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects After the Master in Business Design
Graduates of the Master in Business Design are equipped to pursue careers at the intersection of design and business strategy. According to the BVA Doxa 2023 Survey, Domus Academy graduates achieve a strong employment rate within the first year following graduation, with high job satisfaction. The program's industry connections and curricular internship provide a direct pathway into professional roles across diverse sectors.
Potential Career Roles
Industries and Employers Hiring Graduates
Rankings and Recognition
Domus Academy, founded in 1982 as one of Italy's first postgraduate design schools, has earned widespread international recognition for its innovative methodology and the quality of its creative ecosystem. The academy has received numerous prestigious awards and consistently ranks among the top design institutions globally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #62 worldwide (Top 3%) |
| Art and Design (Italy) | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #4 in Italy |
| Fashion Business | The Business of Fashion | Top 10 Global Graduate Fashion Business Courses (2017) |
| Design Education | ADI (Associazione Disegno Industriale) | Compasso d'Oro Award Recipient |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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