SPD
Rome, Italy
SPD – Scuola Politecnica di Design
Milan, Italy
Founded
1954
Institution Type
Private Design School
Students From
70+ Countries
Language
English
Discover SPD – Scuola Politecnica di Design
Discover SPD – Scuola Politecnica di Design
SPD – Scuola Politecnica di Design is the first school for design disciplines in Italy, founded in Milan in 1954 by the visionary artist Nino Di Salvatore. From its inception, the school has integrated art, visual perception, ergonomics, and innovation into a unique interdisciplinary teaching method that has shaped generations of designers worldwide.
SPD offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs taught entirely in English, covering disciplines from product and interior design to transportation, communication, and food design. The school is part of the Plena Education Group and awards academic credits through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with courses organized in collaboration with major industry leaders and partner universities.
Throughout its history, SPD has been recognized with prestigious accolades including the Compasso d'Oro prize from ADI in 1994 and the Gold Medal at the X Triennale di Milano. The school has exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the Carrousel du Louvre, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in design education.
Key Milestones
- 1954: Founded by Nino Di Salvatore as the first design school in Italy, pioneering a Gestalt psychology-based approach to design education.
- 1957: Awarded the Gold Medal at the Tenth Milan Triennial Exhibition for outstanding contributions to postwar Italian design.
- 1986: Selected to exhibit at the Venice Biennale, showcasing design projects that underscored SPD's role in contemporary design discourse.
- 1994: Received the prestigious Compasso d'Oro prize from ADI for its decades-long progression of achievements in design education.
Academic Programs and Departments at SPD
Academic Programs and Departments at SPD
SPD offers a focused range of design programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with teaching organized through intensive workshops, labs, theoretical study, seminars, and field activities. All courses culminate in professional internships and are delivered in English, preparing graduates for careers in the global design industry.
Industrial Design
The Industrial Design department trains students to create innovative consumer products by combining aesthetic sensibility with functional engineering. Students work on real-world briefs in collaboration with leading Italian and international brands.
- Master of Arts in Product Design
- BA in Design
- Preparatory Course in Design
Interior Design
This department focuses on concept design, space planning, interior layout, and display, providing insights into materials, lighting, colour, and the integration of technical components within the built environment.
- Master of Arts in Interior Design
- MEED Event and Exhibition Design
- Preparatory Course in Interior Design
Transportation and Car Design
SPD's Transportation and Car Design department is dedicated to training the next generation of automotive industry professionals who aspire to design vehicles that meet contemporary mobility challenges and aesthetic standards.
- Master of Arts in Car Design
- BA in Automotive and Transport Design
- Car Design Tools Course
Communication Design
The Communication Design department covers visual and digital communication, equipping students with the skills to create compelling brand identities, editorial projects, and multimedia experiences for diverse audiences.
- Master of Arts in Communication Design
- BA in Communication, Culture and Business
- Preparatory Course in Visual Design
Food Design and Innovation
This department explores the intersection of design thinking and food culture, teaching students to innovate in food product development, food service experiences, and sustainable food systems.
- Master of Arts in Food Design and Innovation
- Food Design Workshops
- Food Design Studio Projects
Web and Digital Design
The Web and Digital Design department prepares students for careers in digital interfaces, user experience, and multimedia design, blending creative vision with the latest technologies and digital tools.
- Master in Web and Digital Design
- Digital Design Workshops
- UX/UI Studio Projects
Admission Requirements at SPD
Admission Requirements at SPD
Undergraduate (BA) Admission
- EducationHigh school diploma after a minimum of 12 years of study
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 (no component below 5.5) or equivalent
- PortfolioCreative portfolio demonstrating design aptitude
- InterviewSelection interview with the Academic Office
- ApplicationOnline application via SPD official portal
Graduate (MA) Admission
- DegreeBachelor's degree (second class 2.2 honours or higher) in art, design, or creative disciplines from an ISCED level 6 programme
- Other BackgroundsGraduates in scientific disciplines, social sciences, and humanities may also be considered
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 (no component below 5.5) or equivalent
- PortfolioProfessional or academic design portfolio required
- ExperienceRelevant professional experience and/or SPD Preparatory Course attendance considered
Apply early to benefit from SPD's Early Bird tuition reduction offers. Contact the Academic Office for current deadlines.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until seats are filled. It is recommended to apply well in advance.
Most Bachelor of Arts programs begin in October each year. Check the SPD website for exact start dates.
Several Master of Arts programs begin in January. International students should apply early to allow time for visa processing.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at SPD
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at SPD
SPD offers a range of design programs at varying price points. As a private institution, tuition fees reflect the specialized, industry-connected education and small class sizes of approximately 20-25 students that SPD provides.
| Program Type | EU Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (per year) | EUR 10,700 | EUR 10,700 |
| Master of Arts (Year 1) | EUR 15,900 – 16,300 | EUR 15,900 – 16,300 |
| Preparatory Course | Contact SPD for details | Contact SPD for details |
| Estimated Living Expenses (per year) | EUR 10,000 – 14,000 | EUR 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Total | Contact SPD for full programme costs | Contact SPD for full programme costs |
SPD Early Bird Scholarship
SPD offers tuition reductions through its Early Bird enrollment offer, rewarding students who apply and confirm their place ahead of standard deadlines.
- Type: Tuition Reduction
- Eligibility: All admitted students who enroll early
- Benefit: Contact SPD Academic Office for current discount details
SPD Merit Scholarship
SPD offers partial scholarships to the most promising candidates based on academic merit, portfolio quality, and financial need.
- Type: Partial Tuition Scholarship
- Eligibility: Based on academic merit, portfolio, and financial need
- Application: Arrange an interview with the Academic Office at info@scuoladesign.com
SPD Campus and Facilities
SPD Campus and Facilities
SPD is located in a modern, multifunctional campus at Piazzale Lugano 19 in Milan, designed to foster innovation and collaboration. The campus is part of the Bodio Center, an educational hub of the Plena Education Group that also hosts other higher education institutions, creating an interdisciplinary and inspiring environment.
State-of-the-art design studios equipped for prototyping, fabrication, and hands-on creative experimentation across all design disciplines.
Computer labs equipped with dual-operating-system workstations, industry-standard design software, high-speed Wi-Fi, and multimedia presentation systems.
Dedicated exhibition areas where students showcase their final projects and portfolio work, often visited by industry professionals and potential employers.
Student Resources and Support
Learning Facilities
SPD provides comprehensive resources to support creative and academic development, including specialized workshops, a design library, and seminar rooms with multimedia setups.
- Specialized design library with books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials
- Workshop areas in the STILO building for prototyping and fabrication
- Seminar rooms with projectors and audio systems for lectures and discussions
Student Life in Milan
Milan offers an unparalleled setting for design students, with world-renowned events like Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week taking place annually in the city.
- Access to Milan's vibrant design district and showrooms
- Proximity to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions
- Partnership with YesMilano International Student Desk for relocation support
Student Life at SPD
Student Life at SPD
Studying at SPD means immersing yourself in a living, dynamic, and international environment where cultural differences are highly valued. With students from over 70 countries, SPD fosters a creative community that blends Italian design heritage with global perspectives and forward-thinking innovation.
Milan – The Design Capital of the World
Milan – The Design Capital of the World
Living and Studying in Milan
Milan is internationally recognized as the design capital and Italy's most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. As a student at SPD, you will be at the epicenter of global design culture, with unparalleled access to industry events, studios, showrooms, and a thriving creative community that spans fashion, architecture, and product design.
Design Capital
Milan hosts the world's most important design events, including Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week, attracting hundreds of thousands of design professionals annually.
Cultural Heritage
From Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper to the Duomo and La Scala opera house, Milan offers an extraordinary cultural landscape that inspires creativity and artistic expression.
International Connectivity
As part of the Schengen Area, studying in Milan provides easy access to travel across 26 European countries, enriching your educational experience with diverse cultural exposure.
Career Opportunities
Milan is home to major design studios, fashion houses, automotive companies, and tech firms, offering abundant internship and career opportunities for design graduates.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Industry Partners and Collaborators
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
SPD assists international students with visa procedures and document recognition. Non-European students must apply for a study visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence and obtain a Permesso di soggiorno within eight working days of arrival.
A valid insurance policy covering accidents and illness is required for visa issuance. Students may use private insurance from their home country or switch to Italian national health insurance after arrival.
SPD has partnered with YesMilano to assist international students with administrative procedures, step-by-step guides, webinars, one-to-one appointments, and social events to help build your professional and social network in Milan.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Recognition and Awards
Recognition and Awards
As a specialized private design school, SPD is not typically included in general university rankings. However, its excellence in design education has been recognized through prestigious industry awards and international exhibitions over its seven decades of operation.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Design | ADI – Associazione Disegno Industriale | Compasso d'Oro Recipient |
| Design Education | Cumulus International Association | Member Institution |
| Interior Design | Centre Georges Pompidou Exhibition | Featured (1990) |
| Visual Communication | Carrousel du Louvre Exhibition | Featured |
Features
Modern campus facilities, international exchange programs, and career counseling are also available. The university maintains partnerships with over 100 institutions worldwide.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Via Liszt, 21\n00144 Rome (Roma), Italy
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