Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

BAU’s Bachelor's Degree in Design is an official university degree within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Access is managed exclusively through the Generalitat de Catalunya's University Pre-enrolment system (pre-registration code: 91007) in the June and September admissions.

The two most common admission pathways are outlined below:

1. Hold a secondary school diploma, any branch of baccalaureate or equivalent and have passed the University Access Exams (PAU)
2. Hold a Higher Vocational Training qualification (or equivalent)

To consult the remaining access routes, please visit the following link

Important note: As this is an official degree within the field of Cultural Industries—design, animation, cinematography and audiovisual production—, it does not require additional aptitude tests (PAP) beyond the university entrance exams, but you must be pre-registered with the public system.

If you are from outside the Spanish education system, the process varies depending on your background

• EU systems or International Baccalaureate (IB): You must apply for your access credential through UNEDasiss. With this credential, you can then complete your university preregistration in Catalonia.
• Non-EU systems: You must have your studies officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education and take the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) through UNEDasiss in order to obtain your university entrance grade.

Prior experience in design is not required. The degree begins with foundation modules in drawing, digital tools and design culture, which allow you to progressively acquire the conceptual and technical foundations.

Upon completion of your studies, you will obtain the official diploma of Bachelor’s Degree in Design, awarded by the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, registered in the Register of Universities, Centres and Titles (RUCT), and accredited by university quality agencies.

Yes. It is an official university degree awarded by the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, recognised within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and valid for international study and professional practice.

There are many differences between the two options.

The university goes beyond training professionals; it also promotes the creation of knowledge through research and advanced education, such as doctoral studies.

Moreover, a fundamental difference between the two options lies in the type of qualification awarded upon completion of the studies:

· The University Degree in Design is a university degree. University degrees in design are regulated by the Organic Law of the University System (LOSU) and are part of the university system. This degree is awarded by a university and is considered an official undergraduate university degree.

· The Degree in Higher Artistic Education in Design is an official equivalent qualification, but not a university degree. Higher artistic education in design is regulated by Law 1/2024 on Artistic Education (within the framework of the LOE/LOMLOE) and belongs to a different educational system, although it is integrated into higher education. In this case, the qualification obtained is a Degree in Higher Artistic Education in Design, awarded by the corresponding regional education authority (in Catalonia, by the Department of Education of the Generalitat; in other autonomous communities, by the respective council, board, or competent body).

This distinction may have implications in certain academic or administrative contexts, especially regarding access to doctoral studies or international recognition.

BAU's educational model is committed to personal growth and understands learning as a holistic process that incorporates both technical and theoretical knowledge and emotional and human support, based on practice, experimentation, research and the development of a distinctive language.

Learning at BAU is entirely practical, with cross-disciplinary projects, teamwork and personalised tutorials. Theory is integrated directly into practice to ensure a solid and applicable education.

The student can specialise in Graphic Design, Audiovisual Design, Fashion Design or Interior Design, with a flexible system that allows them to build their own profile and a hybrid approach according to their professional interests.

Alternatively, the student can diversify their training by freely and personally selecting all 102 elective credits. In this case, they would follow a cross-disciplinary pathway without a specialisation.

BAU has its own specialised workshops, integrated and distributed across the three buildings of the urban campus, open throughout the day, organised into work ecosystems that connect graphic, textile, audiovisual, artistic, digital and material disciplines.

Find all the information about BAU's urban campus here.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Design has a duration of 4 years and 240 ECTS credits, following the model of the European Higher Education Area.

Yes. BAU has more than 40 international agreements and offers mobility and exchange programmes with universities in Europe, America and Asia, which allow you to study part of your course abroad.

See the list of partner institutions here.

Yes. The degree includes compulsory work placements and also offers optional placements, managed by the Department of Employment and Corporate Relations. BAU maintains a well-established network of agreements with companies, studios and cultural institutions, enabling students to work on real briefs and creating opportunities for work placements and employment.

BAU maintains a close relationship with the professional sector of design, art and communication. During the degree, students participate in projects linked to companies, institutions and cultural entities, which allow them to work on real challenges and contexts. This connection with the sector allows students to develop relevant projects and build a network of contacts from the early years of their studies.

Graduates can join design teams in various specialisations, work in creative direction, run their own studios, participate in creative start-ups, work in consultancy, or continue their academic path with master’s and doctoral programmes.

See the full list of career opportunities here.

For the 2026 academic year, the cost is €151 per ECTS credit. As each academic year consists of 60 ECTS credits, the annual fee is €9,320. This is a fixed amount and includes all administrative fees and student insurance.

BAU students can access internal and external scholarships and financial aid, as well as financing and instalment payment options.

See all the terms and conditions and application deadlines for scholarships and grants.

BAU offers three different payment methods to facilitate enrolment on the degree programme and adapt the payment of your studies to each student's needs:

• Single payment: If you pay the total course fee upon enrolment, a 3% discount is applied to the total number of credits enrolled.
• Payment in 3 instalments.
• Payment in 10 instalments.

See all payment options here.

The Master's Degree in Design Research is an official programme aimed at exploring the potential of design as a research tool. The master's programme approaches design as a practice capable of generating knowledge and investigating social, cultural, technological and environmental issues through experimental methodologies.

A master's degree is an official qualification recognised within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means that the degree has official academic validity and allows you to continue your research career by accessing a doctoral programme.

The Master's Degree in Design Research is accredited and awarded by UVic-UCC and is registered in the Register of Universities, Centres and Degrees (RUCT).

Design research is a field that uses design as a research method. Through creative processes, prototypes, experiments and critical reflection, it allows for the analysis of complex contexts and the generation of new perspectives or knowledge applicable to different areas of society and culture.

In the master's programme, this approach is developed through a methodology based on research through practice (research through design), which combines conceptual exploration, experimentation with materials and design methodologies, and the development of original research projects.

The master's has an interdisciplinary approach that connects design with the humanities, technology and contemporary culture. It combines academic rigour, experimentation and the development of research projects, fostering a critical and innovative approach to design.

Students' projects fall within the various research lines of the programme, notably including:

• Fictional, Critical and Speculative Design
• Social Innovation and Collaborative Design
• Material Cultures and Ecologies of Design
• Design, Power and Society
• Research in Art and Design
• Fabrication and Prototyping

The master's is aimed primarily at graduates in design, arts, architecture, communication or related disciplines. It may also be relevant for professionals interested in research, cultural innovation or the development of interdisciplinary projects.

To gain entry, you must hold an official university degree or an equivalent qualification. During the admission process, the candidate's academic and professional profile, as well as their motivation and interest in developing research projects in design, may be assessed.

Find all the information about enrolment process for a master’s or postgraduate degree here.

The master's is taught in English, which facilitates the participation of international students and staff and fosters a global academic environment.

Classes take place from Monday to Thursday, 16:00 to 19:00, in person at BAU (Barcelona). The afternoon timetable allows you to partially combine your studies with a professional activity.

However, please note that the master's programme requires dedication to research projects, reading, and the development of the Master's Final Project, so it is recommended that you plan your time carefully.

The master's programme lasts for one academic year and consists of 60 ECTS credits.

The teaching staff is made up of researchers, designers and professionals with international experience in the field of design and research. This combination allows for the integration of academic and professional perspectives within the programme.

Although work placements are not a compulsory part of the curriculum, the master's degree offers the option to count a placement as an optional module and undertake a placement with external organisations, such as associations, foundations, NGOs, collectives, research bodies or companies.

These experiences are often developed in relation to the Master's Final Project, allowing for the application of research in real-world contexts and experimentation with prototypes, methodologies and projects linked to organisations or institutions.

Yes. The master's programme offers collaborations with professional and academic networks, and helps students connect research with professional practice.

Design research can lead to professional careers in areas such as design research, cultural innovation, research and innovation labs, strategic consulting or the development of interdisciplinary projects. It can also open doors in the academic and cultural sectors.

Yes. As an official 60 ECTS university master's degree, it provides access to PhD programmes in accordance with the regulations of the European Higher Education Area.

If you are a student from outside the European Union, you will need to apply for a student visa to carry out your academic stay in Spain. This visa must be requested before traveling, at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of origin or legal residence. We recommend contacting the relevant embassy or consulate to obtain up-to-date information about application timelines, requirements, and required documentation.

You must apply for a student visa at the embassy or consulate in your city.

On the part of BAU, you will need to submit the admission letter and the course syllabus that you will receive once you have completed your enrolment. For more information about the other documents you will need to provide, please contact the embassy or consulate in your city.

Yes, one of the requirements to be able to apply for a student visa is to have a public or private health insurance policy with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain.

The enrolment fee includes a school insurance that will only cover you for medical assistance if, during the academic timetable and while carrying out an academic activity, you have an accident that requires medical attention.