Study Abroad in Arts and Design
Experience international academic life in Barcelona, a global hub for creativity and the arts. Study design, visual arts, and communication at BAU, a center affiliated with UVic-UCC.
Presentation
BAU offers international students the opportunity to study in Barcelona for one or two academic semesters through a selection of courses taught in English in the fields of Art, Design, and Communication.
The courses are part of the official Study Abroad programs of Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), under whose academic framework BAU operates as an affiliated university center. This institutional linkage ensures European academic standards, official recognition, and full academic validity of the studies completed at BAU.
The programs are characterized by a strong practical orientation, supported by a solid theoretical foundation. Students work on real projects and case studies, applying professional methodologies in a hands-on learning environment. Teaching is further enriched by the active involvement of professionals from the creative industries, who provide up-to-date insights into current trends and challenges, bridging academic learning with the realities of the international professional landscape.
Upon completion of the program, students receive an official academic certificate with ECTS credits, which may be transferred and recognized by their home university.
Technical information
Modality
On-site
Language
English
Academic Calendar
Academic Year 2026-2027:
- Term 1 (Fall): from 7th September 2026 to 18th December 2026 (applications open)
- Term 2 (Spring): from 11th Jaunary 2027 to 23rd April 2027 (applications open)
Fees 2026-27
| Number of courses | Number of ECTS (*) | Tuition fees |
| 4 courses | 24 ECTS | 3.660€ |
| 5 courses | 30 ECTS | 4.500€ |
| 6 courses | 36 ECTS | 5.200€ |
| 7 courses | 42 ECTS | 5.800€ |
(*) ECTS: European Credit Transfer System
Academic programme
Architecture and Urban Sketching
This course combines the study of architecture and art history with the practice of urban sketching. Set in the vibrant city of Barcelona, students will explore its rich artistic and architectural heritage, from the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí to cutting-edge contemporary design. The course includes guided tours of landmark sites, excursions to culturally significant neighborhoods, and hands-on sketching sessions that capture the essence of Barcelona’s urban landscape.
Art Market and Economy
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the art market, exploring its economic structures and the multiple agents that shape it. Students will analyze the role of traditional players such as auction houses, galleries, and collectors, alongside the influence of curators, independent art spaces, and new digital platforms. The course will address the financial aspects of the art market, including valuation techniques, investment strategies, and the effects of globalization. Emphasis will be placed on critical discussions about market ethics, sustainability, and the evolving impact of digital technologies such as NFTs.
Art and Technology
This course delves into the historical and contemporary role of technology in shaping artistic practices and consumption. It examines key technological innovations and their impact on how art is created, distributed, and experienced. Students will engage with theoretical concepts, analyze case studies, and develop their own projects inspired by the fusion of technology and art.
AI for Artists and Creatives
This course offers artists and creatives a practical introduction to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for artistic expression. Students will explore how AI can be used to create, enhance, and inspire works of art across mediums. By engaging with cutting-edge software and platforms, participants will gain the technical and creative confidence to integrate AI into their artistic practice while critically examining its implications for the future of art and creativity.
Art Direction
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Art Direction, exploring visual storytelling, branding, conceptual development, and the role of the art director in various creative industries. Students will develop a strategic understanding of visual communication and gain hands-on experience in crafting compelling visual narratives across different media platforms.
Graphic Design and Digital Art
This course introduces the principles and techniques of Graphic Design and Digital Art. It covers foundational topics such as composition, typography, color theory, branding, and digital illustration. Students will engage with industry-standard tools to create visually compelling designs across various media, including print, web, and multimedia platforms. Through hands-on projects and critiques, students will develop their creative and technical skills while exploring contemporary design trends and digital artistic practices.
Design and Communication
This course approaches graphic design with a focus on strategy and communication, making the most of design skills to create expressive projects and compelling narratives. Students will discover communication and conceptualization tools and will learn how to incorporate them in a project of their interest. The methodology can be applied in any graphic design project, ranging from brands and advertising to posters and editorial projects. This course will allow the students to engage projects with a broader perspective and methods, and to enter brading and advertising projects with improved confidence and integration in an interdisciplinary communication team.
Applications and enrolment
General admission requirements
For acceptance on a Study Abroad program you need to:
- Talk to your Academic Coordinator or International Office at home university.
- Be currently enrolled at a higher education institution or be a university graduate.
- Have sufficient ability in the program’s language of instruction (Level B2 for courses taught in English).
You should submit the following documents:
- Your passport.
- A certificate showing that you are currently enrolled at a higher education institution or that you hold a university degree.
- A certificate of English (not required for students whose mother tongue is English).
- Proof of medical and accident insurance cover.
How to apply individual enrolments
- Download the Application Form.
- Fill in the Aplication Form. Please send the application to [email protected] including the following documents:
- Passport.
- Document confirming your higher education institution enrolment or degree.
- English language certificate.
- When we receive your application form, we will check that you meet the requirements for the course and contact you by email.
- Once you have been accepted into the course, we will send instructions on how to enroll in the program.
- When you have paid the fees, we will send you a letter of acceptance so you can apply for a visa, if necessary.
- At least one month before the course is due to start, you should send a copy of your visa and proof of medical and accident insurance cover.
How to apply group enrolments
If, as a university or organization, you are interested in sending a group of students to BAU’s Study Abroad program, send an email to: [email protected]
Application deadline 2026/27
Term 1 (Fall): 29th June 2026
Term 2 (Spring): 30th November 2026
Regulations
Campus BAU
A Space for Creation, Experimentation, and Critical Thinking
At BAU, learning goes far beyond the classroom. With over 10,000 m² dedicated to creativity and innovation, the campus provides an inspiring environment where experimentation, transversality, and critical thinking are key pillars of the educational approach.
BAU promotes a model of learning based on the exploration of new ideas, the development of disruptive projects, and interaction between diverse disciplines within design and communication. Students apply their knowledge and skills in fully equipped workshops and studios featuring advanced technology—dynamic, collaborative spaces where ideas take shape and creative processes come to life.
Barcelona: international hub
A Global Hub of Creativity and Innovation
BAU is located in the 22@ innovation district, in the heart of Barcelona—a leading European city in the fields of design, digital culture, and creative industries. This strategic location provides students with direct access to a dynamic professional ecosystem where education, research, and industry converge.
Barcelona offers a high quality of life, enhanced by its safety, international connectivity, and Mediterranean lifestyle. The city’s vibrant cultural agenda—featuring renowned museums, design fairs, art and music festivals, and international events—along with its proximity to the sea, creates an ideal environment for academic, personal and professional growth in the creative industry.
Accommodation
BAU provides information about student accommodation with benefits for the community. Visit BAU’s Accommodation section.