Master's Degree in Design Research

Núria Alonso. IT
Marcela Arreaga. Strategy design
Carles Baiges. Architecture and urban sociology
Aurelio Castro. Visual arts and design
Tim Cowlishaw. Media and computer sciences
Sara de Ubieta. Architecture and fashion and product design
Mariona Genís. Architecture, education and design
Toni Mañach. Philosophy, history and design
Isaac Marrero-Guillamón. Anthropology
Lucrecia Masson. Political sciences and cultural critique
Antoni Miralda. Art and public space
Ariadna Parreu. Speculative art
Afra Quintanas. Creative and cultural entrepreneurship
Roger Sansi. Anthropology and sociology

• Multidisciplinary designer
• Designer researcher
• Design lecturer
• Designer of research projects
• Transitional designer
• Social and cultural designer
• Consultant for environmental and sustainable design projects
• Coordinator of digital creation and manufacturing laboratories
• Coordinator of collaborative design projects
• Cultural manager
• Start a PhD

• Formulating design proposals that integrate research and experimentation processes in accordance with the paradigms of contemporary design
• Applying methodologies of ethnographic research, both speculative and based on data to execute design projects of various natures
• Executing, prototyping and manufacturing of objects and design projects through the operation of numerical control and digital design tools and technologies
• Analysing the properties and behaviour of materials in order to use them appropriately and innovatively in design processes and projects
• Critical consideration of innovation and social transformation, participation and collaborative design, and other paradigms of contemporary design to facilitate the resolution of problems within the field of design
• Designing services, processes and objects that will provide solutions through the principles of open design and its fields of circulation
• Using the software specific to design by taking into account its applications and repercussions, both in the field of professional design and the field of research
• Understanding and valuing the political economy of art and design and identifying its value cycles, the social life of objects, consumption cycles and recycling in a changing social and economic context
• Applying the strategies of fiction and speculative design, using diegetic prototypes and provoking thought through design as an epistemic object
• Considering the material cultures of design and the many related traditions (philosophy, anthropology, cultural studies…) to conduct research through their objects and materials
• Managing the multiple work processes involved in the practice of design and integrating elements of research and experimentation

The Master's Degree in Research and Experimentation in Design at BAU is a 2º-cycle study program that responds to the research concerns of the BAU Doctorate Program structured in two lines of research:

• Design and society. Politics, art and education.
• Communication and its environments. Corporations and institutions; media, networks and territory.

Total cost of the course: 10.110 €

The total cost includes an amount of 150 € concerning the university fees, the administration expenses and the compulsory insurances.

Payment methods

BAU, Arts and Design College of Barcelona offers different terms of payment:

• Single payment: attracts a 3% discount over the total cost of the course excluding fees. An amount of 150 € concerning the university fees is added to the resulting cost

• Part payment, in 3 instalments:

  • 1st payment, due on enrolment: consisting of 40 % of the fees excluding taxes. An amount of 150 € concerning the university fees is added to the resulting cost

  • 2nd payment, due November 5: consisting of 30% of the course excluding taxes

  • 3rd payment, due January 5: consisting of 30 % of the course excluding taxes

Students and former students of BAU benefit from 10% discount on any of the courses if they have exceeded at least 50% of the credits for a Degree, Higher Degree in Design or the Diploma in Graphic Design; or 100% of the credits for any of the Master’s or Postgraduate degrees.

BAU offers two scholarships for 50% of the total price of its Master’s Degree in Design Research.

These scholarships are intended to encourage, reward and provide opportunities for designers wishing to delve into experimentation and research in design. One of the scholarships is exclusively for BAU Alumni, while the other is open to anyone outside of BAU. Participation requirements are the same:

• Cover letter
• Average grade in bachelor studies
• B2 level English
• Portfolio (optional)

Candidate presentation deadline -> 01.05.2023

Send all of the documentation to aga@bau.cat with the subject: ‘Beca Máster Design Research’

The Master’s Degree in Design Research provides an official university degree and gives access to participation in a PhD program. The master’s degree promotes the social role of design and its potential as en engine of change in light of the challenges of today’s society.

More information about scholarships and grants.

Pre registration: from January 9th to September 30th 2023. 

Request an interview with the Master's coordinator

Check the information about the pre registration process

Download the pre-registration form

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