Master in Design Futures
The Academic Master in Design Futures explores a diverse range of forward-thinking and futures-oriented approaches and methodologies, inspiring students to envision and create possibilities beyond the current state.
Language: English | Start: February, September, November
ACADEMIC MASTER'S PROGRAMME
Duration 11 months
Accreditation MUR/Italy
ECTS 60
The Academic Master’s Programme in Design Futures is a progressive, workshop-based learning experience, supported by seminars, lectures, tutorials, and fieldwork. Guidance is provided by industry professionals, the course leader, and project leaders through individual coaching and mentorship.
This combination of accredited coursework and real-world professional projects give students the opportunity to build upon their academic foundations while gaining valuable experience directly applicable to their future careers.
Graduates of the Academic Master’s Programme earn a degree that is recognised throughout Europe and the world, receiving an Academic Master’s Degree (60 ECTS credits) in Service Design accredited by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR)*, in addition to a Domus Academy Master’s Diploma.
The programme consists of five terms, each including a subject module and a workshop module. The fifth term is dedicated to the Industry Placement. The programme concludes with the presentation of the Final Project.
* The academic Master’s Degree is awarded by NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti.
Over the past decade, Design Futures has emerged as a dynamic and transdisciplinary field, incorporating various practices, such as Speculative Design, Critical Design, Design Fiction, and Experiential Futures.
This futures-oriented approach empowers designers to challenge societal norms and imagine alternative visions and possibilities.
Embracing a transdisciplinary approach, it invites designers to harness their research and imaginative capabilities, empowering them to shape more inclusive, sustainable, and transformative futures.
This course is tailored for designers, strategists, researchers, and innovators committed to designing for better futures.
It is suitable for professionals with a background in product design, service design, interaction design, management, or related fields, eager to question established paradigms and craft transformative future scenarios.
All courses are taught in English. A high level of proficiency in the English language is required.
Students are prepared to embark on a career as self-employed consultants or entrepreneurs, or to consider a wide range of related roles in design consultancies, corporations, design studios, research institutions or start-ups, including:
- Futures Researcher
- Speculative Designer
- Strategic Designer
- Design Researcher
- Service Designer
- Innovation Lead
The Academic Master’s Programme involves the following costs, in addition to the payment of a degree fee to be paid within one month before the course start date, equal to € 540.
Matriculation Fee: € 540
EU & EFTA students fee
Academic Master
€ 23.900
Pre-Enrollment: € 3.000
Tuition: € 20.900
Non-EU Students Fee
Academic Master
€ 28.900
Pre-Enrollment: € 3.000
Tuition: € 25.900
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway
- Holland
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
The Master in Design Futures is an 11-month programme leading to an Academic Master’s Degree (60 ECTS credits) in Service Design, accredited by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Find out more about Domus Academy course accreditation at this link.
The Master in Design Futures is an innovative and transdisciplinary programme that integrates practices such as Speculative Design, Critical Design, Design Fiction, and Experiential Futures. The starting point is the future, not the present. The goal is not to solve existing problems, but to imagine alternative scenarios, challenge social norms, and build transformative, more sustainable visions of the future.
The course is suitable for designers, strategists, researchers, and innovators with a background in product design, service design, interaction design, management, or related disciplines, who wish to challenge established paradigms. Since the Master’s programme is taught entirely in English, a good command of both written and spoken English is required. Check the accepted language certificates and exemptions at this link.
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be ready to work as self-employed consultants, entrepreneurs, or within design studios, research institutions, and start-ups. Roles include Futures Researcher, Speculative Designer, Strategic Designer, Design Researcher, Service Designer, and Innovation Lead—profiles increasingly sought after by organisations aiming to anticipate social and technological transformations.
Yes, throughout the year Domus Academy offers various scholarship opportunities based on applicants’ previous work or the completion of a specific project. Visit the dedicated portal for more information and to submit your application.