BA in Design (Interior specialisation)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti

Program Overview

If you are someone who enjoys turning ideas into real, tangible designs, this programme at NABA gives you the perfect space to explore that. Over three years, you will develop both your creative identity and practical design skills, preparing you for careers in interior or product design through hands-on projects and real studio experience.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You begin by building a strong creative foundation, understanding how designers think and work. Through modules like Project Methodology, History of Design, and Technology of Materials, you will explore how ideas evolve into designs while learning about materials, techniques, and the cultural side of design.

Year 2
This is where things start to feel more personal and specialised. You will choose between Interior Design or Product Design and work on more focused projects through subjects like Digital Modelling Techniques, Furniture and Exhibit Design, and Multimedia Design, learning how to bring your concepts to life and present them professionally.

Year 3
In your final year, you will start thinking and working like a professional designer. With advanced modules such as Interaction Design, Light Design, and Urban Design, you will develop a final project that reflects your personal style, skills, and readiness for the industry.

Focus areas

Interior Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, Materials & Technology, Urban & Spatial Design, Design Culture

Learning outcomes

Creative thinking and problem-solving, strong project development skills, ability to work with materials and prototypes, digital design proficiency, critical thinking, and a professional portfolio

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Recognised Bachelor of Arts degree within the Italian higher education system, designed closely with industry practices and a strong “learning by doing” approach

Reputation (employability rankings)

Consistently recognised among the top design schools globally (QS Art & Design rankings), with strong industry connections in Milan — one of the world’s leading design capitals

🔗 Official Program Link: https://www.naba.it/en/undergraduate/design?utm_source

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes studying Design at NABA genuinely exciting is how hands-on everything feels from the very start. You are not just sitting in lectures — you are in studios, experimenting with materials, building models, and turning ideas into real design outcomes. The learning environment is very much like a professional design studio, where you are constantly creating, testing, and improving your work using both physical tools and digital software.

At the same time, NABA places you right in the middle of Milan’s design scene, so your learning naturally connects with the real industry. Through workshops, collaborations, and career support, you start building your portfolio and professional network alongside your degree — it all comes together in a very practical, career-focused way:

Design studios & labs: You will spend a lot of time working in dedicated creative spaces, experimenting with materials, prototyping ideas, and developing projects just like you would in a real design studio
Industry projects & workshops: Many projects are linked to real companies, giving you the chance to work on live briefs and understand what clients actually expect
Software & digital tools: You will use professional tools like Rhinoceros (3D modelling) and V-Ray to visualise and present your designs in a polished, industry-ready way
Collaborative group work: Team projects are a big part of the programme, helping you learn how to communicate ideas, divide roles, and work like a design team
Internships & career support: With access to hundreds of partner companies and a dedicated career service, you will have strong opportunities to secure internships and gain real-world experience
Portfolio & exhibitions: You will regularly present your work, building a strong portfolio that reflects your style and prepares you for job applications
Career platform (Symplicity): A dedicated platform helps you connect with employers, explore opportunities, and manage your applications
Milan advantage: Being in Milan means exposure to global design events, exhibitions, and one of the most influential creative industries in the world

🔗 Facilities & Services: https://www.naba.it/en/student-services/career-services/internship-and-job-opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

By the time you graduate from NABA, you are not just leaving with a degree — you are stepping out with a strong portfolio, real project experience, and a clear sense of your design style. Many students move smoothly into the creative industry, whether that is working in studios, agencies, or starting their own independent journey. Typical roles you could step into include Interior Designer, Product Designer, Exhibition Designer, and Design Consultant:

Career support that actually works: NABA’s Career Service and Industry Relations team actively help you prepare for the job market — from refining your portfolio to connecting you with companies through internships and recruitment opportunities
Strong employment outcomes: A high percentage of graduates (around 90%) secure employment within a year, with many finding opportunities even earlier thanks to industry exposure during the course
Real industry connections: You will benefit from collaborations with design studios, brands, and companies throughout your studies, which often lead directly to internships or job offers
Recognised qualification: Your degree is officially recognised within the Italian higher education system, giving it strong value across Europe and internationally
Global reputation: NABA is consistently ranked among top design schools worldwide (QS Art & Design), which adds credibility to your profile when applying globally
Where graduates go: Alumni work across design studios, architecture firms, creative agencies, and also as freelancers — giving you flexibility in how you shape your career

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to specialise further, you can continue into a Master’s degree at NABA or other international universities in areas like Interior Design, Product Design, or related creative fields. This is a great option if you are aiming for more advanced roles, leadership positions, or a deeper niche within the design industry.