Design is a broad field that covers many different areas, such as fashion, graphics, textiles, products, and services. To pursue a career in design, prospective students must decide which design area they want to focus on.
Having a degree in design is a great start, but it is also helpful to have some business knowledge to increase the chances of success in the industry. With a degree from a well-respected university, graduates can gain access to many high-paying and prestigious jobs in the design field. A degree from a top university not only provides students with the technical skills they need but also helps to establish a solid professional network and a reputation in the industry. The combination of design skills and business knowledge can be precious in the competitive design industry. Here is the list of the top 7 colleges for design.
Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a school for art and design located in London. It has a long history, dating back to 1837, and was recognised as a university in 1967. The RCA offers advanced study programs in different areas of design, such as fashion, textiles, healthcare, engineering, and more. These programs focus on cutting-edge research that is relevant on a global scale, such as the use of artificial intelligence and medical technology.
University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London (UAL) is a well-known institution specialising in arts and design education. It comprises six colleges and attracts a large and diverse group of students from all over the world. At UAL, students can choose from various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Architecture, Graphic Design, Fashion, Photography, and many others. The Bachelor of Arts in Design Management program at the London College of Education is a unique offering that combines education in creativity and business.
Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a famous college for art and design located in the United States. It was established in 1877 and was initially created for women. Today, it has expanded its reach and is open to all students worldwide. RISD offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts. The duration of the Master’s program depends on the student’s previous educational background and can last two to three years. Overall, RISD is known for its high-quality art and design programs and is considered a leading institution.
Aalto University
Aalto University is a relatively young institution located in Finland that was formed through the merger of three schools in 2010. Despite its youth, the university has quickly established itself as a leading player in art, business, science, and technology. It is regarded as one of the best universities for these disciplines and is ranked highly among young universities worldwide. The university’s School of Arts, Design, and Architecture is particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive and rigorous art and design program. This program is a five-year course of study that combines a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree into one program. Students will have the opportunity to gain a broad and deep education in the arts and design, covering various topics and techniques. They will graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art, commonly known as GSA, is a highly regarded institution of art and design located in Scotland and is considered one of the best schools for innovation in the world. Established in 1845, it has a long history of providing education and training to artists and designers. The school offers a variety of undergraduate programs in various design fields, including Communication Design, Design for Health and well-being, Fashion Design, and Interaction Design. The graduate programs available at GSA are highly specialised and include Environmental Design, Interaction Design, Future Heritage, and Transformation Design.
Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is a well-respected school of art and design with a long history dating back to 1887. It has three campuses located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Utica. The School of Design offers undergraduate programs in various design fields, such as Communications Design, Fashion, Foundation, Industrial Design, and Interior Design. Pratt also offers graduate programs in Communications Design, Industrial Design, and Interior Design for those seeking advanced study. The programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive design field education, combining theoretical and practical approaches to prepare them for successful careers.
ArtCenter College of Design
ArtCenter College of Design is a prestigious design school in Pasadena, California. With a small student population of only 2,000 students from over 40 countries, ArtCenter College of Design offers a personalised and intimate learning experience. The school provides various undergraduate and graduate design programs, including entertainment design, graphic design, illustration, product design, and transportation design. Undergraduate programs typically last eight terms, while graduate programs can be completed five times for students with relevant undergraduate qualifications. ArtCenter College of Design is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong reputation in the design industry.
