BA Programme in Design

The aim of the programme is to promote an exploratory and meaning-making approach to design. The student is prepared for a professional design practice within visual communication, product design, spatial design, or in a transdisciplinary form.

The programme is structured so that students with different areas of interest within design study together, based on the themes and content of the courses. Shared studies and collective learning foster a transdisciplinary approach and a deeper understanding of the complexity of design as a field.

The responsibility of the design profession towards the surrounding society is central, as is a critical perspective on design and the role of the designer. The programme therefore consistently relates to issues of ethics and sustainability, as design is part of a sustainable societal development.

Within the programme, collaborations are carried out with various actors in society in order to create an understanding of the different conditions of design practice. Communicating with partners, clients, and target groups prepares students for a profession as either a freelance or employed designer.

Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design (180 credits).

(Konstnärlig kandidatexamen i design)

The programme’s courses and teaching are based on the different phases of the design process, through which each student builds knowledge of its fundamental principles. Starting from an exploratory approach and through problem formulation, the student develops in-depth knowledge of various methods, tools, and concepts in order to independently carry out design projects in their entirety.

Project-based assignments are linked to the thematic focus of the courses and to contemporary societal issues, where the students’ different areas of interest provide insight into and understanding of the breadth of the field. This enables the student to explore and shape an individual specialisation as well as to develop the ability for critical reflection. Through written, oral, and visual presentations, the student develops the ability to communicate and convey ideas and projects.

Design practice is central to all courses, and the student is trained in colour theory, form, and material studies. This takes place through two- and three-dimensional methods, as well as through analogue and digital tools. Throughout the programme, the student applies and further develops these methods and design skills.

The theoretical foundation of the programme includes art and design history, contemporary theory, and concepts in relation to the thematic focus of the courses and perspectives on sustainability.

Collective learning and collaboration are integral parts of both practical and theoretical exercises and are carried out in group work as well as individually. Through group dynamics exercises, the student develops and deepens the ability to collaborate during and beyond the programme.

Semester 1

The student is introduced to the subject of design, the design profession, and the relationship between the field of design and the surrounding world. This is achieved through practical exercises, theoretical components, an introduction to design methodologies, workshops, and tools.

Semester 2

During the second semester, the introduction to the subject, the profession, tools, and methods continues through both practical and theoretical components. The student is introduced to formulating project briefs, working towards target groups, and managing design projects.

Semester 3

Knowledge from the first year is further developed through an exploratory approach to the design process, with a focus on working methods and tools. The student also examines how design work can be communicated to an audience through concepts such as mediation, message, and publication.

Semester 4

Through a larger design project, further depth is achieved in issues related to sustainability and ethics. Practical work in relation to theoretical components deepens the discussion of the responsibility of the design profession in these matters. The student summarises and begins to formulate an individual area of specialisation.

Semester 5

The student carries out an individual design project with a focus on identity as a designer and professional role. Knowledge of the design project as a whole is deepened, and the student formulates an individual design process and design practice. Through practical, theoretical, and exploratory preparation, the foundation is laid for the degree project course conducted during the final semester of the programme.

During the first half of Semester 5, the student may alternatively choose to complete their studies in the form of an internship with an external organisation within the field of design.

Semester 6

The degree project course consists of an independent design project in which practical design work is explored, developed, and realised in relation to the student’s own research questions, theory, and sustainability perspectives.

Following the completion of the design project, the student writes a degree thesis that critically reflects on the student’s own working process and the outcomes of the project. The student must also describe how the design project relates to ethical issues, the surrounding society, and the practices of others. The course concludes with the student refining the design project so that its content, message, and objectives can be communicated in a public context.

Exchange Studies

During Semester 4, the programme admits incoming exchange students subject to availability. This means that teaching is largely conducted in English.

During Semester 4, students in the programme also have the opportunity to undertake exchange studies, following application to one of the institution’s partner universities.

Elective Programme Courses at the Institution

Educational programmes offered at the department include compulsory elective programme courses. These courses aim to offer complementary education in artistic practices in addition to the programmes' subject specialisations. The range of elective courses provides opportunities for the student to broaden their knowledge and develop their skills and abilities. Within the elective courses, students meet across department subjects. Students apply for the elective courses based on an annual course offering.

The programme is full-time and consists of the following courses:

Year 1

Semester 1

Introduction to Sketching and Idea Generation in a Design Work, 15 credits
Introduction to Tools and Techniques, 15 credits

Semester 2

Introduction to Design as Practice, 30 credits

Year 2

Semester 3

Exploratory Methods in Design, 7.5 credits
Design, Message, and Publication, 15 credits
Elective Course, 7.5 credits

Semester 4

Design and Societal Perspectives, 22.5 credits
Elective Course, 7.5 credits

Year 3

Semester 5

Design, Identity, and Professional Role, 15 credits
Exploratory Preparation for the Degree Project in Design, 15 credits

Semester 6

Degree Project in Design, 30 credits

General outcomes for Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts

According to Higher Education Ordinance (see SFS 1993:100, System of Qualifications, Annex 2):

For a Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts the student shall

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the principal field (main field of study), including knowledge of the practical and theoretical foundation of the field, knowledge and experience of methods and processes in the field as well as specialised study within the field.

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to describe, analyse and interpret design, techniques and content as well as to reflect critically on their artistic approach and that of others in the main field of study
• demonstrate the ability in the main field of study to create, realise and express their own ideas, identify, formulate and solve artistic and creative problems autonomously and to undertake artistic tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss their works and artistic issues in speech, writing or in other ways and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the competence and knowledge required to work autonomously in a professional capacity.

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant artistic, social and ethical issues demonstrate insight into the role of art in society, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

This programme syllabus (GU 2024/894) applies to students admitted to the programme from the autumn semester of 2025.

Students who commenced the programme prior to the autumn semester of 2025 and who have incomplete courses under a previous programme syllabus are entitled to complete these through additional examination opportunities, for a maximum of two years after the courses have been amended or discontinued.

Students who thereafter still have incomplete courses from a previous programme syllabus may complete the programme in accordance with the current programme syllabus and course structure. An individual study plan for the remaining parts of the programme may be required.

The language of instruction is Swedish. Certain teaching components may be conducted in English. In connection with the admission of incoming international exchange students, teaching during Semester 4 may be conducted largely in English.

Costs for materials, as well as any costs related to study trips, are borne by the student.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet).

A student who follows the programme at the normal pace is guaranteed admission. Guaranteed admission at University of Gothenburg consists of two kinds, it can be general or limited.

The programme applies a limited guaranteed admission to the elective programme courses, which means that it is not possible to guarantee admission according to the student’s ranking order of selected elective courses. However, the student is always guaranteed admission to one of the elective courses given at the department the current semester.