Apply for MFA Programme in Design

Portfolio instructions 

• Your application must be written in English. 
• Your application must be anonymous. Do not include your name or contact details in your portfolio or texts.
• If you include projects or work in your portfolio created in collaboration with others, briefly describe the nature of the collaboration and your individual contribution.
• If you have used generative AI to create or process images, sound, or text we ask that you describe how you used it. 

Your portfolio should include: 

1. Background and experience (maximum 3000 characters)
   List your professional and academic experiences that are relevant to studying design at MFA level.  

2. Letter of Intent (1 pdf, maximum 2 pages) 
   In this Letter of intent we would like you to reflect on and formulate your thoughts around four questions that in different ways relate and refer to the intentions and goals of the MFA design program at HDK-Valand. Try to be as precise as possible and use your Portfolio and other references for support. You can also use images.  
     - There are many different schools and design programs, why are you interested in being a student at MFA Design at HDK-Valand?  

    - How one works with design projects and develop ideas is very individual. How do you work?  Describe your workflow and reflect on how you would like this to develop.

    - How could situated and relational design methods both support and challenge the development of your future Design practice.

    - What societal issues, global or local, interest you and how do you see that you could work with them within the MFA Design program and in your future design practice? 
    

3. PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES (1 pdf, maximum 20 pages) 
   Use images (or other relevant digital material) from your design practice that demonstrate the: 
   - breadth and depth of your creative work 
   - key stages of the design process to a realized intention 
   - personal direction of interest in design 
   - skills in presentation, visualization and communication
   You can also upload maximum two video files as part of your portfolio. 

Submit your portfolio   

• Submit your portfolio through SlideRoom. SlideRoom closes at midnight (CET) on the day of the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email from SlideRoom when you have submitted your portfolio.  
• You can start your application in SlideRoom at any time during the application period. You can save your progress, log out, and return later to finish.  
• We recommend uploading your materials at least 24 hours before the deadline. Please note that portfolios cannot be submitted after the application deadline. 

Assessment 

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:  

• The Design Process – design knowledge, methodology, materialities and concepts.
• Breadth and Depth – contexts, skills, scales and experiences.
• Field of Interest – design questions, societal questions, skills and relevance to the MFA Design program profile.
• Artistic Approach – expression, method, conceptualizations and communication.

The assessment is made by an admissions jury consisting of the Programme Director and representatives from the department. To be considered approved, all criteria must be fulfilled. 

Documentation of Bachelor’s degree in Design and English 6. 

• Submit all required documents on universityadmissions.se/antagning.se showing that you meet the entry requirements.   
  Note: If you have studied in Sweden you normally do not have to upload any documents. Make sure your merits are registered on “my pages”.
• Ensure documents are complete and follow the country-specific guidelines.
• More information: Provide application documents  
• If you submit incomplete documentation, you will be considered unqualified.  
• If you do not have a BA degree in Design or equivalent, you may apply for the assessment of prior learning (reell kompetens).  

Apply with prior learning (reell kompetens)

If you don't meet the formal entry requirements you may be considered eligible through the following:

•    other relevant educational qualifications  
•   relevant work experience or other practical experience
•   relevant artistic skills and abilities

Submit official, certified documentation of your qualifications or experience on universityadmissions.se/antagning.se by the application deadline: 15 January.

Exemptions are not granted for the English language requirement (English 6).