Art
17 Jun 2025
Located in Milan’s vibrant Navigli district, Domus Academy is renowned for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, fashion, and business. Since its inception, the academy has been a hub for nurturing creative talent, offering programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. Its international accreditation and strong industry ties make it a standout institution for those pursuing international design programs.
The academy’s history is steeped in design excellence, with early contributions from notable figures like Gianfranco Ferré, who served on the staff from 1983 to 1989, and Andrea Branzi, the cultural director for its first decade. Today, Domus Academy continues to innovate, offering a range of programs that cater to the evolving needs of the design industry.
Student life at Domus Academy is a vibrant, multicultural experience, with over 93% of its 4,000 students hailing from outside Italy. This diversity creates a rich environment for collaboration and idea exchange, essential for those pursuing a multicultural design education. The campus, shared with the New Academy of Fine Arts (NABA), features state-of-the-art facilities, including a Fashion Lab equipped with high-quality sewing machines, mannequins, and a variety of fabrics, and a Design Lab with cutting-edge technology.
Milan itself is a living laboratory for design students. As the global epicenter of fashion and design, the city offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with the industry. Students can participate in Milan’s renowned Design Week and Fashion Weeks, visit flagship stores of brands like Versace and Armani, and explore emerging boutiques and design studios. The city’s excellent transportation links also make it easy to explore Europe, with weekend trips to France, Spain, or the Alps just a short journey away.
Domus Academy supports its students with comprehensive services, including health insurance partnerships with APRIL International and a unique career alias program for transgender students, ensuring an inclusive environment. The campus’s on-site eatery, The Corner, provides a convenient space for students to connect over meals, further enhancing the community feel.
Domus Academy excels in its innovative approach to design education, particularly through its “learning by designing” methodology. This hands-on approach, which constitutes 90% of the curriculum, involves students working on real-world projects with leading companies in fashion, product design, and interaction design. This practical experience is invaluable for those seeking design internships in Italy, as it allows students to build professional networks and gain industry insights.
The academy’s interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to integrate knowledge from various fields, fostering creativity and preparing them to address future challenges. Programs are designed to develop a mindset for innovative problem-solving, making Domus Academy a leader in postgraduate design education. Collaborations with prestigious brands and studios further enhance the learning experience, providing students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
A 2023 BVA Doxa survey highlighted the academy’s success, revealing a 96% employment rate within the first year after graduation and an 88% job satisfaction rate among graduates. This underscores Domus Academy’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the competitive design industry.
Domus Academy’s reputation is bolstered by its strong performance in global rankings. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, it is ranked #201-260 for Art & Design, placing it among the top design schools in Italy. In 2022, it was recognized as one of the top three design schools in Italy and among the top 100 globally in the Art & Design field. The academy has also been included in THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric for its sustainability efforts.
The Business of Fashion awarded Domus Academy Special Badges of Excellence in Learning Experience in 2019 and ranked it among the Top 10 Global Graduate Fashion Business Courses in 2017. Business Week has listed it as one of the thirty ?????? ???? ??????? ? ????, further cementing its status as a leading institution for design education in Europe.
Domus Academy has produced a roster of influential alumni who have made significant contributions to the design and fashion industries. Notable graduates include:
Christophe Pillet, a renowned French designer known for his work in furniture and interior design.
Reid Baker and Ines Amorim, founders of the fashion brand Ernest W. Baker.
Valeria Stroukova, creator of the Krato Brand.
Tommaso Franchi, founder and director of Tomeff Design, a London-based design studio.
Luis Angarita, a speaker at the World Design Summit.
These alumni highlight the academy’s ability to nurture talent and launch stellar careers, making it a top choice for those aspiring to make their mark in the global design landscape.
Domus Academy offers a range of programs, including Bachelor of Arts degrees in Design and Fashion, as well as postgraduate programs such as Academic Master’s, Dual Award Master’s, and 2-year Master of Arts degrees. The Academic Master’s programs, which span 11 months, consist of five modules, including a curricular internship and a final project workshop. These programs, recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), award 60 ECTS credits and culminate in a Domus Academy Master’s Diploma and a degree from NABA.
The Dual Award Master’s programs, lasting 14 months, offer additional accreditation from Regent’s University London, awarding 90 ECTS credits. These programs include a London study trip, additional lectures, and access to international doctoral programs, making them ideal for students seeking a globally recognized degree.
The curriculum is workshop-based, supported by seminars, lectures, tutorials, and fieldwork. Students receive individual coaching from industry professionals, ensuring personalized guidance. Programs are taught in English, requiring a high level of proficiency (IELTS 5.0 for Academic Master’s, 5.5 for Dual Award Master’s).
What sets Domus Academy apart from other design schools is its unique combination of features:
Learning by Designing: The curriculum’s focus on hands-on workshops ensures practical, industry-relevant experience.
International Community: With students from over 50 countries, the academy offers a truly global learning environment.
Milan’s Design Capital: Studying in Milan provides direct access to the heart of the fashion and design industries.
Industry Collaborations: Partnerships with leading companies offer real-world project opportunities.
High Employability: A 96% employment rate within a year reflects strong career support.
Dual Accreditation: Options for both Italian and British degrees enhance global recognition.
Future-Oriented Focus: The curriculum emphasizes innovative solutions for future challenges.
These elements make Domus Academy a standout choice for those seeking a design master’s in Europe.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/oMpWTX2txp3H27mK9
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey in design? Join Domus Academy’s Career Event on June 25, 2025, to explore its programs, meet faculty and alumni, and learn how to launch your career in the design industry. The event will take place at:
6:30 PM IST (India Standard Time)
8:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
3:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
Register now at Domus Academy Career Event to secure your spot and take the first step toward a stellar career in design. Register Here: https://forms.gle/oMpWTX2txp3H27mK9
Domus Academy Official Website
QS World University Rankings - Domus Academy
Business of Fashion - Domus Academy Rankings 2016
Wikipedia - Domus Academy Overview
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