International Learning

Students on Design Studies, and those who have taken our modules, are eligible to enhance their education through our international learning options. We have several opportunities, varying in length, which allow students to immerse themselves in different cultural, professional, and academic environments. These opportunities enrich students' design perspectives and broaden their creative horizons. Whether studying at a partner institution, or completing a summer school, students can experience diverse design philosophies and methodologies, which can significantly influence their own work. Ultimately, international learning with Design Studies at the University of Warwick equips design students with a competitive edge, preparing them for successful careers.

Study Abroad

Study abroad

Why not make your university experience a truly global one by choosing to study abroad?

Choosing to study overseas opens up a world of possibilities, enriching your academic journey in countless ways. This is your chance to step outside your comfort zone, broaden your perspectives, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Study at a leading university

Warwick partners with universities in more than 40 countries across the world, located in Europe, North America, South America, Australasia and East Asia to help deepen your knowledge and expose you to inspiring course content and teaching methods across the globe. Please note that allocations are agreed on an annual basis.

Develop your personal strengths

Living abroad requires you to be organised, proactive, and to grasp new opportunities.

It will also increase your confidence as you welcome new and unique experiences you would not encounter elsewhere.

Immerse yourself in a new culture

Whether you study at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona or at one of Monash's campuses in Melbourne (Australia) or Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), you will be able to embrace the food, lifestyle, and atmosphere of a different culture whilst making cherished memories.

Intercalated Year Abroad Placement

The Design Studies Department will support an application for an intercalated(non-credit bearing) year abroad placement.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience living and studying abroad. You would undertake your study abroad or work placement year between the second and third year of your studies at Warwick.

Each year, the list of host institutions and the number of places available changes in accordance with Warwick's international partner agreements. For more information please visit the Warwick's Student Mobility websiteLink opens in a new window

Fees and Funding

Intercalated Study Abroad (at a university-wide partner institutions)

Reduced fees paid to Warwick, and no tuition fees paid to your host institution. If you are eligible for a student loan, you will continue to receive one, and may receive a higher amount as a result of studying abroad. Funding the cost of flights, accommodation, and living expenses remains your responsibility. Many countries stipulate health insurance as a required condition of a visa.

Grants & Scholarships

Various schemes are run annually to support you on your time away from Warwick.

These can vary from travel subsidies to a monthly grant to supplement living costs.

Awards vary from year to year and have strict eligibility criteria.

View FAQs for outgoing students

For more information, please email ugds at warwick dot ac dot uk

Summer Schools

It is not compulsory for students to take part in any of our international learning opportunities as part of their Design Studies degree. We do however, actively encourage students to consider international learning. Here our some of the options available should you wish to apply for an international learning opportunity:

A Sustainable Serenissima: Water and the Future of Venice

This module examines the ways in which contemporary Venice confronts sustainability challenges and develops resilience. We will consider past, present, and future threats to a sustainable Venice, along with complex and unique local solutions using the three main pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, and economic areas) as lenses to focus our interdisciplinary discussions.

Venice: Resistance and Representation

This module uses an interdisciplinary lens to examine Venice as a site of cultural, ecological, intellectual, social, and political resistance while also interrogating the representational strategies and legacies of such defiance. We will explore how Venice demonstrates a long legacy of resistance and complex representational regimes that continue to this day and can practically inform resistance movements in the future.

Design Studies partnerships

We have several international partners, through which various opportunities become available. Some of these partner institutions are available for a study year abroad, depending on the course you are taking.

University of Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden

As a student of design, you frame your education around your own interests. Regardless of which area of design you choose to concentrate your studies in – such as visual communications, interior design, product design, performative utterance, or organisation – they all share a common core. Therefore, the different fields of interest within the subject of design at HDK-Valand share a common instructional curriculum.

Monash University

Two options: Clayton Campus, Melbourne, Australia, or Malaysia Campus in Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.

Monash University is home to a world-leading centre for multi-disciplinary research into and education for sustainability. Bringing together scientists, lawyers, economists, psychologists, biologists, engineers, health professionals, and training experts to tackle the globe’s biggest problems, the Institute aims to “envisage and create the world of the future.”

Politecnico di Milano

Milan, Italy

Milan has a long-standing tradition in the field of design, as well as the critical and theoretical studies related to it. This tradition came about at the start of the century from the material culture of Lombardy’s craftsmanship and industry, later exploding with originality and prestige from the postwar period onwards. Industrial Design has, for many years, been the professional practice that oversaw the design and enhancement of industrial products, both aesthetically and in terms of quality of use.

FAQs

If you have a question about the international and study abroad opportunities with Design Studies, you should check the section below as you may be able to find the information that you require. If you are not able to find the answer to your question, please contact the department.

How do I apply?

For all of our international and study abroad opportunities there will be an application process that needs to be completed. This will vary depending on the opportunity, but places available are usually limited. Therefore, it is often a competitive application and selection procedure. More information is published when applications open, so you should keep an eye out for information in your email inbox, or via our newsletter.

What will I learn?

What you will learn and do depends on the opportunities you apply for, and full information about this will be made available prior to the application window opening. It may be that you study modules at a partner institution, complete a Summer school with a specific design brief, or experience working for an industry partner.

Is there support available?

On some international opportunities students will be accompanied by Design Studies staff, but this tends to be for shorter, intensive trips, such as a Summer School. For longer periods, such as a study year abroad, you will be required to maintain regular contact with Warwick staff as part of your compliance with our Student Attendance and Monitoring Scheme. Your main point of contact will be your Warwick personal tutor. They will be required to approve the courses which you study while abroad and will also be available to support you throughout your study abroad experience, particularly if you encounter any issues or have any concerns about your progress. You will maintain regular online contact with Warwick, and Warwick tutors may even visit you while you are overseas. Towards the end of the year abroad, you will need to advise us on your choices of modules for your final year at Warwick.

What does it cost?

The cost of international opportunities depends on which one you take up. We endeavour to seek funding wherever possible for students to access, particularly for those from widening participation backgrounds.

For full study years abroad you will pay a reduced rate for home fees. You will need to pay fees to Warwick if you are studying abroad as you will still be in receipt of services from Warwick. For example, you will continue to receive the advice and support of your personal tutor while you are abroad. They will have to approve the modules which you choose to study while you are abroad in order to ensure that they fit in with your Warwick course.

Is accommodation provided? Are there visa requirments? Are there language requirements?

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