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.

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:

Design + Science Summer School

Design+Science is a multidisciplinary Summer School that promotes exploration and experimentation at the intersection of design and various scientific fields, led by renowned experts in their respective fields. This week-long Summer School includes workshops, guest lectures, tours, and other activities.

Group of students attending Venice WIISP module

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.

Hear from our students 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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