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Become a master in décor for the fashion, luxury and creative industries. The one year Surface & Textile Design master’s course is for individuals looking to gain an in-depth knowledge of fabrics, understanding the significant ‘reappearance’ of textiles and furnishings in the luxury industry through important developments in materials and technology.
Application Requirements
Completed online application
Signed personal statement
Curriculum vitae/resume
2 reference letters
Copy of university diploma
Academic transcripts
Portfolio (where requested)
Passport scan (photo page)
2 digital photos (passport-style)
Italian privacy consent form
Degree Length
9 months; October intake
Application Deadline
June 1, 2019
Apps accepted after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
Oct intake: September 15 2019 – June 05 2020
Age: 18+
Academic: Completed Bachelor’s degree
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Undergraduate GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must demonstrate CEFR B2 level, and submit IELTS 6.5+ (no elements below 5.5).
Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate
Participants study the historical and cultural roots in décor and textile design, and their evolution through time to contemporary use in home collection, interiors, fashion, products and luxury, as well as in different contexts of art and design. They analyze technical developments in surface and fabric production, and research technology and its application in materials and fabric development for furnishings, wallpaper design, and decoration.
Throughout the course participants are encouraged to experiment with contemporary design looking at influences on surfaces and fabrics, studying the latest trends and different concepts for creative research including contrasts in light and dark, natural and vivid fabrics, or the tactile perception of surfaces and textures as well as visual interpretation. They consider new approaches in the industry that are evolving today, including renewable and sustainable resources and innovative new resources and technologies. Working with different fabrics and furnishings, and an advanced study of surfaces, participants are able to make practical and accurate design choices, for example considering the durability of surfaces in areas that are exposed to high usage, or simply switching fabrics to create various ‘zones’ within a space that reflects a different style or feel. As well as learning how to apply a creative approach to individual style, the course also covers marketing and communication skills providing a professional approach in the presentation of ideas to businesses and new clients.
A final graduation showcase provides an opportunity to exhibit final project work and designs, networking with important industry players and journalists.
Educational Aims
Program Aims
Participants develop Design Thinking skills that will enable them to engage with user-centered, interactive and system design within a communication framework. They acquire an understanding of the design process and the creativity tools required to develop products and services within multidisciplinary innovation-driven business contexts. The course articulates along three axes built around a set of units focusing on business, design and research. Participants learn how to analyze and manage design via an integrative, problem solving approach aimed at answering complex problems. They engage in inter and multi-disciplinary projects combining design awareness and business knowledge that requires an understanding of management models, project management, creativity and leadership. The course trains participants in research methods in design and management to support the development of an understanding of design and management problems, and as a basis through which to develop a research problematic that will be explored and addressed in their thesis project.
Final Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of their course of study students will be able to:
The Master’s course will focus on the following areas:
Course teaching methods are mainly based around formal lectures, workshops, seminars and self-directed study and within this structure a range of approaches to learning and teaching is employed as appropriate to the situation. Industry experienced specialists and visiting specialist Lecturers (industry professionals) make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional practice.
Self-Directed Study plays a major role in this program, where students are expected to spend time researching and analyzing subject matter independently to support and substantiate taught material.
Formal Lectures form an integral part of the program and with formal delivery of key information to the whole cohort. At this level it is expected that students will use the lectures as a stimulus for further study/reading.
Seminars are used to build on themes taken from the lecture program. Students are encouraged to make an active contribution by sharing in the argument and debate.
Visiting Lecturers are invited to deliver specialist lectures to enhance the delivery of the units.
Individual Tutorials are used when individual student work is being discussed or the guidance required is specific to one particular student. It is especially important in the dissertation phase and may be face to face, over the telephone, via e-mail or Skype.
Small Group Tutorials enable students to discuss and plan their work in greater detail than is possible with larger groups. It encourages quieter students to develop their interpersonal and communication skills and helps consolidate leadership skills in others.
Video Presentations are used to give a more in-depth understanding of a specific issue.
Case Studies are used for detailed discussion of real-life situations.
Demonstrations are normally of a technical nature and are necessary in certain subject areas. Studio / Workshop / Laboratory / Practical Sessions > may be used to enable the creative and practical skill development of the student in an environment which simulates that of industry.
Group and Team Work requires students to operate as a member of a group or team and they usually have clearly identified roles. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, individual responsibility to the group and joint decision-making.
Study Trips give students the opportunity to go outside the institute’s environment to enhance their understanding of specific subject material. If assessment is dependent on information collected whilst undertaking the study trip, the trip would be considered mandatory. The cost of study trips can be either the responsibility of the student or on occasion included in the annual study fee. If the visit is within the city students pay for public transport. This will be outlined at the beginning of any unit where such a trip is foreseen.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
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June 1 2019 |
Application Deadline Applications accepted after deadline as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposit Due $1,500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) |
July 1 2019 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
July 15 2019 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
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September 15 2019 |
Program Check-in & SAI Orientation Students arrive in Milan independently prior to this date and must check in with on-site staff by this day. Check-in includes a brief program orientation. |
October 01 2019 |
Academic Program Begins |
June 05 2020 |
Graduation & Program End |
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $125 |
Program Fee Includes tuition, Master’s certificate and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
$34,375 |
Program Fee: EU Citizens Students who are EU citizens can receive a discount on their program fee. |
Contact SAI |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
International Mailing Supplement Students residing outside the U.S. are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$85 |
*prices are subject to change
Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
---|---|---|
Airfare to/from Milan |
$900 | $1,500 |
Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees. |
$300 | $300 |
Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$200 / course | $300 / course |
Housing SAI can provide recommendations. |
$900 / month | $1,750 / month |
Meals Combination of cooking at home and eating out. |
$600 / month | $1,000 / month |
Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
Transportation within Milan area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / month |
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is an SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
Housing is not included in SAI Select Services Programs. However, your SAI Admissions Counselor will be happy to provide you with information and recommendations for local housing agencies, as well as school-provided apartments. Students who do not have prior housing arrangements should begin speaking with their Admissions Counselor as soon as possible.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.