Studying graphic design in Spain

One of the artistic and creative disciplines most in demand by industries in Spain is studying graphic design. Because there are very few companies that do not have at least one professional graphic designer to give life to an idea, concept or project.

Competitiveness makes the study of this discipline in a good university or centre very important, which is why we want to give you some information about this career, so that you can orient yourself and learn a little more about it, as well as the best places to study.

Requirements

Studying graphic design and access to the career you must meet a series of requirements:

You must have passed the baccalaureate and the university entrance exam.
Hold a higher technical degree.
Take the University Orientation Course
People over 25 years of age who do not meet the necessary conditions for access to university must take an entrance exam.
Access test for people over 45 years of age who do not meet the necessary conditions for university entrance.
Graduates with the required qualifications
If you are a foreigner, you must have a secondary school or higher education qualification.

Admission and cut-off marks

In Madrid, the highest cut-off mark for 2021/2022 was 12.778 at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos to study the double degree in Fundamentals of Architecture, integral design and image management.

However, each year the cut-off marks vary according to the universities, which means that there is no specific cut-off mark, but they range between 10 and 13.

Subjects of the degree

The Degree in Design has a duration of 240 credits that are distributed in 4 years, some subjects vary according to the universities, but the study plan is practically the same.

First year:

Drawing Strategies
Technical Drawing
Art, Design and Societies
Theories of Design
Image Workshop
Digital Representations
Projects 1
Projects 2
Visual Communication
Dimensions of Form and Colour

Second year:

Projects 3
Typography
Design Project Management
History of Art and Modern Design
Digital Representations Applied to Space and Volume Design (optional)
Audiovisual Resources for Design
Design for Identity
Projects 4
Models and Prototypes
Autoproduction (optional)
Digital Representations Applied to Text and Image Design (optional)
Materials and Construction Techniques (elective)
Graphic Production (optional)
Industrial Transformation Processes (optional)
Digital Representations in Open Source (elective)

Third year:

Projects 5
Creative Labs 1
Creative Labs 2
Performative Design
Contemporary Art and Design
User and Interaction
Projects 6
Business for Designers
Moving Image (optional)
Object Modelling (elective)
Representation of Space (elective)
Web Design (optional)

Fourth year:

Final Degree Project
Latest Trends in Design
Analysis and Criticism
Critical Studies Seminar
Internships and job opportunities
Web design for companies.
Digital marketing agencies working on branding for websites, social networks, etc.
Art direction in the media.
Advertising companies designing products and services.
Freelance illustrator.
Advertising or illustration agencies.
Cultural companies.
Web development and user experience companies.

Best universities and centres

Choosing where to study not only depends on the prestige of the university or centre, but also on economic, geographical and personal factors. In the case of Spain there are many public and public schools that allow people to learn about the advertising, communication, artistic and technical principles that are necessary to be qualified.

The best centres are undoubtedly located in Barcelona, which is one of the most creative cities in the world, nourished by international cultural movements, taking advantage of its economic and industrial capacity. However, there are many other options, such as:

The Instituto Europeo di Design Madrid (IED Madrid).
Higher School of Design in Valladolid.
Escola Superior de Disseny (ESDj).
Complutense University of Madrid.
EINA Barcelona.
LCI Barcelona Fashion School.
EASD La Rioja.
Centre de la Imatge I La Tecnologua Multimedia (UPC).

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