The Master in Design Futures at Domus Academy encourages students to utilise forward-thinking approaches to design, incorporating specific practices, including speculative design and design fiction.

The Master in Design Futures explores a diverse range of forward-thinking, future-oriented approaches and methodologies that inspire students to envision and create possibilities beyond the current state.

Over the past decade, Design Futures has emerged as a dynamic transdisciplinary field, incorporating practices such as speculative design, critical design, design fiction and experiential futures.

This future-oriented approach empowers designers to challenge societal norms, question established assumptions and imagine alternative visions for the future.

By embracing a transdisciplinary perspective, the course invites designers to harness their research and imaginative capabilities, equipping them to shape more inclusive, sustainable and transformative futures that respond to the complex challenges of our time.

School: Domus Academy
Course: Master in Design Futures
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Milan, Italy
Course dates: February, September and November 2026
Application deadline: 90 days before the start of the course

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Students will develop speculative thinking to envision alternative futures and challenge existing realities
– They will build practical skills in research methods including horizon scanning, scenario building and prototyping
– The course teaches students to generate and communicate future scenarios using artefacts, prototypes and storytelling, while proposing innovative solutions for complex societal challenges

What are the requirements?

– Applicants should hold a first-level academic degree (Bachelor's Degree or Academic Diploma) in a field related to the chosen study programme, along with an English language certificate (IELTS Academic or General, minimum 5.0)

What facilities and resources are available?

– Design lab
– Media library
– Fashion design lab
– Media library
– Language support
– Career services
– Housing support

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as self-employed consultants or entrepreneurs, or to take on diverse roles in design consultancies, corporations, research institutions and start-ups.

Career opportunities include futures researcher, speculative designer, strategic designer, design researcher, service designer and innovation lead.

Who teaches this course?

– Alessandro Squatrito, course leader

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