The MA in Digital Design with Advanced Practice course at Scuola Politecnica di Design encourages a holistic approach to digital design, focusing on ethics and humanities alongside technical skills.

The MA in Digital Design with Advanced Practice at Scuola Politecnica di Design, in collaboration with Teesside University (UK), prepares designers to operate where creativity, technology and human-centered design intersect.

The programme trains professionals capable of shaping inclusive and ethical digital futures by merging data, artificial intelligence (AI), immersive experiences and computational design into innovative solutions.

Students explore creative coding, AI-driven generative processes, data visualisation and multisensory design, developing skills at the frontier of digital design. Core themes such as design ethics, humanities, interaction and interdisciplinarity encourage a holistic and critical approach.

The teaching methodology combines theory, technical modules and creative experimentation, fostering strategic awareness and future-oriented thinking.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the 15-week advanced practice module, offering opportunities for internships, research projects or study abroad. This professional immersion complements coursework and the final major project, enabling students to test knowledge in real-world or research-driven contexts.

Graduates are equipped for roles such as digital designer, AI UX designer, design technologist and immersive experience designer, ready to work across business, media and technology landscapes. The course is delivered in English, full-time in Milan and awards 120 ECTS credits.

School: Scuola Politecnica di Design
Course: Master of Arts in Digital Design
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Milan, Italy
Course dates: March 2026 to March 2027
Application deadline: 8 March 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Advanced skills in digital design, including creative coding, AI-driven generative design, data-driven UX, immersive and multisensory interaction and computational design
– Learn to analyse and apply ethical, inclusive and sustainable design principles, conduct user- and data-centered research and develop interactive digital experiences
– Strategic thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital business literacy and future-ready design foresight, preparing them to navigate complex and evolving digital landscapes
– Practical skills are reinforced through advanced practice internships, project work and the major project, enabling professional-level experience and portfolio development

What are the requirements?

– Students must have a second class (2.2) honours or higher in art, design or other creative disciplines from any recognised ISCED level 6 programme
– Graduates in scientific disciplines, social sciences and humanities can also be selected, as well as candidates who have previously gained significant professional experience in the field of the Master selected
– SPD also considers other relevant experience and/or the attendance of SPD Preparatory Courses
– International students need an IELTS score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5

What facilities and resources are available?

– Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs with high-performance Macs, creative coding and computational design software, immersive VR/AR equipment, prototyping tools and multimedia studios
– Collaborative workspaces and the green Bodio area encourage teamwork and experimentation
– The school also provides library resources, workshops and networking opportunities with industry professionals and visiting lecturers, while its Milan location connects students to a vibrant international design ecosystem

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates can pursue careers as digital designers, AI UX designers, design or creative technologists, HCI and immersive experience designers or UX and data researchers. They are prepared to work across business, media and technology sectors, creating innovative, ethical and future-ready digital experiences.

Who teaches this course?

– Érica Moreti, course leader

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