Lately, more and more people on the forums have been asking about design programs, especially in the UI/UX field. This topic is definitely gaining traction, which makes sense since the tech industry is always looking for talent. As someone who’s been in Spain for a few years studying Interior Design at Spanish Universities, I thought I’d share my observations and insights to get the conversation started!
Many people might think the UK, US, or Germany are the go-to places for design studies, but Spain’s rich artistic heritage, combined with the vibrant tech startup scenes in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, provides fertile ground for UI/UX design, much like for Urban Design at Spanish Universities. The design style here leans more towards humanistic and artistic sensibilities, and with a relatively lower cost of living, it offers great value. Plus, with Barcelona hosting the Mobile World Congress annually, the city’s tech vibe is incredibly strong.
Universities Worth Considering
When it comes to specific schools, several public universities are very strong in both engineering and design, and their master’s programs in interaction design are worth a close look. Of course, there are also top-tier private design schools, but their tuition fees are much higher, so I’ll focus on public universities here.
Comparison of Popular Public Universities
I’ve put together a simple table to give you a quick overview of some popular options:
| University | City | Program Focus | Language Requirements |
|---|
| Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) | Madrid | Technical implementation, HCI | Mainly Spanish B2 |
| Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) | Barcelona | Comprehensive design, project-driven | Spanish/Catalan/English |
| Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) | Barcelona | Interactive communication, digital media | Spanish/Catalan/English |
UPM, in Madrid, has an undeniable strength in engineering, so its courses lean more towards technical and engineering implementation. Both UPC and UPF are in Barcelona, which is a huge plus in itself. UPC’s design school is very comprehensive, offering a wide range of studies, not unlike the diverse options available in Fashion Design Programs in Spain. Meanwhile, UPF’s interactive media program is renowned throughout Europe for its focus on theory and cutting-edge exploration.
When you apply, your portfolio is the most important thing! Universities place a huge emphasis on your design thinking and problem-solving skills, not just your software proficiency. Additionally, language is a major factor. While some programs are taught in English, learning Spanish will be immensely helpful for finding internships, jobs, and integrating into local life. Thinking you can get by just fine without any Spanish is a very naive idea! Overall, studying UI/UX design in Spain is an excellent choice with plenty of opportunities. If you have any more questions or other university recommendations, feel free to leave a comment and discuss below! Wishing everyone the best of luck with your applications
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