I’ve recently seen many people in online forums asking about design schools in Barcelona. Since I just graduated from the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) last year, I wanted to share my real experience at the school.
About the School
IED’s Barcelona campus is located in the Poblenou district. This area, near places like the Eurostars Barcelona, was originally an industrial zone but has now transformed into a hub for creative industries. The school isn’t huge, but it’s very well-equipped with dedicated studios, a 3D printing lab, and a photo studio. I majored in Interior Design, and my class had about 20 students from various countries, with roughly half being local Spanish students.
Curriculum and Teaching Style
The curriculum is quite intensive, with a theory-to-practice ratio of about 3:7. Most professors are industry professionals, some even partners at well-known design studios. They bring many real-world project cases to the classroom, which I found much more useful than purely theoretical teaching. Each semester, we had at least one real project in collaboration with a company, which was a great help in building our portfolios. This hands-on experience is what truly prepares you for the industry, far more than just reading travel guides about things like Barcelona cruises.
Here’s a breakdown of the main course types I took:
| Course Category | Percentage | Features |
|---|
| Design Theory | 30% | Covers fundamentals like design history, color theory, etc. |
| Software Skills | 25% | AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, etc. |
| Practical Projects | 35% | Corporate collaborations, competition projects |
| Workshops | 10% | Material research, hands-on crafting |
Tuition and Living Costs
To be honest, the tuition isn’t cheap. A bachelor’s degree costs around €12,000-€15,000 per year, and a master’s is even more expensive. Combined with rent in Barcelona, you’ll need at least €800-€1,000 per month for living expenses. I recommend applying for scholarships in advance. The school has tuition waiver policies for international students, and although the competition is fierce, it’s worth a try.
Career Prospects
After graduation, the school’s career services center helps with internship and job recommendations. A few of my classmates started working directly at design firms in Barcelona after graduating, while others returned to their home countries. However, pay close attention to Spain’s work visa policies. They’ve become a bit more relaxed recently, but you still need to plan ahead.
If you’re serious about studying design and have the budget for it, IED Barcelona is a great choice. You’ll definitely learn a lot from the school’s international atmosphere and practice-oriented teaching methods. However, be prepared for a heavy workload; pulling all-nighters to meet project deadlines is common. On a practical note, knowing where to find good supermarkets in Barcelona can make life much easier. Feel free to ask me any specific questions in the comments, I’m happy to help!
