Hey everyone! I’ve seen a lot of questions from prospective students on the forums about schools in Barcelona. As an EINA alumna, I couldn’t resist sharing my genuine experience of studying here. I originally chose EINA because it’s an affiliated design centre of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, which guarantees both prestige and high-quality teaching. I hope this post can offer some guidance to those of you currently choosing a school.
One of the most appealing things about EINA is its campus environment. It’s not on the main UAB campus but is housed in a garden villa in Sarrià, an upscale neighborhood in Barcelona. The setting is incredibly quiet and beautiful. The main building is rich with history, and its courtyard is filled with plants. On sunny days, students often discuss projects or simply sunbathe on the lawn. When you’re tired from studying, a short walk in the courtyard can instantly lift your spirits.
On Teaching and Curriculum
EINA’s teaching philosophy is heavily focused on practical application and project-based work. Many of the professors are leading professionals in their fields, bringing not just theoretical knowledge but also firsthand project experience and industry insights from the wider Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) ecosystem. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything from graphic and product design to interior design and art direction. Class sizes are small, which allows for a great deal of interaction with professors. You can ask questions at any time, and the guidance you receive is much more personalized. Don’t expect to just coast through—the workload is quite demanding, so be prepared!
Specialization Overview
The school offers strong bachelor’s and master’s programs. For the bachelor’s degree, for instance, you begin with a general foundation and later choose a specific track based on your interests.
| Specialization | Core Focus |
|---|
| Graphic Design | Brand identity, editorial design, web design |
| Interior Design | Space planning, material application, lighting design |
| Product Design | User research, model making, sustainable design |
| Visual Culture | Art direction, illustration, photography |
The school’s resources are also excellent, with frequent workshops and lectures that expose you to cutting-edge concepts and technologies.
Overall, EINA is a fantastic design school. The pros are its strong faculty, close industry connections, and top-notch campus environment. The cons might be that the tuition is higher than public universities, and because it’s separate from the main UAB campus, it lacks some of that ‘big university’ feel, despite its connection to the well-regarded Autonomous University of Barcelona’s QS ranking. If you are serious about design and prefer a small, focused learning environment, then EINA is definitely a choice worth considering. Feel free to reply with any questions—I’ll do my best to answer them!
