Hey everyone! I’ve been researching Master’s programs in Service Design in Spain lately and noticed that information on this topic is quite scattered across forums. So, I decided to start this thread to share the research I’ve done. Think of it as a starting point—I hope it helps others with similar plans!
For those who might be unfamiliar with service design, and perhaps wondering about university study abroad services in Spain, it’s essentially a discipline focused on improving the service experience. From ordering food delivery and banking to using a bike-sharing app, service design is the invisible force behind it all. Leading companies worldwide are placing increasing importance on this field, making its career prospects very promising. As a powerhouse in design, Spain offers many top-tier schools in this area, which is also a great opportunity for those interested in volunteering in Spain for university students.
A Rundown of Top Service Design Schools in Spain
Here, I’ve compiled a few schools that I personally consider to be representative in the field of service design. The order is random, so feel free to choose based on your own preferences and goals.
- IED (Istituto Europeo di Design): Known as the European Institute of Design, this is a dream school for many. With campuses across Spain and Italy, both the Madrid and Barcelona locations offer relevant programs. Its key feature is a strong emphasis on practical application over
theory, with numerous collaborative projects with companies, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience. The main drawback is the relatively high tuition fee.
- Elisava: Located in Barcelona and affiliated with Pompeu Fabra University, Elisava boasts a strong academic reputation. Its curriculum is robust in design thinking and research methodology. If you’re looking to delve deep into design research, Elisava is an excellent choice. The programs typically lean towards a blend of academic and theoretical approaches.
- IE University: Everyone has likely heard of IE Business School, but its design school is equally impressive. IE’s program in this field is called the Master in Customer Experience & Innovation. As the name suggests, it strongly emphasizes the integration of business and user experience. Many of its graduates go on to work for top consulting firms. It’s an ideal fit for students with a business background or those aiming for a career in business strategy.
Comparison of Key Features
To make comparison easier, I’ve created a simple table for a clear overview:
| School | Location | Core Feature | Language of Instruction |
|---|
| IED | Madrid/Barcelona | Company projects, practical focus | English/Spanish |
| Elisava | Barcelona | Strong academics, research-oriented | English/Spanish |
| IE University | Madrid | Business-oriented, integrated with innovation management | English |
| LCI Barcelona | Barcelona | Focus on creativity and technical implementation | English/Spanish |
Beyond these schools, public universities like the University of Barcelona and the Polytechnic University of Madrid also offer related design programs. They might not be explicitly named ‘Service Design,’ so you’ll need to do some digging into programs like Interaction Design or Strategic Design. In any case, when choosing a school, always examine the curriculum carefully to find the one that best suits you.
I hope this information is helpful! This is just based on my personal research and opinions, so it’s certainly not exhaustive. I warmly welcome current students or alumni to add their insights and make corrections. Let’s discuss and build a more complete picture together!
