I recently saw many people asking about Madrid University School of Design on forums. I graduated from there last year and wanted to share my experience, hoping it will be helpful to everyone.
About the School
Madrid University School of Design is located in the center of Madrid with very convenient transportation. The school offers four main specializations: graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, and digital media design. I chose graphic design because I was particularly interested in brand visuals.
The school’s hardware facilities are quite good, with professional studios, 3D printers, photography studios, etc. The library collection is also rich, especially professional design books and journals. The only downside is that some computers are a bit outdated and can lag when working on complex projects.
Application Process and Requirements
When applying, you need to prepare a portfolio, personal statement, recommendation letters, and language certification. The portfolio is the most important part, and I recommend preparing 10 to 15 works that showcase your creative thinking and technical abilities. For language requirements, you need to reach Spanish B2 or IELTS 6.5 level, as some courses are taught in English.
The application deadline is usually at the end of March each year, with admission results announced in May. It took me about three months to prepare my portfolio, so I suggest everyone plan ahead. Regarding tuition, EU students pay approximately 3,000 euros per year, while non-EU students pay more, between 8,000 and 10,000 euros.
Curriculum and Learning Experience
The first year focuses mainly on foundational courses, including design principles, color theory, typography basics, etc. The second year begins professional specialization, allowing you to choose your area of interest for in-depth study. The third year involves many practical projects, often requiring collaboration with companies on real cases.
Below is the course type distribution I’ve compiled:
| Course Type | Credit Percentage | Main Content |
|---|
| Theoretical Courses | 30% | Design history, design theory, aesthetics |
| Practical Courses | 50% | Project creation, workshops, portfolio |
| Elective Courses | 20% | Photography, animation, programming, etc. |
The professors are all very professional, with many having their own studios or companies in the industry. They don’t teach by rote but focus more on cultivating students’ independent thinking abilities. However, some professors are quite strict with particularly high assignment requirements.
Living Costs and Accommodation
The cost of living in Madrid is relatively high compared to other Spanish cities. I lived in a shared apartment near the school, paying 450 euros per month in rent, plus utilities totaling about 500 euros. For food, cooking at home costs about 300 euros per month, but if you eat out frequently it could be 600 to 800 euros. Transportation costs are low, with student monthly passes only 20 euros.
A reasonable monthly living budget is 1,000 to 1,200 euros. If you want to save money, you can apply for school dormitories, which are cheaper although conditions are more basic. Additionally, the school cafeteria meal sets are good, costing 6 to 8 euros for a filling meal.
Career Prospects and My Advice
After graduation, I found work at a brand design company in Madrid with a starting salary of about 2,000 euros. The school’s career guidance center helps with resume editing, interview preparation, and regularly hosts job fairs. Many classmates choose to start their own businesses or work as freelance designers, which is quite common in Spain.
If you truly love design, this school is definitely worth considering, and you might also want to check out the Designer Hotel Madrid for accommodation inspiration. But be prepared mentally - the design program is very intensive, and you’ll often need to pull all-nighters to finish assignments. However, when you see your work being recognized, that sense of achievement is indescribable.
Feel free to leave comments below with any questions, and I’ll try to respond to everyone. Best of luck with your applications!
