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Design Course (Product and Service Design) – Trentino Art Academy
The Design course at Trentino Art Academy (product and service design) focuses on design principles and their application in different contexts, from product design to interior design.
You will learn the theoretical foundations and have the opportunity to practise under the guidance of industry professionals through classroom workshops and real project-based exercises.
Three years to develop a design mindset capable of shaping products and services with a balance of functionality and creativity.
Design Course Overview (Product and Service Design)
First-Level Academic Diploma (AFAM)
180 credits
Three-year duration
Course start: September/October 2026
Location: Trento
Language of instruction: Italian
Mandatory attendance
In person classes
Learning Objectives
The Design (product and service design) course aims to develop a design mindset focused on the creative and functional composition of products and services.
Students learn to design solutions in response to contemporary needs, consumer dynamics, and emerging trends.
The study of historical phenomena related to the evolution of art, architecture, and applied arts is integrated with the learning of design methodologies and their relationship with the production world.
Special attention is given to project development processes and the use of contemporary tools and techniques, including digital environments and virtual reality.
Study Plan – Year 1
Related/Complementary
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABST 55 | Anthropology of Art | 45 | 6 | Theoretical | Giovanna Felluga |
| ABTEC 39 | Basics of Computer Science | 25 | 4 | Theoretical/Practical | Fabio Bernardi |
| ABLIN 71 | English | 25 | 4 | Theoretical | Steven Tomasi |
| ABPR 15 | Techniques of Spatial Representation | 100 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical | Gianluca Nicolini |
| ABPR 31 | Photography: Techniques and Technologies | 100 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical | Marco Olivotto |
Foundation
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABST 50 | History of Architecture and Urban Planning | 60 | 8 | Theoretical | |
| ABTEC 38 | Digital Applications for Visual Arts 1 | 75 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical/Laboratory | Samuele Prosser |
Core
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPR 17 | Design | 150 | 12 | Theoretical/Practical | Elena Rausse |
| ABPR 18 | Landscape design | 100 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Alessandro Franceschini |
Study Plan – Year 2
Related/Complementary
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPC 68 | Semiotics of Art | 45 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical | Luca Bertoldi |
| ABST 46 | Aesthetics | 45 | 6 | Theoretical | Marco Luscia |
| Stage | 100 | 4 | |||
| Integrative Didactic Module | 0 | 2 |
Foundation
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPR 30 | Technology of New Materials | 100 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Vincenzo Sglavo |
| ABPR 16 | Basics of Computer Design | 100 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Fabio Bernardi |
Core
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPR 18 | Design 2 | 150 | 12 | Theoretical/Practical | Gianluca Nicolini |
| ABST 51 | Languages of Contemporary Art | 45 | 6 | Theoretical | Luca Coser |
| ABTEC 41 | Rendering 3D | 100 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Andrea Foches |
Study Plan – Year 3
Related/Complementary
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABTEC 43 | Audio-visual Languages and Techniques | 75 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Andrea Franceschini |
| Content Free | 0 | 10 |
Foundation
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPR 21 | Modelling | 100 | 8 | Theoretical/Practical | Davide Bassetti |
| ABST 47 | History of Contemporary Art 2 | 45 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical | Luca Coser |
Core
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABPR 18 | Design 3 | 150 | 12 | Theoretical/Practical | Gergely Agoston |
| ABPR 14 | Urban Design | 75 | 6 | Theoretical/Practical | Emiliano Leoni |
Final Assessment (10 CFA ECTS)
| SD | Subject Area | Hours | CFA ECTS | Teaching Format | Lecturer |
|---|
Additional Information about the Course
Qualification
The Design course awards a First-Level Academic Diploma, recognised by the AFAM system (Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Education) and equivalent to a university degree in Class L-3 – Disciplines of the Arts, Music, Performing Arts, and Fashion.
The First-Level Academic Diploma is a first-cycle qualification: AFAM institutions are part of the higher education system and follow a structure of studies in three-cycles.
Internships
The course includes a professional internship for each student: a placement in companies, professional studios, research centres, institutions, and other organisations affiliated with Trentino Art Academy.
This is a key educational experience that allows students to gain concrete exposure to the professional world and production processes.
How to Enrol
The annual tuition fee is €4,050.00. Scholarships may be available upon application. For further information on tuition fees and admission procedures, please visit the dedicated page.
AdmissionsCareer Opportunities in the Field
Product Designer
Designs physical products, considering functionality, aesthetics, and production aspects.
Interior Designer
Designs interior spaces, organising environments in a functional and aesthetic way.
Ecological Designer
Designs products and services with a focus on environmental impact.
Urban Designer
Designs public spaces and urban environments, improving usability and accessibility.
Product Ergonomist
Analyses and designs products based on human body interaction.
Interaction Designer
Designs the interaction between users and products or services.
Project Manager
Manages timelines, resources, and development phases of a project.
Studying Product and Service Design at Trentino Art Academy
At the core of our Design course is the project methodology: developing skills and processes to manage projects in their entirety, step by step—from ideation and concept development to prototyping, practical realisation, and final presentation.
Alongside this project-based approach, numerous hands-on workshops and continuously updated theoretical learning contribute to a highly professional education.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Product and Service Design Course at Trentino Art Academy
Do I need technical drawing skills to enrol?
No advanced prior skills are required. The course is designed to provide all the foundations of design, gradually introducing useful tools and methods.
Can I continue with Master’s degrees or postgraduate programmes after the course?
The First-Level Academic Diploma awarded is recognised by the AFAM system (Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Education) and is equivalent to a university bachelor’s degree in Class L-3 – Disciplines of the Arts, Music, Performing Arts, and Fashion.
The qualification therefore allows access—subject to the specific requirements of each institution—to second-level academic programmes, master’s degrees, university master’s programmes, and further specialisation courses both within universities and AFAM institutions.