New partnership with top Italian design institution

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A collaboration with The Florence Institute of Design International will see Goldsmiths accredit two new degree programmes from September 2024.

As part of a new partnership, Goldsmiths will validate the BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Interior Design programmes, offered by the Florence Institute of Design International (FIDI) in Italy.

This partnership signifies a collaboration between two institutions dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design education, empowering students to become trailblazers in the dynamic and competitive field of design.

This new partnership builds on the significant synergies between our work here at Goldsmiths and the Florence Institute of Design International. These synergies lie not only in our areas of expertise, but in our shared passion for nurturing creative talent – we’re very excited to work together to support the next generation.

Professor Frances Corner, Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London

The new interior design programme integrates innovative technologies and sustainable design principles to include more extensive studies in 3D printing, parametric design, lighting and furniture prototypes.

Interior design students will engage in collaborative projects and gain insights from industry experts. The program extensively explores various disciplines and digital technologies, contemporary design influences, with a continued emphasis on the principles of Italian design and context.

Students of the new graphic design programme will have the opportunity for the development of independent design thinking, critical analysis and transferable skills. The programmes will teach the fusion of artistry, research, and technical expertise.

Through a broad range of disciplines and processes including video, photography, and multimedia, students studying graphic design will explore visual communication, societal influences and trends. Design concepts and ideas, will be explored though typography, historical and contemporary design.

Founder and Director of FIDI, Architect Marc Di Domenico said of the partnership: “The new curriculum in collaboration with Goldsmiths promotes a more progressive understanding of the creative process behind design as students delve deeper into theoretical frameworks while maintaining focus on interdisciplinary approaches, practical applications and real-world problem-solving.” 

Established in 2008 and based in the heart of Florence, Italy, FIDI delivers professional and higher education programmes in the fields of Graphic Design, Interior Design, Furniture Design, Architecture and Digital Illustration.  

It is renowned for its global perspective and emphasis on practical skills. Under this partnership, Goldsmiths will validate the BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Interior Design programmes offered by FIDI, held in English.

Students enrolled in these validated programmes will have the opportunity to graduate with awards conferred by Goldsmiths, University of London.The validation of these programmes represents a commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards and ensuring a world-class educational experience for students pursuing their passion in design disciplines. It further underscores the alignment between Goldsmiths' commitment to nurturing creative talent and FIDI's dedication to excellence in design education.

More information on the partnership is available on the Florence Institute website.