MASTER DESIGN (part-time programme)
Application 2027 – 2028
If you are interested in pursuing a degree at our institute for our 2027 – 2028 cohort, please submit your application from the 1st of October 2026 onwards.
Deadlines
February 15, 2027 priority deadline for Dutch and EU applicants
May 17, 2027 final deadline for Dutch and EU applicants
Important note: For this part-time programme Master Design it is not possible for NON-EU applicants to obtain a study visa. For this reason, this master cannot accept NON-EU applicants, unless they have an EU passport, or are residents in the Netherlands and have a visa which allows them to follow a part-time course.
The Master Design is part of the WdKA/Piet Zwart Institute. Our classroom is international, and we come from different design disciplines and creative backgrounds. The programme starts each September. It is taught in English, but students individually can work in Dutch and coaching is available in Dutch. We can only offer places to Dutch and EU students.
Once a committee has reviewed your completed application, you may be invited for an interview.
Selection criteria
All applicants for the Piet Zwart Institute need to have completed a Bachelor as a minimum degree. English is our working language, and proficiency in both speaking and writing is a necessity. All applications should be in English.
How to apply
Please read all of the admission requirements below before applying
Register for your desired master program via www.studielink.nl
Our programmes can be found under Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Willem de Kooning Academy and the Piet Zwart Institute are faculties of this university, hence the selection. Then select HBO Master and look for your desired Master programme.
Please note that after registering with Studielink it takes around 5 working days to receive your 7- digit student number.
If you wish to enrol in more than one Master’s programme: go to Studielink, navigate to “My enrolments,” and select “Add new enrolment” to apply for a second programme.
Upload all of the required admission documents in Osiris :
Application requirements: Master Design:
- Portfolio: the portfolio consists of a document with two parts: Key Works and Design Goal.
1. Key Works: A reflection upon your design work , pdf, maximum six A4-sized pages.
Please present 2-3 key works. A key work can be a design, a project, or a presentation from your professional practice. The key works can be collaborations in which you played a major role. Use images as well as text to tell us the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, and why) of each key work.
2. Design Goal: Mapping Your Design Goal, pdf, digitally readable.
What could be your design goal that you wish to pursue while studying with us? Please highlight the questions and issues you wish to pursue and how you intend to go about it.
- Motivation statement, pdf, maximum 1 A4-sized page
In this statement, you tell us who you are as a designer and design researcher: what motivates you, what impact do you want to have, and why is now the right time in your practice for this course of study? Do you have particular learning goals or expectations for your growth? We are interested to hear how you expect to deepen your practice and contribute to the wider fields of design.
- CV, pdf, maximum 1 A4-sized page containing:
– Name, address, date of birth, place of residence, nationality
– Previous education and work experience
– Brief description of current work/activities
Your admission documents will be reviewed and assessed by the Admissions Committee. Following this review, you may or may not be invited to an interview. After the interview, you will be informed whether or not you have been offered a place on the programme or placed on the waiting list.
Please note, due to the high level of applications the Piet Zwart Institute receives, we are unable to provide feedback regarding unsuccessful applications.
Upload the required academic documents in Osiris:
- Certified copy of Bachelor diploma (with a certified English translation if your diploma is not in Dutch, English, German, Spanish or French)
- Certified copy of transcripts (with a certified English translation if your diploma is not in Dutch, English, German, Spanish or French)
- Copy of passport (valid at the start of the programme)
- Results of the English language test: TOEFL/IELTS/CAE (see LINK for more information)
Your academic documents will be screened by the Centre of International Affairs (CoIA)
Once you have met all the requirements, you will be given your proof of enrolment.
Diploma
If at time of applying you are still in your final year we can also determine your eligibility based on your current transcript plus a statement of graduation from your school stating your expected date of graduation and the official name of the diploma (in original language) you are expected to obtain.
Interview, duration 30 minutes
If you are invited for an interview, you begin with a 5-minute presentation highlighting information from your application portfolio and motivation statement. After that, the tutors interview you about your work, design goal, and personal aims.
Please note: the waiting list is an important part of our process, and we often select candidates from it after the deadline has closed. If you are placed on the waiting list, we will ask you to confirm your interest in remaining on this waiting list.
You can follow your application progress in https://my.rotterdamuas.com/
Find more information about FUNDING:
Funding – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about DEADLINES
Deadlines – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about: TUITION FEES
Tuition Fees – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Students – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Language Requirements – Piet Zwart Institute
Questions?
For questions about the application procedure, please contact us via: e-mail: pzi.admission@hr.nl