If you enrolled before the 2026/2027 academic year, consult the list of Programmes and Regulations available on your School website.
The information provided about the programme refers to the academic year 2025/26 and may be subject to change in the academic year 2026/27.
MSc in Interior and Spatial Design
The programme aims to develop specific skills to address the main areas of intervention in the professions of interior and spatial design. At its core is the exploration of design approaches capable of responding to contemporary challenges related to the evolution of spaces and their functions.
The programme deepens methods and tools applied to different fields: from the adaptive reuse of existing spaces – particularly industrial, tertiary, and abandoned areas – to the redefinition of environments for living, working, culture, and commerce. It also explores the design of minimal and mobile spaces, as well as the regeneration and reconfiguration of “urban interiors,” enhancing micro-urban spaces through participatory approaches attentive to social and cultural dynamics. Strong emphasis is placed on the design of inclusive and sustainable environments.
Finally, the programme addresses the integration of digital components and sustainability issues in the design of contemporary spaces. It provides the knowledge needed to manage and coordinate the multiple skills involved in the development of complex projects, combining traditional interior design approaches with innovative competencies in research, scenario-building, technology, production, strategy, communication, and representation.
Admission to the Master’s Degree programme in Interior and Spatial Design requires a first-level degree (EQF 6) or an equivalent qualification.
Graduates in the following classes are eligible: L-4 Industrial Design; L-17 Architecture; L-21 Territorial, Urban, Landscape and Environmental Planning; and L-23 Building Sciences and Techniques. Graduates in Classes L-3 Disciplines of Visual Arts, Music, Performing Arts and Fashion and L-7 Civil and Environmental Engineering may also apply, provided that they have obtained at least 36 ECTS credits in the Scientific Disciplinary Sectors of the Architecture and Design area (08/CEAR-08, 08/CEAR-09, 08/CEAR-10).
Where the curricular requirements are not met, the Committee may assess other relevant educational or professional qualifications and specify supplementary credits to be obtained before the assessment of individual preparation.
Admission to the Master’s Degree programme is subject to assessment of individual preparation and placement in a merit ranking.
A minimum weighted average grade of 23/30 is required for Politecnico di Milano graduates, and 25/30 for graduates from other Italian universities.
English language proficiency must be certified when submitting the application, by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University.
For full details regarding eligible degree classes, evaluation criteria, and selection procedures, please refer to the course's Academic Regulations (section 6).
Applicants holding a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent qualification consistent with the fields of design, architecture or engineering may apply to the Master’s Degree programme in Interior and Spatial Design, provided that the qualification is deemed suitable by the Programme Board and that the Scientific Disciplinary Sectors and credits obtained in each sector can be identified. Where this is not possible, the applicant’s academic record will be assessed individually by the Programme Board.
Admission is subject to assessment of individual preparation and to possession of adequate English language proficiency, demonstrated by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University. International applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of Italian if they choose a track taught in Italian. The required level of Italian language proficiency is specified on the University website.
Procedures and deadlines are indicated in the "Eligibility and Admission Requirements" section of the University and School of Design websites.
The Master of Science in Interior and Spatial Design trains designers capable of addressing the transformations of contemporary cities, which increasingly require the re-functionalisation of their spaces—especially interiors—in response to global economic dynamics.
The programme develops professionals able to engage creatively in design processes, managing functional, aesthetic, technical, and technological aspects, as well as the relationships between space, users, and context. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing existing architectural heritage through innovative, often temporary and reversible interventions.
Interior-spatial designers are trained to design not only spaces and objects but also the relationships between them, developing a critical understanding of contemporary living. The programme equips students with skills to coordinate complex projects, integrating design, research, technological development, strategic, and communication aspects, while fostering autonomous design thinking.
The programme lasts two years (four semesters) and includes 120 ECTS credits. Students are assigned to specific sections at enrolment.
In the first year, two design studios (Laboratories) are offered in different semesters, focusing on interiors, temporary spaces, landscape, and minimal/mobile spaces, alongside interdisciplinary workshops with international professionals.
The curriculum also includes theoretical courses on interior culture and history, art/design relationships, lighting design, technology, and museology.
In the second year, a Final Design Studio integrates all acquired skills and supports thesis development. Students can combine it with an internship or international experience. Additional courses include Contemporary Interiors and elective subjects.
Studio activities lead to an individual design research project forming the basis of the final thesis. An internship is mandatory. The programme concludes with the final examination.
The Interior-Spatial Designer is a professional capable of interpreting and transforming space through innovative design approaches. Graduates work in a wide range of fields, including residential interiors, furniture systems, contract and public spaces, adaptive reuse, urban interiors, exhibition and retail design, scenography, museography, and landscape-related projects.
Career opportunities include design studios, furniture and exhibition companies, cultural institutions, entertainment venues, and urban planning contexts. Graduates are also востребованы in retail and visual merchandising sectors, especially in design, fashion, and large-scale distribution.
Main employment sectors include furniture, interior systems, and exhibition design. Graduates may work in design firms, cultural institutions, or companies in retail and contract sectors.
Further study opportunities include PhD programmes and postgraduate master courses.
Know more about the programme through a current student’s experience. Book your online one-to-one meeting through #Askastudent – Our voice for your choice project.
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Francesco Scullica
Programme Secretary: Prof.ssa Chiara Lecce