- 180 ECTS Units
- 6 semesters - 3 years Duration of study
- BA Degree
- 13 January 2027 Application website opens
- 5 April 2027 Final deadline for applications
- May / June 2027 Answers sent to applicants
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.
About the programme
The programme introduces students to diverse design processes, fosters critical and creative thinking, and prepares them to address contemporary challenges through design-led approaches.
Students develop methods of design thinking by investigating topics and advancing them through iterative design processes. Projects are contextualized and presented as proposals through prototypes, exhibitions, videos, and other forms of communication. Throughout their studies, students gain experience with a variety of materials, tools, and production methods, including ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, prototyping, and related techniques, enabling them to transform ideas into tangible solutions. Strong emphasis is also placed on communicating projects through writing, photography, and video production.
Among the projects students undertake is the course Local Opportunities, where they explore, among other things, underutilized materials and opportunities for creating greater value from Icelandic resources. Students experiment, develop ideas, and learn to design and produce independently, ultimately presenting proposals for improvements and new innovations in collaboration with their tutors and Icelandic manufacturing companies.
Programme structure
The three-year programme comprises 180 ECTS credits and is divided into theory, technical training, and studio practice. Teaching takes place through lectures, workshops, and dedicated studio spaces where each student has access to an individual workspace. The programme is campus-based, taught in Icelandic, and places responsibility for academic progress on the student. As a student-centred programme, it allows individuals to approach projects according to their interests and strengths, while instructors guide students through design processes, methods, and tools. Great emphasis is placed on dialogue between students, teachers, and peers, encouraging critical reflection and contextual understanding of creative work. Assessment is based on written feedback and follows a pass/fail system.
After graduation
Upon graduation, students are equipped to work independently and creatively on a wide range of product design projects, either within design firms or as independent practitioners. The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and advanced research at the master’s level.
The Product Design programme at the Iceland University of the Arts is an exciting field of study that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Society and the conditions in which we live are changing rapidly, and the programme’s focus reflects these developments. Students investigate and analyse contemporary issues, ranging from environmental challenges and artificial intelligence to broader social concerns, and learn to apply design methodologies to explore questions and develop meaningful solutions. Students work across materials, technologies, craftsmanship, video, and a variety of media, gaining the skills to design solutions for virtually anything, anywhere. Our goal is to educate thoughtful and capable designers who can act as catalysts for change and make a positive impact on society, the environment, and the future. Above all, however, the programme is about helping students discover their own interests, strengths, and sense of purpose.
Björn Steinar Blumenstein · Program Director in product design
Application and admission process
To apply for a reverse-calar program in product design, an electronic application is filled out, the requested data is included, and the application fee must be subsequently paid. Once these steps are completed and once it has been ascertained that the applicant has submitted all necessary information and supporting documents, he receives confirmation by email that the electronic application is valid and received.
If the number of applicants meeting the admission criteria for a study programme falls below the minimum threshold, the programme will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this as soon as possible, and the registration fee will be refunded if it has already been paid.
Required 1. Portfolio
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Note that you have to choose between a physical or electronic folder/portfolio.If you are applying for more study programs or departments, you must submit an application and a folder for each study programme/department.Portfolio submission deadline:Substantive submission deadline or electronic folder is 5 April 2027. In the case of a physical folder, it must be returned or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:
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Iceland University of the Arts, Department of Design
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Stakkahlíð 1
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105 Reykjavík
If a folder is sent by mail, a postmark must be dated April 13, 2026 at the latest. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope marked with Application design.We ask you to read carefully the instructions below regarding folder labeling:Folder tagging:-
If your folder is physical, you need to include a sheet with it that clearly states your full name and social security number.
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If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and social security number.
Folder contents:Applicants must collect samples of their work in a folder in physical or electronic form.The works should reflect the student's personal vision, shed light on his main topics of interest, and from them it should be possible to read what skills he has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.It is not necessary that all the works be completed or implemented to the fullest extent, on the contrary, it is important that there is also any design process, sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All the exhibited works are to be the author's work of the applicant If a work has been done in group work or collaboration, it is necessary to state that.The applicant himself has to assess what fits within the folder, but it is important that it reflects his ability, skills and vision of the profession through creative work.Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other documents electronically, is defined as additional content and it is not guaranteed that it will be viewed. -
Required Cover letter
Applicants explain the reason for the application in the relevant study programme. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.
Required 3. Admission process
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Applications are evaluated by the admissions committee Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment make it to the sample group and are invited for an interview.
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Applicants meet with the admissions committee in an interview where their interest in prospective studies, their attitude and attitude towards the profession is explored Applicants can request an electronic interview if they are unable to attend in person.