I joined BESIGN just after high school and followed the five-year curriculum, which allowed me to fully train for the profession of sustainable innovation designer.
Our training emphasizes product design while integrating graphic design, service design, space and UI/UX. We are trained in the entire design process: from analyzing user needs to taking technical constraints into account, including studying the existing market.
This versatility gives us a global understanding of design, while the specialization in sustainable innovation, increasingly sought after, enables us to bring a fresh perspective and real added value to every project.
UPGRADE
PROGRAM
Start date
September
Admission
Bac +3 in a field other than design
Language
of instruction
of instruction
English
Duration
Duration: 1 year
Format
Full-time
UpGrade Program
La bridge programto the Master’s
The Upgrade Program is designed for students and young graduates with a Bachelor’s degree outside design who, through personal motivation, a change in path, or a professional project, wish to move into design professions and continue their academic journey in this field up to Master’s level.
Designed as a bridge program, the Upgrade Program helps fill gaps in design tools, methods, and culture while consolidating the fundamentals needed to continue studies in design and sustainable innovation. It aims to develop a solid understanding of the design process, project methodology, systems thinking, and contemporary environmental, social, and societal issues.
Rooted in BESIGN’s educational approach, the Upgrade Program is based on concrete projects, intensive workshops, and progressive immersion in the world of sustainable design. Students explore major contemporary challenges, understand the designer’s role in the ecological transition, and develop their ability to design responsible, innovative, human-centered solutions.
This program enables students to acquire essential foundations in design, creativity, project culture, and sustainability while effectively preparing for entry into the Master’s in Design for Sustainable Innovation. It is a key step for refining a professional project, gaining creative maturity, and integrating the standards expected at Master’s level.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Design may apply directly to the Master’s program.
The learning objectives of the program
Project Based Learning
- Design Studio: Develop design reflexes through guided exercises, from initial sketching to the materialization of sustainable ideas.
- Partnership projects: Experience multidisciplinary teamwork on real cases entrusted by companies and institutions.
- Electives (introduction): Test different applications of design (product, space, or textile) to refine creative affinities.
Culture, Humanities & Sustainability
- Sustainability Principles : Take ownership of systems thinking, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the principles of the circular economy.
- History and culture of sustainable design: Understand the roots of the profession and analyze the major current trends of the ecological transition.
- User Research & Creative Thinking : Discover field observation methods and overcome creative blocks to design usefully.
- Languages (English/French) & Welcome Program: Develop written and oral language fluency and successfully immerse yourself in an international cohort.
Design Tools & Skills
- Drawing & Visualisation : Acquire drawing skills, understand spatial geometry, and learn to communicate a concept visually.
- Prototyping & model making: Become familiar with the workshop, handle different materials, and give shape to volumes through physical models.
- Digital tools & CAD (2D/3D & AI): Learn graphic creation software (Adobe suite), 3D modeling with Rhino, and the informed use of generative AI.
Masterclass & Immersions
- Bootcamp Weeks : Experience intensive creative immersion weeks to learn how to prototype and make decisions quickly as a team.
- Study Trip : Take part in an educational field trip to draw inspiration from concrete environmental initiatives.
Pathways & opportunities
- Orientation toward the Master’s: A springboard to the upper cycle for students in career transition who already hold a first higher-education degree.
- Portfolio consolidation: Creation of a solid, structured body of work to apply to responsible design programs.
Accessibility:
Program accessible to people with disabilities. Our disability advisor is available to analyze your specific needs and implement the necessary accommodations (pathway, exams, FabLab access): amandine.juglaret@besignschool.com.
Projects
Our Besigners' graduates
Testimonials
The BESIGN
experience seen by
our students
Because a school is told through its students, they share their feedback on their training experience at BESIGN School.
Discover our other programs too
Bachelor’s in Design for
Sustainable Innovation
Sustainable Innovation
UpGrade Program
Would you like to join one of
our programs?
Contact us.
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