Marbella Design Academy in Spain

Marbella Design Academy:
Marbella Design Academy - Costa del Sol sl was founded in 1995 and is a progessive International Design Academy offering courses at University level. Our mission is to provide a stimulating and complete design education that lives up to the latest market demands leading to a rewarding and well sought after profession. All classes are held in English. Students come from all over the world to study at the Marbella Design Academy with more than 33 different countries being represented. The students are encouraged to inspire each other and work together on design projects in an international cross-cultural atmosphere.

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Our graduates have an employment rate close to 100%. The Academy educates professional designers at top level in skills which include all the latest computer programs. With almost 14 years of experience, a young, dynamic and professional team of tutors and a progressive attitude, the Marbella Design Academy is among the best design schools in the world.

Diploma Courses - Higher Education in:

- Interior Design (3 yrs)
- Interior Design with Furniture/Product Design (3 yrs)
- Graphic Design (3 yrs)
- Video Film Production and Multimedia Design, specialized as Camera man, Editor or Director (3 yrs)
- Fashion Design (2 yrs)
- Web Design (1 yr)

All classes are held in English, and in small groups. The courses start twice a year. You can enter in January and in September. The tuition is at University Level and our Diploma is equivalent to a Bachelor 's Degree. For example, in the first year of study you will be introduced to the professional computer programs that are so important for the students to learn if they are to become top class designers.

Our graduates have an employment rate near 100%. This because they graduate as professional designers at top level, in kills which include the latest computer programs, such as Auto-Cad, 3D Studio Max, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Quark, Flash and Dreamweaver. (The computer programs taught depend on the chosen course). The Marbella Design Academy has an academic level that competes with the best design schools in the world.

Application Criteria:
· The minimum age for application is 17.
· You must possess a high school diploma or a similar qualification.
· In special cases, the academy can make an exception from this rule.

Marbella Design Academy is located in Monda in the South of Spain. The Academy is located in a new, 2000m2, purpose-built building with a wide range of modern facilities. Monda is a charming, typically Spanish village, 15 km from the jet set town of Marbella. The South of Spain has the best weather in Europe with 330 sunny days per year. It is a beautiful and safe place to study. Most students live in Monda 3 min walk from the Academy. Monda has many cosy restaurants and bars and is surrounded by the beautiful Spanish countryside with fresh non-polluted air.

There are frequent buses to the centre of Marbella, a lively, picturesque, cosmopolitan city. Marbella is very well known for its nightlife, beautiful beaches and mountains. There is a public bus service to and from the academy, to nearby cities (Marbella - Malaga) and villages. It is only 30min to Malaga Airport where students can get direct flights to New York and major cities in Europe. Most can be reached within a 2-4 hour flight.

Compared to most European cities Marbella is relatively inexpensive. For example, you can buy a meal at a nice restaurant for around 7€, tapas are even cheaper. Andalucia is the home of many famous artists including Picasso.

Many student grant departments in Europe have approved our University degree level courses and the State Recognised programmes that the Marbella Design Academy follows. Students from most European countries can therefore obtain grants to study at our academy. Marbella Design Academy is the only design school in Spain approved by SU Styrelsen in Denmark, CSN in Sweden and Laanekassen in Norway. Please check with the student grants office in your home country.

Exhibition
Each year we hold an exhibition that showcases the students work produced during the academic year. The "Students Exhibition and Design Show 2009" will be held in our new stunning building which as well houses a students restaurant GAUDI, offering 5 star meals for only 5€. The previous exhibitions have been great success. The students work are judged by the press and the media as well as by industry professionals. The standard of the students work are extremely high and the students are often head hunted to good jobs, by local and international companies.

Statements from our students:
- 3rd year student-Interior Design :: Fransesca Norvik (Norway);
"After studying at many different schools i discovered that Marbella Design Academy has not only the best learning environment but the best program. I learn something new every day.At this school you are encouraged to be creative and guided on how to use your creativity in your projects. It is at this school I see my portfolio becoming the best I can create. Giving me the opportunity to become a great designer."

- Graphic Design student 3rd year :: Dida Zakelsek (Slovenia);
"Great working environment. People from all over the world in one place, creating, designing, connecting and influencing each other. Teachers with great vision and abilities to push you to do your best. Very family orientated. Graphic design in general was great. I have learned how to organise my work and free time. Thanks for a great year!"

- 3rd year Interior Design Student :: Lise Desebordes (France);
"It has been a really great experience and the three years have gone very fast. I have enjoyed the diversity of culture and people. Well, as a graduated student I just hope that the acquaintances I gained from my three years will help me to find a fantastic job as an interior architect in a renowned company. I will surely miss you all."

- Guest student-Interior Design :: Jenny Thornton (USA);
"The students in this school truly work together and help each other. I have learned so much from my peers here. This school has taught me independence and taught me how to work on my own, I liked how everyone was up for new ideas and new ways of doing things."

- 3rd year student-Interior Design :: Henna Pasanen (Finland);
"In my 3rd year I finally understood the significance of research and how to do it. I am happy that I have learnt to use 3D Max. Our class was great with inspiring people.The yearly exhibition is a good way to market our work promote our skills to interested local businesses."

- 1st year Interior Design :: Monica Schutz (Germany);
"Yes! I am happy with this school year! I have learned a lot. I want to come back for the next two years. Apart from leaning a lot about design and computer applications my English and Spanish has improved tremdously. We have nice teachers! Sometimes it is hard but I hope I get there."

- Former graduated Graphic Design student :: Brett (South Africa);
"I value my college days and education. I started my graphic design career three and a half years ago when I became a student at the Marbella Design Academy. Today I have my own business. I have clients ranging from property developers to magazines and nightclubs. I have had the pleasure of working my way from an in-house designer to becoming the creative director. In the future I would like to offer students internships in my company. I am committed to good design and supporting the design revolution in southern Spain."

Students mainly live in rented apartments in Marbella or Monda, where it is very easy to rent furnished accommodation. They are available at all price levels and most students share. It is cheaper to find accommodation in Monda. We recommend that all new students should consider staying in Monda which is only 3 minutes walk from the Academy. The Academy helps the students to find suitable accommodation.

Living costs: You can live well for between 200€ and 300€ per month.