The first year of the Major consists of three terms:

  • Term 1 will focus on introducing the Major;
  • Term 2 will focus on the on introducing to the content and methodology of WdKA's three graduation profiles (Practices). Students are introduced to the approach, context, professional roles and methodologies associated with the three graduation profiles. This introduction focuses on exploring the intrinsic motivation in the context of the themes and practical examples provided by the Practices. This way, students can begin developing their personal approach to design or their artistic position, while looking ahead to the related study choices in later phases of the study programme;
  • Term 3 will further focus on the Major.

The second year of the Major consists of two terms focusing on further development within the Major.

Term 3, Practices, provides you with an in-depth introduction to two of the three graduation profiles (Practices). This learning experience will help you decide upon your graduation profile in the third and fourth academic years.
On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.

Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

This phase focuses on practice-driven education within the Major. The students are working on complex assignments, often with real-world clients. The internship/international exchange takes place in the second semester of the third year.

On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.

Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

The Internship period is a temporary placement in which you, as a future professional, will become acquainted with the professional practice, including the scope and range of work activities and various practical aspects of the profession. The goal is to combine the learning process and the professional practice in a way which is not competitive with the professional field. It is also possible to do the internship (or part of the internship) abroad.

Exchange. By studying abroad, you have the opportunity to study in a foreign country and take in the allure and culture of a new environment. WdKA offers you this opportunity as an integral part of your study. During your study exchange you gain credits that can be transferred against your degree at WdKA.

Minor allows you to broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills. You complete it within one semester. Minor includes practical research, visualisation and presentation. You can one of the current issues within the Practices - Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private; New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design or Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth - or follow a minor at another institute or abroad.

In the final phase of the studies, you will graduate in the Major and with the Practice profile that best suits you as a professional fashion designer.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

Choose another program

Fashion Design

Profession and Concept

The first year of the study programme consist mainly of introduction to basic skills, knowledge and attitudes. The students will be developing within a professional field of own choosing, exploring and defining their talents. They will be gaining all the necessary professional knowledge and skills, while learning to think conceptually in a professional context. The study programme begins with the Major specialisation, followed by the introduction to Practices.

Profession and Concept

The second year focuses on further exploring the boundaries of Fashion Design and your potential role in the profession. You become familiar with diverse roles a fashion designer can fulfill, in the present and future. The complex challenges of contemporary Fashion Design practice require designers who are able to clearly define their role within a collaborative and multi-disciplinary project.

Profession and Concept

The third year is divided between your Major, internship/exchange and graduation profiles (Practices). Upon completing, you will be able to choose the graduation profile that best suits your ambition.

Profession and Concept

The fourth year consists of two blocks: Minor and Graduation.

+ Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Major +
Major +
Major +
Minor +
Practices +
Practices +
Internship +
Graduation +