Students having a coffee.





DA20SP Degree Programme in Design

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Curriculum responsibility: Sari Mokkila-Karttunen

Basis of Education

The degree program in Design leads to a university of applied sciences degree in the field of culture, the degree title is Bachelor of Design. The scope of the studies is 240 credits and the duration is 4 years. The skills produced by the degree correspond to the level of higher education defined jointly in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts.

The designer’s handprint is visible everywhere. The future needs new design, bold product ideas and service innovations. The designer masters the design process, visual expression, and different manufacturing techniques. In addition to this, design education teaches the importance of sustainable development and business as part of the designer's work.

Combination of theory and practice

Studying design is a practical job in design studio projects. The student develops his design skills, dares to try and learns new solutions in multidisciplinary work life projects.

The tasks of a designer are diverse, including the design of products, services, processes and interaction situations. The designer's work emphasizes customer understanding, initiative, vision and future-oriented thinking.

A designer (Bachelor of Design) is a wide-ranging expert in design and creative design.

Competence Standards

The degree program in Design represents the level 6 in the European and Finnish framework.

Structure of Studies

The scope of studies for a Bachelor of Design is 240 ECTS credits. According to the curriculum, one year of study corresponds to 60 ECTS credits, which means 1,600 hours of student work. Working on design studio projects consists of e.g. contact teaching, distance learning and independent study, as well as e-learning and internships. The study includes working life-oriented research and development activities.

Development of Expertise

In Savonia's curricula, the courses form broader study units. In this way, they support the overall development of the student and the development of expertise. At the same time, it is possible to combine teaching and work-based research and development.

The degree program in design is designed to ensure the:
• the skills required in working life and
• the development of the student's expertise.

Student
• prepares a personal study plan to support his / her studies, in which previously acquired competencies are identified (includes at least 5 credits of studying in a foreign language)
• is responsible for the progress of his / her studies.
Savonia's teachers and other staff members guide and support in defining and achieving personal goals.

The education is carried out according to annual themes:
• Year 1: Basics of design skills - as a learner in a design project
• Year 2: development of design expertise - as a responsible actor in a design project
• Year 3: Deepening design skills - multidisciplinary and professional networks
• Year 4: application of design expertise - as an independent expert in design work.

Methods and implementation

In Savonia, the pedagogical starting point is the Open Innovation Space (OIS 2.0) model. It combines high-quality education with research and development activities close to working life. Work life education emphasizes students' motivation and commitment to studies. The development of students' expertise is promoted in various learning environments by enabling diverse, time- and place-bound year-round studies and by making extensive use of the study of work. Comprehensive student guidance and the identification and recognition of prior learning are part of the students' personal study plan.

In the degree program in design, the studios mimic the work of a design office.

Projects are divided on an object-oriented basis into areas of either service design, product design or interior design. Different projects use different design methods and learn different practical and theoretical skills. The degree program includes applied methodological studies in design, research, development and innovation activities, well-being at work and internationality. A significant part of the studies is carried out in working life projects. The competence profile is built according to the choices made by the student.

The education is implemented as contact teaching, distance learning and independent study, as well as online studies.
The working life orientation of Savonia's education is realized through the diverse networking of teachers. Networks also ensure the continuous development of substance expertise. The staff creates learning situations and supports student learning. Student services, library and information services, international services and other university services help with studying. The education follows the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

Students are encouraged to complete part of their studies abroad. The student can complete 60 ECTS of the international study path by completing design studies in English, for example 30 ECTS credits and in international exchange 30 ECTS credits of studies and / or internships. Any course can be taken in English if non-Finnish students participate in the course.


Course Table

Code Name 1 S 1 K 2 S 2 K 3 S 3 K 4 S 4 K
 
Basic Studies
Basic Studies
4 DAP10 Introduction to Design and Studies 10              
4 DAP20 Design Thinking 10              
4 DAP30 Communication and Design 10              
4 DAP40 Material Technology   10            
4 DAP50 Composition and Model Making   10            
4 DAP60 Digital Tools for Design   10            
4 DAP70 Swedish Language and Communication     5          
 
Professional Studies
Service Design Studio
4 DAPS100 Application Design     10          
4 DAPS200 Brand Design           10    
4 DAPS300 Hospitality Design         10      
4 DAPS400 Health and Wellness Design       10        
4 DAPS500 Information Design     10          
4 DAPS600 Event Design       10        
4 DAPS700 Visual Communication Design         10      
4 DAPS800 Envisioning Design             10  
4 DAPS900 Designing for The Common Good           10    
Interior Design Studio
4 DASS100 Furniture Design           10    
4 DASS200 Apartment and Detached House Design     10          
4 DASS300 Care Space Design         10      
4 DASS400 Public Interior Design     10          
4 DASS500 Interior Renovation Design         10      
4 DASS600 Retail and Exhibition Design       10        
4 DASS700 Learning and Work Environment Design       10        
4 DASS800 Renovation of Buildings           10    
4 DASS900 Urban Design             10  
Product Design Studio
4 DATS100 Everyday Things       10        
4 DATS200 Graphic Design     10          
4 DATS300 Machinery Design       10        
4 DATS400 Consept Design     10          
4 DATS500 Developing a Design Collection       10        
4 DATS602 Fashion Technology     10          
4 DATS603 Jewellery Technology     10          
4 DATS700 Product Service System           10    
4 DATS800 Fashion Wearables and Functional Design         10      
4 DATS900 Product Development and Supply Chain             10  
4 DATS110 Hand Tool Design     10          
4 DATS120 Unique Product Design         10      
4 DATS130 Vehicle Design       10        
4 DATS140 Work of Art         10      
4 DATS150 Product Design       10        
4 DATS160 Smart and Intelligent Product Design           10    
 
Internship
Practical Training
4 DAHAR100 Practical Training 1     10          
4 DAHAR200 Practical Training 2         10      
4 DAHAR300 Practical Training 3             10  
 
Final Thesis
Final Thesis
4 SAVONT1 Thesis         15      
   5 DNONT10 Thesis Planning         5      
   5 DNONT20 Thesis Implementation           5    
   5 DNONT30 Thesis Finalisation             5  
   5 DNONT40 Maturity Test               0
4 SAVONT2 Thesis         15      
   5 DNONT50 Thesis Project 1         5      
   5 DNONT60 Thesis Project 2           5    
   5 DNONT70 Finalising the Thesis Projects             5  
   5 DNONT80 Maturity Test               0
 
Elective Studies
Optional Studies
4 DAVAL101 Sustainable Design 1: Design Competence in Circular Economy     10          
4 DAVAL201 Sustainable Design 1: Developing Circular Concepts         10      
4 DAVAL301 Sustainable Design 3: Transition Design             10  
4 DAVAL400 User Experience Design 1     10          
4 DAVAL500 User Experience Design 2         10      
4 DAVAL600 User Experience Design 3             10  
4 DAVAL700 Design Entrepreneurship 1     10          
4 DAVAL800 Design Entrepreneurship 2         10      
4 DAVAL900 Design Entrepreneurship 3             10  

Course Descriptions

4 DAP10 Introduction to Design and Studies

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mähönen Raili


4 DAP20 Design Thinking

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Iivarinen Marketta


4 DAP30 Communication and Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Hyvärinen Tarja


4 DAP40 Material Technology

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kurkinen Reijo


4 DAP50 Composition and Model Making

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kurkinen Reijo, Vallius Merja


4 DAP60 Digital Tools for Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DAP70 Swedish Language and Communication

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mokkila-Karttunen Sari


4 DAPS100 Application Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kares Antti


4 DAPS200 Brand Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa, Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS300 Hospitality Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS400 Health and Wellness Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS500 Information Design

Credits
10 ects
Objectives
The student is able to visualize information in a versatile, illustrative and impressive way. The student is able to apply information design skills in various development tasks.
Content
Collecting, analyzing, valuing and sharing the information to be visualized. Grammar and genres of information design. Limitations and strengths of human perception. Typography. Information design work processes, professional practices and ethical issues.
Requirements
The student organizes and makes a customer project related to information design. Participating in group teaching, doing assignments and getting acquainted with the literature.
Contact
Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS600 Event Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Iivarinen Marketta, Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS700 Visual Communication Design

Credits
10 ects
Objectives
The student is able to interpret and format visual and graphic material using design thinking. The student uses digital tools in an advanced way and is able to apply them professionally in customer projects.
Content
Design thinking as a basis for visual communication and graphic design. Methods of perception and character laws. Representation of functional information, eg new service paths, signs, signs, symbols. Visualization of information to improve the user service experience
Contact
Sirviö Timo


4 DAPS800 Envisioning Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DAPS900 Designing for The Common Good

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Sirviö Timo


4 DASS100 Furniture Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ruokonen Jarmo


4 DASS200 Apartment and Detached House Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS300 Care Space Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS400 Public Interior Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS500 Interior Renovation Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ruokonen Jarmo


4 DASS600 Retail and Exhibition Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS700 Learning and Work Environment Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS800 Renovation of Buildings

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nevalainen Heikki


4 DASS900 Urban Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ruokonen Jarmo


4 DATS100 Everyday Things

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DATS200 Graphic Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Oksanen Hannu, Laukkanen Jaakko


4 DATS300 Machinery Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DATS400 Consept Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DATS500 Developing a Design Collection

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Pakarinen Laura


4 DATS602 Fashion Technology

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa


4 DATS603 Jewellery Technology

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nylund Risto, Räsänen Jarno


4 DATS700 Product Service System

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa


4 DATS800 Fashion Wearables and Functional Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Pakarinen Laura


4 DATS900 Product Development and Supply Chain

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa


4 DATS110 Hand Tool Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DATS120 Unique Product Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nylund Risto


4 DATS130 Vehicle Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DATS140 Work of Art

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Miettinen Sirpa


4 DATS150 Product Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Silfver Jouni


4 DATS160 Smart and Intelligent Product Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Räsänen Jarno


4 DAHAR100 Practical Training 1

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mähönen Raili


4 DAHAR200 Practical Training 2

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mähönen Raili


4 DAHAR300 Practical Training 3

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mähönen Raili


4 SAVONT1 Thesis

Credits
15 ects
Objectives
Student can - choose a topic for thesis that is suitable for his or her field and his or her professional development and justify the choice from different perspectives - plan and implement a working life oriented research and development work based on the needs of the user/client - apply scientific and evidence-based information in the thesis process and in the development of his or her expertise - appropriately use research and development methods or artistic methods that are suitable for his or her professional field and for the topic of the thesis - prepare a clearly defined, logical and professionally appropriate report on his or her thesis - evaluate the essential contents, results or output of his or her thesis and justify their significance from the perspectives of his or her field, the client’s/user’s need and his or her professional development - evaluate his or her thesis process, its reliability and ethicality as well as his or her professional growth and learning during the work - cooperate in a flexible manner with players involved in the thesis process and demonstrate his or her expertise - take the maturity test on his or her thesis.
Content
SAVONT1 Thesis 15 ECTS ONT10: Planning the thesis (5 ECTS) - orientation to thesis and its preparation - choice and definition of topic - preparation of thesis plan and compilation of background material ONT20 Implementation of thesis process (5 ECTS) - preparation of thesis - results/output of thesis ONT30 Finalising the thesis (5 ECTS) - reporting and publication of thesis ONT40 Maturity test
Requirements
The thesis is always working life oriented. It may take the form of a a) development work planned and implemented by a student or a group of students to meet the user's or client's needs. Development may focus on a product, service, process, working method, learning material or instruction, digital material, supervised activity etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output and the need for further development in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. b) research-based thesis, in which a student or a group of student approaches a practical problem or item to be developed with appropriate research methods. The student shall prepare a report describing the planning, implementation and results of the thesis and interpreting the results. c) production, in which a student of a group of students demonstrates competence as an expert or as an artist by planning and implementing an event, a seminar, an artistic performance etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. d) compiled thesis, in which parts planned as a thesis (e.g. projects) are implemented and reported. In the written synthesis, article or other publication, which is part of the thesis, the student shall present the essential results/output in a form that is suitable for the professional field in question. The student shall choose either SAVONT1 or SAVONT2 as the form of completion.
Course material
The student shall acquire the material required for the thesis him or herself. Savonia’s thesis reporting instructions
Prerequisites
Method studies in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme
Other considerations
The student may adapt the Thesis course to a schedule that is appropriate to his or her work.
Contact
Linden Jari


5 DNONT10 Thesis Planning

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT20 Thesis Implementation

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT30 Thesis Finalisation

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT40 Maturity Test

Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 SAVONT2 Thesis

Credits
15 ects
Objectives
Student can - choose a topic for thesis that is innovative for his or her field and his or her professional development and justify the choice from different perspectives - plan and implement a working life oriented research and development work based on the needs of the user/client - apply scientific and evidence-based information in the thesis process and in the development of his or her expertise - appropriately use research and development methods or artistic methods that are suitable for his or her professional field and for the topic of the thesis - prepare a clearly defined, logical and professionally appropriate report on his or her thesis - evaluate the essential contents, results or output of his or her thesis and justify their significance from the perspectives of his or her field, the client’s/user’s need and his or her professional development - evaluate his or her thesis process, its reliability and ethicality as well as his or her professional growth and learning during the work - cooperate in a flexible manner with players involved in the thesis process and demonstrate his or her expertise - take the maturity test on his or her thesis.
Content
SAVONT2 Thesis 15 ECTS: ONT50 Thesis, project 1 (5 ECTS), ONT60 Thesis, project 2 (5 ECTS), ONT70 Synthesis and publication of thesis projects (5 ECTS), ONT80 Maturity test
Requirements
The thesis is always working life oriented. It may take the form of a a) development work planned and implemented by a student or a group of students to meet the user's or client's needs. Development may focus on a product, service, process, working method, learning material or instruction, digital material, supervised activity etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output and the need for further development in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. b) research-based thesis, in which a student or a group of student approaches a practical problem or item to be developed with appropriate research methods. The student shall prepare a report describing the planning, implementation and results of the thesis and interpreting the results. c) production, in which a student of a group of students demonstrates competence as an expert or as an artist by planning and implementing an event, a seminar, an artistic performance etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. d) compiled thesis, in which parts planned as a thesis (e.g. projects) are implemented and reported. In the written synthesis, article or other publication, which is part of the thesis, the student shall present the essential results/output in a form that is suitable for the professional field in question. The student shall choose either SAVONT1 or SAVONT2 as the form of completion.
Course material
The student shall acquire the material required for the thesis him or herself. Savonia’s thesis reporting
Prerequisites
Method studies in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme.
Other considerations
The student may adapt the Thesis course to a schedule that is appropriate to his or her work.
Contact
Linden Jari


5 DNONT50 Thesis Project 1

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT60 Thesis Project 2

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT70 Finalising the Thesis Projects

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


5 DNONT80 Maturity Test

Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL101 Sustainable Design 1: Design Competence in Circular Economy

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa


4 DAVAL201 Sustainable Design 1: Developing Circular Concepts

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Ryynänen Sirpa


4 DAVAL301 Sustainable Design 3: Transition Design

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL400 User Experience Design 1

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL500 User Experience Design 2

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL600 User Experience Design 3

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL700 Design Entrepreneurship 1

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka


4 DAVAL800 Design Entrepreneurship 2

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Nylund Risto


4 DAVAL900 Design Entrepreneurship 3

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Kettunen Ilkka, Nylund Risto


 

We reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum due to the need to update the content being studied.