Faculty of Design, an independent higher education institution

Mission Statement

“As a dynamic and innovative faculty, we strive to address the greatest challenges of tomorrow. We approach this mission through innovative, sustainable and digitally enabled pedagogical, research and artistic methods. Our goal is to empower students and faculty members to realise their talents, thereby promoting not only personal fulfilment and self-realisation, but also contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.”

International Role

At the Faculty of Design, we believe that successful international collaboration enhances European quality and excellence in higher education. International projects play a crucial role in bridging education with the practical application of knowledge. Additionally, international cooperation enriches the educational offer, improves the quality of scientific and professional work, and contributes to the development of knowledge and competencies, enabling the faculty to collaborate more effectively with the local economy and social environment.

FD’s international engagement is conducted through:

1. Erasmus+ Program
2. Ad Futura Program

 Memberships in international associations, including:

• New European Bauhaus (NEB),
• BEDA – Bureau of European Design Associations,
• World Design Organization (WDO),
• European Creative Business Network (ECBN),
• 3C Awards,
• European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE),
• Pact for Skills / Creative Pact for skills.

Membership in EMUNI, the Euro-Mediterranean University, since 2024.

FD’s international activities are guided by two key documents:

The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) and The Erasmus Policy Statement (EPS), which defines and partially replaces the faculty's internationalization strategy. The EPS aligns with the faculty’s strategic documents, ensuring a framework for integrating internationalization within the institution.

In 2021, FD renewed its Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, covering the period from 2021 to 2027.

Through Erasmus+, we actively promote and strengthen student and staff mobility. Our established network of partners across Europe facilitates knowledge exchange and exposure to the latest trends in design. The mobility of individuals involved in the study process contributes to an innovative and enriched learning experience, complementing academic obligations.

The key objectives of Erasmus+ include:

–          Collaboration between educational institutions;

–          Partnerships between FD and businesses (e.g., teaching by industry experts from EU companies);

–          Joint projects and workshops with partner institutions;

–          Organization of practical training for visiting students.

By adhering to the Erasmus Policy Statement, FD supports the EU strategy of "Fostering Job Growth" through its activities and outcomes.

FD sees international collaboration as a way to strengthen its competitive position within the European Higher Education and Research Area. Our international cooperation also extends to foreign higher education institutions. FD currently holds 85 bilateral agreements, enabling the mobility of students, lecturers, and staff.

In addition to maintaining and strengthening existing partnerships, our international cooperation focuses on:

–          Establishing new partnerships with international higher education and research institutions, as well as foreign companies,

–          Collaborating on joint research and development projects,

–          Developing joint study programs,

–          Organizing and conducting summer schools,

–          Facilitating student, faculty, researcher, and staff exchanges,

–          Participating in international conferences, congresses, and symposiums,

–          Engaging in international associations and organizations.

Until 2024, FD was part of the CEEPUS program (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies), a regional exchange network for students and professors. However, in 2025, this network was not renewed.

FD is also included in the Ad Futura funding program, which provides scholarships to:

• Encourage Slovene students to study abroad,
• Support foreign nationals studying in Slovenia.

Ad Futura scholarships are offered annually by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability, and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia.

Additionally, FD seeks funding through the Erasmus+ sub-program for socially disadvantaged students, which helps finance student exchanges for those from economically weaker backgrounds.

In 2024, FD became a member of the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI). EMUNI’s mission is to enhance intercultural dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region through higher education and research. The university aims to develop specialized study programs in cooperation with other institutions from the region, addressing topics crucial to the Euro-Mediterranean area.

Within the EMUNI network, FD engages in internationalization efforts in teaching and research, aligning with EMUNI’s focus on scientific research as a key factor for institutional development, success, and quality.

More info about EMUNI: https://emuni.si/network/

National Role

The Faculty of Design actively collaborates with key economic and institutional partners across Slovenia, strengthening knowledge exchange, research, and development initiatives.

FD engages in strategic collaborations with:

1. Competence Center for Human Resource Development in Wood Industry (KOCLES);
2. Competence Center for Design Management (KCDM) 4.0;
3. Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership for Smart Buildings and Home with a Wood Chain (SRIP PSiDL);
4. Strategic Partnership for Energy and Environment in the Defense Sector (SiEnE), operating under the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia (MORS) and TECES, focusing on energy-efficient building projects.

Various other associations in which FD holds membership.

Collaboration with Government Ministries

FD cooperates with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation (MVZI) on the project:

"Problem-Based Learning for Students in Work Environments: Economy, Non-Economic and Non-Profit Sectors in Local/Regional Areas (2024-2027)" (PUŠ in Work Environments 2024-2027), co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESS+).

This initiative provides students with practical experience, knowledge, and competencies in real work settings and promotes the transfer of knowledge between higher education institutions and businesses, public, and non-profit sectors.

FD also collaborates with the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport (MGTŠ) in areas such as:

1. Strategic Research and Innovation Partnerships (SRIP),
2. Competence Center for Human Resource Development in Wood Industry (KOCLES),
3. Competence Center for Design Management (KCDM).

Scientific Research and Industry CollaborationFaculty of Architecture,

–          Academy of Fine Arts and Design (ALUO),

–          Faculty of Natural Sciences and E

FD works closely with:

1. The Science and Research Center (ZRS) Koper,
2. The University of Primorska,  Center for Knowledge Transfer and Development,
3. The Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Renewable Materials and Healthy Living Environments (InnoRenew CoE).

Academic Collaborations

Within its study and research activities, FD partners with various higher education institutions, including:

University of Ljubljana, particularly with:

1. Faculty of Architecture,
2. Academy of Fine Arts and Design (ALUO),
3. Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering (NTF),
4. Biotechnical Faculty (BF),
5. Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics (FRI), with a particularly strong collaboration in visual communications.

Ekošola / ECOCAMPUS, a network of higher education institutions focused on developing and implementing sustainable study programs, such as those at GEA College. More info: https://www.ecocampus.global/

Higher Education Policy and Institutional Collaboration

Since its establishment, FD has been a member of the Community of Independent Higher Education Institutions, a platform where independent higher education institutions collaborate on:

–          Higher education and research policy,

–          Common financial and legal matters,

–          Advocacy of shared positions before government institutions and the public.

Promotion and Cooperation with Secondary Schools

FD places great emphasis on outreach and collaboration with secondary schools, especially those offering vocational programs related to design. We organize presentations and workshops, including activities within mandatory elective subjects.

Industry and Business Cooperation

FD actively partners with organizations where design is recognized as a key added value in final products, systems, or services. These collaborations focus on companies producing high-tech, high-design-value products. Other industry collaborations span woodworking and furniture industries, tourism, ICT systems, and retail.

FD also works closely with:

–          The Construction Institute (ZRMK)

To strengthen ties with the business sector, FD integrates industry-linked projects into its curriculum, led by FD’s research labs. Additionally, through the FD Career Centre (KC FD), students and graduates gain:

–          Soft skills,

–          Networking opportunities with employers,

–          International work experience,

–          Entrepreneurial mentorship for starting their own businesses.

The Career Centre also facilitates student practical trainings, collaborations on industry projects, and information on competitions and open calls.

Entrepreneurial Competency Development

FD actively collaborates with the Entrepreneurship Incubator in Sežana, where students engage in solving real-world design challenges.

Local Community Engagement

FD plays a key role in connecting with public institutions involved in creative industries (museums, galleries, NGOs) and local municipal projects with schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and other institutions. A key partnership is with the City of Ljubljana.

House for Design Management and Innovation (HDMI)

As a link between academia and industry, FD established the House for Design Management and Innovation (HDMI) in 2015, which:

–          Supports students by expanding their academic and professional horizons,

–          Creates a platform where businesses and academic experts in design collaborate,

–          Strengthens design-driven innovation in business and industry.

Through these strategic initiatives, FD continues to bridge education, research, and industry, ensuring that design plays a transformative role in Slovenia’s economy and society.

In 2014, the Faculty of Design became a full member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS).

In 2018, FD joined the Network for Innovative Learning Environments, dedicated to creating more innovative learning spaces and promoting lifelong learning, with a special focus on post-secondary education. The network also advocates for positive, progressive, and sustainable societal changes in education and training.

That same year, FD became a member of the Slovenian Green Building Council (GBC Slovenia), which promotes sustainable construction, real estate management, and sustainable development. The council serves as a platform for interdisciplinary communication between construction professionals, industries, designers, investors, and property managers to enhance the quality of living and working environments.

FD is also a member of the Green Network of Slovenia, which brings together businesses, local communities, educational institutions, research institutes, and government agencies committed to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. The network facilitates collaboration on environmental and sustainability projects, innovations, and achievements, serving as a bridge between educational institutions and businesses to turn ideas into actionable solutions.

FD actively contributes to the development of the Integral Green Slovenia model, a nationwide  initiative launched in 2013 to promote sustainable and holistic living. In collaboration with the Trans4m Center for Integral Development in Geneva, the initiative is shaping a Slovenian and European model of integral green economy and society – INTEGRAL GREEN SLOVENIA®. This model emphasizes ethical and moral principles and a smart integration of sustainability measures for economic and social development.

FD is a member of the Association for Social Responsibility and participates in the newly established Academy of Sciences for Sustainable Development of Slovenia (AZTRS). AZTRS addresses critical societal issues, including climate change, digitalization, artificial intelligence, social welfare, democracy, international relations, security, and peace.

FD is a member of the IRDO Institute, which researches and promotes social responsibility in Slovenia and globally. IRDO connects businesses, government, civil society, media, and experts to implement joint awareness campaigns and initiatives aimed at fostering socially responsible practices. The institute is also a member of CSR Europe.

FD is a member of the Slovenian Design Center, operating under the City of Design initiative, and actively collaborates with the Center for Creativity (CzK), which operates under the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO).

In 2022, FD established long-term cooperation with the Designers’ Society of Slovenia (DOS) and, in 2023, signed a long-term partnership agreement with the newly established Center ROG, a creative and innovation hub.

As of 2024, FD is a member of EMUNI – the Euro-Mediterranean University, which unites 179 higher education institutions globally. EMUNI serves as a knowledge-sharing platform among Euro-Mediterranean countries, significantly contributing to the development of an integrated higher education and research space in the region.

Main Focus

The Faculty of Design is a higher education institution dedicated to design education and research, offering Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) programs in Interior Design, Visual Communications (including UX/UI), Fashion and Textiles, Design Management, and Jewellery Design. Our main focus is multidisciplinary academic approach, integrating design, art, research and technology, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

At the core of our educational philosophy is the belief that students play an active and central role in research and artistic exploration. We foster an experiential, project-based learning environment, where students engage in real-world collaborations with industry partners, public institutions, and NGOs, within national and international projects. Through our design laboratories and artistic platforms, students are encouraged to experiment, develop new methodologies, and create solutions that address contemporary societal and environmental challenges.

Our master’s programs emphasize advanced design strategies, critical thinking, and applied research, preparing students not only for careers in the creative industries but also for leadership roles in industry, with the strong focus on design-driven innovation. The Faculty actively participates in national and EU-funded research and innovation projects, ensuring that students and faculty contribute to the evolving landscape of design knowledge and practice.

Furthermore, our institution is deeply engaged in artistic activities and exhibitions, providing mentors and students with opportunities to present their work in national and international events. This active involvement enhances their creative expression, professional development, and critical engagement with contemporary design discourse.