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Future Design School of Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen

China Full Member Institution

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Mission Statement

Future Design School: Bridging Art, Technology, and Innovation

Future Design School (FDS) at Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen (HITSZ) is at the forefront of addressing current and future needs while aligning with international academic frontiers. The school's distinctive approach is characterized by the integration of art and technology, as well as design and innovation. FDS closely aligns international education with social, cultural, ecological, and technological advancements, emphasizing the connection between technology and innovation while embracing diversity.

With a state-of-the-art educational environment, progressive educational philosophies, and adherence to international standards, FDS aims to cultivate exceptional talents with global leadership capabilities. These individuals are equipped to adapt to evolving social and technological landscapes, tackling new challenges with innovative methodologies and mindsets.

Harbin Institute of Technology: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1920, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) has established itself as one of China's most esteemed universities, recognized as a member of the elite C9 League (China's equivalent to the Ivy League). With campuses in Harbin, Weihai, and Shenzhen, HIT consistently ranks among the world's top institutions in engineering and technology.

Merging Technical Prowess with Creative Design

Future Design School represents a fusion of HIT's renowned technical expertise with cutting-edge creative design education. While HIT has traditionally been known as "the cradle of engineers," the university has expanded its focus to include interdisciplinary design education that bridges technology and creativity. The design programs at FDS emphasize the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges through international collaboration.

Strategic Investment in Design Education

The establishment of Future Design School signifies a substantial strategic investment by HIT. The school boasts impressive campus facilities, with 117,083 square meters dedicated to design education, research, and exhibitions, underscoring the institution's commitment to fostering a world-class environment for design innovation and learning.

 

International Role

Future Design School (FDS) develops its global presence in international education to support collaborative relationships with renowned design institutions worldwide. These partnerships include schools such as the Zurich University of the Arts, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Bologna in Italy, the French École de Design Nantes Atlantique, and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Spain.

National Role

FDS is located in Shenzhen, the "City of Design," and was established with the strong support of the Shenzhen Municipal Government. It builds on the strengths of its partners, breaks down disciplinary barriers, encourages cross – disciplinary integration, and promotes deep industry – academia – research collaboration.

Main Focus

Future Design School (FDS) is dedicated to nurturing talent across design disciplines at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels through a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary integrated educational approach. Additionally, FDS places core emphasis on research and international collaboration, fostering a comprehensive environment that supports academic excellence and global engagement.

Faculties and Departments

Future Design School (FDS) at Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen (HITSZ) was established in 2024 through the merger of Shenzhen International School of Design and other affiliated institutions within HIT Shenzhen, leveraging the unique resources of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The school boasts a diverse international faculty of 22 members, most of whom have studied or worked abroad. Faculty members hail from Switzerland, Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and Mainland China, comprising 4 professors, 7 associate professors, 9 assistant professors, and 1 lecturer.

Aligned with Shenzhen's ambition to become a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, FDS is advancing a comprehensive development strategy centered on three core disciplines: Design, Architecture, and Urban & Rural Planning. The institution aims to accommodate 3,000 on-campus students.

Bachelor Level Programs

BA in Industrial Design, 4-year program

BA in Digital Media Arts, 4-year program

 

 

Master Level Programs

MA in Design, 2.5 years program

MA in Urban & Rural Planning, 2.5 years program.

Research Activity and Main Areas

Strategic research centers are currently in development and will be gradually launched in the future.

Research Funding Sources

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China: The foundation primarily supports research in Architecture, Urban and Rural Planning, Human Geography, and Interdisciplinary Applications of Computer Science, among other fields.
  • National Social Science Fund of China:This fund focuses on research areas such as Society, Art, Ethnology, and Communication Studies. It is a significant source of funding for humanities and social sciences research in China, providing support for various projects across multiple disciplines.
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Research of the Ministry of Education of China:This program funds research in Society, Art, Ethnology, Psychology, and Interdisciplinary Studies, among other areas. It is an important initiative aimed at promoting high-quality research in humanities and social sciences within Chinese higher education institutions.

 

Doctorate Level Programs

in preparation

Subject Areas for Exchange Students

We are planning to organize the student exchanges plans from 2026.

Application Deadlines

Work in progress.

Teaching Languages

English and Chinese

Semester Dates

Work in progress.

Cost of Living Per Month (Studying and Living)

A rough estimate of RMB 4,000-8,000 per month is needed for living and studying in Shenzhen, China.

Students

Bachelor: 800
Master: 600
Doctorate: 120

Exchange Students

Incoming: 50
Outgoing: 50

Teaching Staff

Professors: 22
Lectures: 1
Part-time Teachers: 15

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