SWPS University

Mission Statement

SWPS University Mission Statement

SWPS University, as a non-public university, exists to serve people, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public services. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution based on a community of employees, students, and alumni.

The Institute of Design brings together designers and artists working at SWPS University. We specialize both in the practice and theory of design and visual arts. We contribute our talents and expertise to numerous cultural, research, social, and economic initiatives. The leading national and international cultural institutions recognize and present our projects. Collaborating with our partners, we create solutions that shape society, economy, and culture. 

Working in international and interdisciplinary teams, we carry out research in the field of art and design. We conduct strategic partnerships with universities in the European Union and beyond. The impact of these projects extends beyond the partner universities and provides valuable insights and resources for art and design education. 

International Role

SWPS University Mission Statement

SWPS University, as a non-public university, exists to serve people, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public services. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution based on a community of employees, students, and alumni.

The Institute of Design brings together designers and artists working at SWPS University. We specialize both in the practice and theory of design and visual arts. We contribute our talents and expertise to numerous cultural, research, social, and economic initiatives. The leading national and international cultural institutions recognize and present our projects. Collaborating with our partners, we create solutions that shape society, economy, and culture. 

Working in international and interdisciplinary teams, we carry out research in the field of art and design. We conduct strategic partnerships with universities in the European Union and beyond. The impact of these projects extends beyond the partner universities and provides valuable insights and resources for art and design education. 

University SWPS is a member of various international organizations, associations, programs and networks. We believe these memberships confirm our international position and reflect our proactive attitude towards internationalization, a goal that is aligned with our international strategy.

We are a member of The European University Association (EUA), a community of over 900 members and affiliates. It represents universities and national rectors’ conferences in 49 European countries, as well as affiliated organisations and networks based both in and beyond Europe. 

We are also a member of ERUA (European Reform University Alliance). In ERUA we strive to increase our societal impact by creating a powerful academic hub for critical and innovative contributions to a free, more equitable, and democratic Europe.

Other hubs and associations SWPS University is a member of are the European Union of Private Higher Education (EUPHE), the Global Academy of Liberal Arts (GALA), the Baltic University Programme (BUP), the European Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE), the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR).

Institute of Design has started cooperation with Viadrina University, Aegean University, and University Paris 8.

National Role

SWPS University plays a pivotal role in Poland's sustainable growth and well-being, significantly impacting its home cities Warsaw, Wroclaw, Sopot, Poznan, Katowice, and Krakow, through various collaborations and initiatives. SWPS University ranks highly in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for good health and well-being, gender equality, and reduced inequalities, reflecting its commitment to societal impact​.

 The university's Med-Stres and Med-Stres SOS programs provide psychological support for medical professionals, showcasing its dedication to public health​. Its participation in the international project Co_Create focused on preventing child and adolescent obesity underscores its commitment to public health and societal well-being.​ The educational gov_LAB program assists local governments in designing support tools for entrepreneurs​. Additionally, the university's collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in the "Roots of 20th Century Totalitarianism" program demonstrates its commitment to impactful historical education.

Institute of Design contributes to art, design, and culture of Poland. Its team includes some of the most influential living Polish designers and design curators including Oskar Zieta and Agnieszka Jacobson–Cielcka. 

The architectural sculpture “Nawa” by Dr. Oskar Zięta, has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Daliova Island in Wroclaw, Poland by attracting thousands of tourists and residents to this previously neglected part of the city (in the same year NAWA was completed, the project was found to be in the public consciousness of as much as 70 percent of the city's residents; creation of “Nawa” is also considered to be reason for touristic growth in Lower Silesia).

Dr Jacobson–Cielecka’s exhibitions such as “Roundabout Baltic” have been hosted by major museums and at prestigious design festivals in Poland and in other countries throughout Western, Northern, and Central Europe. A common feature of the exhibitions was the search for similarities and differences between the ways of thinking about everyday objects in Poland and other countries, which contributed to building a sense of community between citizens of those neighboring countries in the region. 

The Legal Communication Design Center enhances legal culture and compliance, benefiting the local population​. As the only university in Poland, we do it systematically, working on social change in the observance and application of the law and educating – both designers and lawyers – to understand and apply it (legal design).

Institute of Design cooperates with partner academies, like the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. It also has several business, research, and educational partnerships: Paged Wood Factory, Huta Julia Glassworks, National Museum in Warsaw, Royal Castle Museum in Warsaw, and many others.

Main Focus

SWPS University is Poland's first and biggest private university, specializing in psychology, social science, humanities, art, and design. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has ranked it the leading higher education institution offering Social Sciences and Psychology programs at the Bachelor's and Master’s levels. The institution offers 15 undergraduate and graduate programs in English and over 30 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study programs with over 70 specializations in Polish. 

SWPS University has also been awarded multiple A+ and A categories, making it one of the leading universities in terms of research and creative practice. 

SWPS University has six campuses located in Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Kraków and Katowice. We treat research-based knowledge about the human being and society as a part of social and individual development. The sciences that we practice initiate social development and improve social welfare. 

In the field of design we take a holistic and responsible approach, recognizing the individual as an integral part of society and the natural part of the environment. To prepare young designers for the challenges of a rapidly evolving reality. We equip them not only with design tools but also with humanistic skills that allow them to understand and engage with context, explore needs, and anticipate change. Proficiency in the use of both traditional craft tools and new technologies, coupled with a deep understanding of materials, emphasizes the importance of experimentation and learning through trial and error as foundational principles.