Program overview
Art and Design may sound high-end, but it's actually very down-to-earth. Simply put, it's about learning how to design things that are both beautiful and functional. You'll explore multiple directions including graphic design, product design, environmental design, and digital media design. Core courses include design fundamentals (color, composition, typography), design history, computer-aided design (Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D modeling), user research, materials and processes, and more. Chinese universities have unique strengths in this field—for example, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, China Academy of Art, and Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University. They not only emphasize traditional aesthetics (like blending ink painting and calligraphy with modern design) but also keep pace with the digital age by offering cutting-edge courses in interaction design and service design. This field suits curious, hands-on students with a visual sensitivity and a willingness to think from the user's perspective. You don't need to be a skilled artist already, but you should have a passion for observing and experimenting.