The Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD) at City University of Macau (CityU) makes innovation its core development strategy and leads the construction and development of design, art, and urban planning programs that align with the ever-changing needs of urban development in society, economics, technology, and the environment. FIAD is rooted in the local community while setting its sights on international exchanges, with the aim of building an authoritative professional teaching and research team for cross-cultural communication, interdisciplinary teaching, research, and practice. FIAD cultivates leading talents in design, art, and urban planning with an international vision for the new era.
- In 2018, FIAD was approved to become the first higher education institution in Macao to join International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media (CUMULUS), which is the only global organization of art, design, and media institutions officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). CUMULUS is made up of influential design institutions from Europe and other countries and regions around the world.
- In 2020, FIAD was officially approved as the first member of the Asian Planning Schools Association (APSA) in Macao. The membership signified that the professional setup of the Urban Planning discipline is highly recognized for its broad influence on academia.
- FIAD is home to the Sino-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Science of Cultural Heritage Conservation. This laboratory is a joint development project in partnership with Soochow University and the University of Evora. Its aim is to share China's stories, promote cultural confidence, and advance cultural heritage conservation along the Maritime Silk Road through high-quality research output.
- FIAD has established a Craft Laboratory with the aim of providing state-of-the-art equipment for metalworking, woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing to support teaching and offer an advanced study environment for students to express their ideas through artwork.
- FIAD offers seven degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Design, Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Urban Planning and Design, Doctor of Philosophy in Arts Studies, Doctor of Philosophy in Design, and Doctor of Urban Planning and Design.
FIAD Academic Faculty Sharing
Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun, Postgraduate Program Coordinator of Design Studies, PhD Supervisor
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise: Urban Image and Visual; Design and Cultural Studies; Traditional Costumes of Ethnic Minorities
Master of Design and Doctor of Philosophy in Design offer various study specializations, including industrial design, product design, visual communication design, and architectural design. FIAD has a team of experienced professors and senior professionals from the industry, and is equipped with advanced facilities. It has established close exchange and cooperation projects with leading universities, research institutions, and design agencies in mainland China, providing students with an excellent study and practical environment. Through classroom teaching, project practice, and internship experience, students' design and research abilities are enhanced, cultivating future high-level professionals in the field of design.
The programs continue strengthening connections and cooperation with enterprises and academic institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as domestic and international organizations. It aims to continuously cultivate professionals with global perspectives and innovative mindsets.
Assistant Professor Xing Yalong, Postgraduate Program Coordinator of Urban Planning and Design Studies, PhD Supervisor
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise: Design Psychology, Innovative Urban Design, Industrial Design, Design Culture and Theory
Master of Urban Planning and Design is currently the only master's degree program in urban planning approved in Macao's higher education system. With the advancement of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, and the ongoing urban construction and renewal in Macao, there is a growing demand for high-level professionals in urban planning and management. This program is committed to serving national development and Macao's urban development planning, benchmarking the talent standards required for national development, continuously improving the level of higher education, and focusing on the construction of a professional talent training system.
Focusing on addressing practical problems in urban development, this program aims to combine theory and hands-on skills to cultivate high-level professionals for the scientific, standardized, and institutionalized development of urban construction.
Doctor of Urban Planning and Design is dedicated to solving cutting-edge problems in urban science and related fields of planning and design, with the goal of achieving user-friendly and sustainable urban development. This program is designed with a sense of responsibility for the urban development of Macao, a sense of urgency to solve critical problems in the future development of modern cities, and a sense of mission for education and scientific research.
This program is committed to combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing both professional and quality education, and focusing on both expertise and innovative abilities. Its goal is to cultivate well-rounded professionals with solid professional foundations and practical skills.
Assistant Professor Ren Yujie, Program Coordinator of Bachelor of Arts in Design, PhD Supervisor
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise: Brand Management and Innovative Design, Service Design, Visual Communication Design
Bachelor of Arts in Design covers three professional areas: Environmental Design, Industrial Design, and Urban Landscape Design. The curriculum setup is designed to meet both the students’ professional development needs and the industry’s development. The teaching approach emphasizes the combination of theoretical research and practical creation, enabling students to effectively integrate their expertise with social demands.
This curriculum setup is equipped with advanced hardware equipment and laboratories for students to create their design work and artistic expression. The curriculum is fully integrated with the laboratory operations, allowing students to become familiar with advanced design practices and to gain a more direct and comprehensive understanding of the practical skills required for this profession.
Doctor of Philosophy in Arts Studies offers three areas of study: Chinese Art History and Painting, Chinese Music History, and Art Education. The Master of Fine Arts program offers two areas of study: Chinese Painting, Calligraphy, and Carving, and Art Education.
Distinguished Professor Sun Jinagtao, Director of Research Centre for Arts Education
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise: Chinese Culture and Art, Chinese Landscape Painting, Stamp Collection
The curriculum design focuses on academic research in art theory and art history, and regularly holds on-campus art events, which is open to all work of life, students and faculty to enrich their cultural and artistic life.
Distinguished Professor Dai Dingcheng, PhD Supervisor of Art Studies in Musicology
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise: Early European Polyphony, Contemporary Music in Macao, Music Education and Training
The new musicology studies of the program was established in 2022. It is the first of its kind in Macao to promote interactions and integration between music expertise, art, and academia.
This program combines theoretical knowledge with artistic practice, emphasizing both music skills and innovative abilities, with the aim of cultivating high-level professionals in the field who possess solid artistic foundations, comprehensive knowledge, artistic appreciation, and research capabilities. Graduates of this program will have artistic vision, innovative ideas, and will be well-equipped to become professionals in the field of art.
Welcome to Faculty of Innovation and Design!
FIAD will actively strengthen cooperation and exchanges with professional associations, universities, businesses, research institutions, and public departments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and internationally. FIAD is committed to continuously improving its academic strength and teaching quality, striving for excellence, cultivating high-end professionals, and serving urban development.
