Faculty of Innovation and Design: Cultivating Talents through Innovative Interdisciplinary Education to Serve Urban Development
Building upon innovation, the Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD) at City University of Macau (CityU) is dedicated to addressing the dynamic needs of urban development in response to societal, economic, technological, and environmental transformations. Its primary objective is to empower global talents in academic innovation within the fields of urban governance, urban management, design, and arts, taking into account the demands of the new era. FIAD is committed to establishing itself as an internationally recognized, innovative, research-oriented institution with a global perspective, a clear sense of mission, and unique local characteristics.
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Innovative Design Leading the Future: Building an Interdisciplinary Educational System
FIAD is committed to supporting Macao’s industries and meeting the diverse needs of urban development. It currently offers degree programs such as bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in design, master’s and PhD programs in urban planning and design, and master’s and PhD programs in arts. The comprehensive curriculum highlights interdisciplinary studies. With a team of credible educators and researchers, FIAD is steadily advancing in teaching, research, and practice across cultures and disciplines to cultivate high-end professionals in the field of design.
The Bachelor of Arts in Design program, in accordance with the development objectives set by the Macao SAR government and in close alignment with the market demands of Macao and the Greater China region, offers specialized studies in environmental design, industrial design, and urban and landscape design. To ensure the quality of education, the program is taught by renowned experts, scholars, and designers from both domestic and international backgrounds.
The Master of Design program and the Doctor of Philosophy in Design program cover a wide range of specialized fields, including industrial design, architectural environmental design, product design, visual communication design, as well as arts and technology. These programs aim to empower a new generation of interdisciplinary design professionals with a solid theoretical foundation and innovation.
The Master of Urban Planning and Design program and the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Design program encompass cutting-edge areas such as urban planning and design, urban renewal technologies and management, landscape architecture and design, and smart city planning. The faculty places emphasis on specialized research and development in design, arts, urban planning, and heritage conservation, and has established dedicated laboratories to support these endeavors.
The Master of Fine Arts program and the Doctor of Philosophy in Arts Studies program aim to deepen students’ understanding and advance research on Chinese traditional arts and education. The master’s program offers two specialized research directions: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, and Art Education. The major courses cover Chinese art history, Chinese painting creation research, calligraphy and seal carving, as well as art education psychology. The PhD program further expands into research areas such as Chinese painting history and musicology, offering three research directions: Chinese art history and painting theory research, art education research, and Chinese music history studies.
Moreover, FIAD places great emphasis on academic research and specialized development in the areas of design, arts, urban planning, and heritage conservation. It has established the Research Centre for Arts Education, the Craft Laboratory, and the Sino-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Science of Cultural Heritage Conservation (Belt and Road Joint Laboratory).
Internationally Accredited Programs, Pioneer for Global Arts Exchange
In 2018, the faculty was approved as the only member institution in Macao SAR of The International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media, known as CUMULUS, which is a globally recognized organization by the UNESCO. Comprised of top design institutions from Europe and around the world, the membership in CUMULUS provides the faculty with the opportunity to strengthen exchanges and collaborations with the international design and art academia, and to promote innovation and development in the field.
In 2020, the faculty was approved as the first member institution from Macao by the Asian Planning Schools Association (APSA). This membership in APSA signifies the recognition received by the faculty’s urban planning programs, highlighting its influence as a well-structured and reputable institution for urban planning education.
Innovative Development: Industry + Education, Knowledge + Practice
The faculty considers industry-academia collaboration as a crucial approach to drive innovation and development in industries. It is dedicated to fostering a close integration between academic research and practical applications. The faculty establishes long-term partnerships with various industries through various means, including joint research projects, internships and job opportunities, as well as inviting industry experts for guidance and lectures. Currently, the faculty has reached cooperation agreements with nearly a hundred companies and institutions, providing students with ample opportunities for practical learning.
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Overseas Field Study: Intercultural Communication and Academic Discovery
The faculty actively promotes international education initiatives to broaden students’ international perspectives and enhance their intercultural communication skills. In addition to participating in exchange programs with partner universities, the faculty regularly organizes students to participate in various overseas study activities. For example, the summer overseas workshop at the Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) in the Czech Republic, the Sakura Science Program in Japan, and the 20th International Conference of Asia Institute of Urban Environment (20th AIUE).
These activities provide students with opportunities to engage in professional and cultural exchanges with students and faculty from different regions and universities around the world, allowing them to enhance their professional literacy.
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High-end Academic Conferences: Feast of Innovative Design Thinking
The faculty actively promotes academic exchanges and knowledge sharing to drive the development and innovation in the field of design, enhancing its international influence. The faculty organizes various high-end academic conferences, inviting outstanding scholars, experts, and practitioners from around the world to discuss cutting-edge research findings, trends, and developments in areas such as interaction design, product design, architecture design, urban planning, painting arts, and heritage conservation science.
Recently, the faculty held an academic symposium on research achievements and project proposals in the field of design at the Hengqin Jinhui Campus. The symposium showcased the research achievements of design graduate students, fostering academic exchanges and collaborations, and providing a platform for students to share their research outcomes, theoretical perspectives, and practical experiences. In addition, faculty members and students are invited to attend various academic forums and conferences, such as the “Future Design Summit: Creativity Computation Crossroads” in Beijing, the Urban Space Analysis Forum and the 8th Symposium on Space Syntax in China, and the III Congresso Internacional “Diálogos Interculturais Portugal-China” (Translation: the 3rd International Conference on China-Portuguese Intercultural Dialogue. These opportunities allow them to share educational and research outcomes and demonstrate their professional research capabilities.
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Consolidate Knowledge through Practice: Outstanding Performance at International Design Competitions
The faculty places great emphasis on cultivating students’ practical skills, actively encourages their participation in various design competitions and provides professional guidance. In recent years, students have achieved remarkable success in a wide range of design competitions at local, national, and international levels. These include the “Macau Brand Story”, the Orient Star Design Award, the China Undergraduate Life Sciences Contest, the Yuanye Awards International Competition for Students, the British Ecology Design Award, the DNA Paris Design Awards, the iF Design Award, and the 2023 Cultural and Creative Design Competition for Suzhou and Macao Youth. These accolades not only demonstrate the outstanding performance of students in practical skills but also serve as strong evidence of the high-quality teaching at the faculty.
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Let’s see what the newcomers have to say about their learning experiences!
First-year student Chen Jinghong, Master of Design
“The engagement with knowledge, sincere interactions with teachers and mentors, and in-depth discussions with classmates have all made me realize the profound meaning of the saying ‘ten thousand scrolls are no better than ten thousand miles.’ In the classroom, it feels like being immersed in a myriad of streams that converge into a mighty river of wisdom. Outside of class, engaging in discussions with classmates is akin to singing the song ‘Qing Tian Ge’ (Song of Blue Skies) facing the boundless sea, evoking endless artistic conception.”
First-year student Meng Yue, Doctor of Philosophy in Design
“The curriculum setting is designed with highly intensive knowledge. With a schedule of four courses per week, combined with various course assignments and training, it has helped me quickly become familiar with many academic research methods. In the classroom, we study research based on the local society, as well as learning arrangements inspired by the design courses at Aalto University. The faculty arranges academic activities and conferences every week, and I have also participated in the faculty's organization of national funding project applications. The richness of academic content far exceeds my expectations before enrollment.”
First-year student An Ziwei, Master of Fine Arts
“I have experienced an open and rigorous academic atmosphere and caring classroom environment at CityU. I have also encountered numerous knowledgeable and kind-hearted teachers. CityU has exposed me to a broader world and provided me with a boarder perspective. I feel proud and excited to have the opportunity to study at such a prestigious international institution.”
First-year student Sit Ka Kit, Master of Fine Arts
“The faculty organized a series of educational activities and professional lectures for new students, which have been extremely beneficial and helped us integrate into the new learning environment more quickly. As a local student, the first semester of study has given me a deeper understanding of university life. I have come to appreciate the rich history behind the beautiful campus, the rigorous attitude of the teachers towards academic disciplines, and the vibrant learning atmosphere on campus. All of these factors have strengthened my belief that choosing this university was the right decision.”
First-year student Zhang Meng, Master of Urban Planning and Design
“As a student with an interdisciplinary background, I have been fortunate to encounter exceptional teachers and classmates who have been super supportive. When I have felt lost or uncertain in my academic pursuits, my teachers have patiently guided me and resolved my puzzles, making my postgraduate journey more fulfilling and meaningful. Their support has made my learning journey busier yet more rewarding.”
First-year student Lin Guilin, Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Design
“My learning experience at CityU has been incredibly fulfilling. I have engaged in reading professional books and participated in book sharing sessions. The teachers have also organized professional debates for us, and through my classmates, I have learned and improved myself. The teachers prioritize the development of our abilities and critical thinking skills, rather than simply imparting knowledge. These aspects have benefitted me greatly and reaffirmed the principle that "teaching someone to fish is better than giving them a fish.”
Based locally and having the world in view, the Faculty of Innovation and Design is committed to nurturing visionary talents who can drive innovation. Welcome to join our journey of discovery and creativity.
Open for Applications!
- Bachelor’s degree programs: Design
- Master’s degree programs: Design, Urban Planning and Design, Fine Arts
- PhD programs: Design, Urban Planning and Design, Arts Studies
