Milano The School of Design

"For many years, we trained professionals specialised in individual disciplines. Today, the industry demands something different," says Paola Rolli, Programme Leader of the Master of Arts in Communication Design at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design. "Companies are looking for professionals who can move seamlessly from strategy to creativity, engage with clients, lead teams and embrace new technologies. This is the vision that shaped our Master of Arts in Communication Design."

This shift reflects the evolution of the entire communication industry. Brands are no longer looking for specialists confined to a single field, but for professionals capable of understanding projects in their entirety, interpreting clients' needs and developing strategies that come to life across multiple media, platforms and touchpoints.

The Master of Arts in Communication Design at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design was created in response to this transformation. Designed as the natural progression from a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design or related disciplines, this two-year postgraduate programme equips students with advanced, interdisciplinary skills, preparing them for careers in creative agencies, marketing and communication departments, luxury brands and production companies. At the same time, it provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research and an academic career.

A New Professional Profile for Contemporary Communication

Art directors, copywriters, brand strategists, communication designers, account managers and project managers increasingly work side by side, often sharing responsibilities and skills.

"Our goal is not to educate professionals within rigid specialisations," Rolli continues. "We want students to understand the entire communication process: analysing a brand, building a strategy, developing a creative concept and following it through every stage of production. This ability to oversee a project from beginning to end is what truly makes the difference today."

The programme therefore develops hybrid professionals who combine creativity, strategic thinking and managerial skills—profiles that are increasingly sought after by companies operating across the communication, design and luxury industries.

Learning Through Real Projects

Hands-on experience lies at the heart of the programme.

Each year, students work on at least two projects developed in collaboration with luxury and high-end brands, responding to real creative briefs and experiencing the same workflows they will encounter in professional practice.

One of the most significant examples is the collaboration with Jaipur Rugs during Milan Design Week 2026. Students approached the project following the methodology of a professional creative agency, from brand analysis and consumer insights to concept development and final presentations to the company's Italian and Indian marketing teams. Once the winning proposal had been selected, they were involved in every stage of production, including casting, location scouting, installation design, shooting, post-production and the development of campaign assets across multiple communication channels.

Students have also had the opportunity to work on editorial projects such as the IKEA Italia 2025 Sustainability Report, which was subsequently published by the company, allowing them to build a professional portfolio while still completing their studies.

Learning Alongside Industry Leaders

The close connection between education and industry is embedded throughout the curriculum.

During the first year, students collaborate with companies such as FutureBrand, while exploring Brand Identity, Integrated Communication, Advanced Graphic Design, Directing and emerging interactive technologies, including video mapping.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on storytelling and audiovisual production, guiding students through every stage of the creative process—from translating a script into a visual narrative and developing storyboards to casting, production and client presentation.

In the second year, students explore the creative use of artificial intelligence through the production of original short films, combining emerging technologies with personal research, screenwriting and visual experimentation. The curriculum is further enriched by modules in Account Management, Client Relationship Management, Cultural Studies, Sociology and Anthropology of Communication, providing students with a broader understanding of the social and cultural dynamics that shape contemporary communication.

The learning experience is further enhanced through the mentorship of ADCI – Art Directors Club Italiano, Italy's leading institution for creative excellence in communication. Through talks, reviews and networking opportunities, students engage directly with award-winning creatives and industry professionals, gaining valuable insight into the realities of today's communication landscape.

Building Careers for the Future

The Master of Arts in Communication Design is designed not only to prepare graduates for successful careers in the communication industry, but also to provide the academic qualifications required for doctoral programmes and university careers in Italy and abroad.

Applicants who already hold a master's degree in a related communication field may also be eligible for direct admission to the second year, subject to completing a single additional module.

"Communication is constantly evolving," Rolli concludes. "That is why we don't simply teach tools or techniques. Our ambition is to educate professionals who can interpret change, lead projects and develop ideas capable of making a real impact. Those are the skills that will define the future of communication."