Why in Parma?
The three-year course is the result of the agreement between the University of Parma and Politecnico di Torino and aims to give graduates the skills to become a designer, a "project technician" in the food sector, at the heart of the Italian production system. The course provides an all-round experience, benefiting from two complementary academic fields: the University of Parma, with its leading expertise in the food sector, and Politecnico di Torino, which offers solid experience in the Design sector. The food system has ample room for design, especially in terms of environmental and social sustainability. Sustainability is connected to the issues of the life cycle and is a prerequisite in companies, ethically committed to society and the planet.
The course provides the tools to fully understand the relationship between design and food, focusing on two professional figures: the designer for the food industry and product and the designer for the social and environmental sustainability of the food system.
The designer for the food industry and product manages aspects of the design and development of products, tools and processes of economic, social and environmental value in all phases of the food industry chain. The designer participates in the multidisciplinary design of food processing, distribution and distribution processes; they contribute to the design processes of food products and food accessories, as well as taking part in the exploration of innovative materials, processes and technologies to be applied in the contexts in which they will operate.
The designer for the social and environmental sustainability of the food system manages aspects related to the sustainable design of the food system, its production and use processes, pursuing environmental, social and economic sustainability. The graduate will participate in the multidisciplinary design of innovative food services, processes and systems; They will contribute to the planning and control of the impact on contexts and users, as well as contributing to the exploration of sustainable materials, processes and technologies.
Access type
Access subject to selection process at local level (TOLC I - CISIA). Available places: 100 (2 for non EU students).
Are you a future non EU student? Find out how to enrol here.
After graduation
The Sustainable Design for the Food System graduate will propose innovative solutions to the challenges of the sustainable and inclusive development of businesses, territories and society, with a critical and conscious approach.
The graduate will have all the necessary skills to enter the world of work as a designer in all sectors besides the food industry. In particular, the occupational prospects are:
- industrial and artisan companies producing manufacturing goods, design studios, public and private bodies producing and supplying services;
- communication at professional studios, marketing and communication agencies, publishers, public and private producers and service providers.
Alternatively, the Sustainable Design for the Food System graduate can continue their studies by enrolling in a master's degree course to complete the 3+2 pathway or follow a professionalising master's course.
Among the opportunities offered by the two universities are the 'Master in Packaging' offered by the University of Parma and the 'Master in Eco Packaging Design' to be taken at Politecnico di Torino.
