Bachelor of Culture and Arts | Innovation + Design

Study Innovation + Design and shape the future through design-led innovation

The future of innovation lies at the intersection of design, emerging technologies and evolving needs for human well-being. The Innovation + Design programme is a design degree for those who want to explore this intersection through design-led innovation.

During your studies, you will learn to develop concepts and explore new possibilities through human-centred design, prototyping, and experience-driven innovation. You will also study interaction design and gain a deeper understanding of human needs and experiences. Multidisciplinary learning will bring perspectives from a range of fields into your studies. In the later stages of your studies, you will apply your skills in project-based learning, with opportunities for industry collaboration.

LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts – known as LAB Muotoiluinstituutti in Finland – is one of the oldest design schools in the Nordic countries. You will study in a creative community where a long tradition of design education meets new perspectives on innovation, emerging technologies, and the evolving role of designers. Our Nordic and international networks also provide opportunities to broaden your perspective through international exchange.

Qualification

Bachelor of Culture and Arts

The earned qualification is an undergraduate degree (a bachelor’s degree). After earning the degree, you can apply for work in private sector businesses as well as public sector organisations that require an applicable university degree.

Tuition fee

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students. EUR 11,000/academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA.

Tuition fees and scholarships

LAB Lahti campus art on the hallway wall.

LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts – known as LAB Muotoiluinstituutti in Finland – is one of the oldest design schools in the Nordic countries.

Where can Innovation + Design graduates work?

The Innovation + Design programme provides a broad foundation in design, preparing you for roles in design, development and innovation across a wide range of industries and organisations.

After graduation, your career opportunities may include developing human-centred products, services and experiences, as well as contributing to design-led innovation in emerging and future-oriented fields. The programme prepares you to create meaningful solutions that respond to human needs and enhance well-being and quality of life.

What do the studies include?

The Innovation + Design programme combines design knowledge with practical exploration and project-based learning. You will develop and apply design methods and tools through human-centred design, concept development, prototyping, and interaction design, with a focus on human needs, experiences and well-being.

The first two years of the studies focus on building your design skills and deepening your understanding of human needs and experiences. As your studies progress, you will apply your knowledge and skills through project-based learning in future-oriented innovation contexts. You will also have opportunities for industry collaboration and participation in research, development and innovation (RDI) activities.

The four-year Innovation + Design programme comprises 240 ECTS credits. The studies progress from foundational and applied studies during the first two years to project-based learning and professional practice in the later stages of the programme. The studies include a 30 ECTS internship and a 15 ECTS bachelor’s thesis, enabling students to gain practical experience and strengthen their professional profile.

Degree structure

Common studies: 7 ECTS
Language studies: 15 ECTS
Foundations of Innovation + Design: 54 ECTS
Applied Studies in Innovation + Design: 45 ECTS
Specialisation studios: 74 ECTS
Internship: 30 ECTS
Bachelor’s thesis: 15 ECTS

Institute of Design and Fine Arts – Application Assignments

See the application assignments for the English-taught degree programme at the Institute of Design and Fine Arts.

Application Assignments

Apply for bachelor's programmes

You can apply during the following application periods:

Rolling admission: 2.11.2026–30.4.2027

Admission criteria and application information will be published on Studyinfo soon. Please check back later for updates.

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

Higher education institutions in Finland charge tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA area. Be sure to check the details on tuition fees, available scholarships, and the early bird discount.

Tuition fees and scholarships

How to apply: Rolling Admission

In LAB Rolling Admission, applicants are selected to English-taught bachelor's programmes. Learn more about the programmes and schedules.

What do the different modes of teaching mean?

With on-campus studies, your learning takes place on campus. You will follow the timetable and attend classes, mainly during the day. You will also develop the practical skills required for your degree in the campus learning, simulation, and laboratory facilities.
Some courses may be delivered flexibly online or include online elements.
Bachelor’s degree programmes include mandatory work placements.

Campuses

LAB University of Applied Sciences has campuses in Lahti, Lappeenranta and online.

Explore LAB's campuses

Meet us at the education fairs

We are eager to connect with prospective students. The most effective way to experience what LAB has to offer is by meeting us at fairs.

Meet us

Student of LAB University of Applied Sciences.

Applicant's guide

In the Applicant’s Guide, you will find information about degree programmes, the application process, tuition fees, campuses, and more.

Applicant's guide 2026 (pdf)

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