Design Perspectives from the Netherlands – Rotterdam & Amsterdam
Key Information
Information
Application Deadline: 26/10/26 at 9:00 am
Opportunity type: Academic-led trips
Faculty: Technology, Arts and Culture
Ref: 10010473
Dates
Departure Date: 08/02/27
Return Date: 12/02/27
Student cost
£250: This is your estimated cost for Eurostar, UK rail transfers and accommodation after deducting the £200 DMU Global bursary. What’s not included: In-country transfers, train ticket to Amsterdam (£40), activities (£25) food, drink, and visa (if applicable).
Booking
Accommodation: Shared rooms will be provided in a hostel
Travel: Travel booked by DMU (students travel as a group)
Contact
General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk
Trip Lead: Alex Stothard - alex.stothard@dmu.ac.uk
How to pay
Payment details: If offered a place, students will receive further information and will be asked to pay the student cost listed above. As mentioned, the DMU Global bursary has already been deducted from this.
Your application
Important: The use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and others to write or generate content for your application is not permitted. DMU Global reserves the right to reject applications that have been created using these tools. To learn more, visit our application process page.
Eligibility
BA (Hons) Interior Design, BA(Hons) Design Craft, MA Interior Design, MA Digital Design, and MA Design Innovation and Management students are eligible to apply for this opportunity. There is a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
About
Trip description
This four-day study trip, based in Rotterdam with a day trip to Amsterdam, will give students the opportunity to experience Dutch design culture through direct engagement with museums, creative districts, public spaces, exhibitions and contemporary design practice. Internationally recognised for their innovation, both cities provide rich learning environments for students across the design disciplines.
Through visits to destinations such as Het Nieuwe Instituut, Fenix, public landscapes and creative neighbourhoods, students will explore themes including sustainability, circular design, adaptive reuse, material innovation, making, and the relationship between people, place and the designed environment. The trip encourages students to observe how design responds to social, cultural and environmental challenges across a range of contexts.
The day trip to Amsterdam provides a contrasting perspective, allowing students to experience its historic urban fabric, internationally recognised museums such as the Stedelijk Museum and Foam Photography Museum, and thriving creative districts. Together, Rotterdam and Amsterdam offer complementary approaches to design, encouraging students to compare different expressions of creativity, identity and innovation.
Learning objectives
The primary objective of this study trip is to expose students to a diverse range of contemporary design practice through direct engagement with museums, creative districts, public spaces and cultural destinations in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. By experiencing these environments first-hand, students will develop a broader understanding of how design shapes people, places and communities across a range of design disciplines.
The trip will encourage students to critically observe and reflect on themes including sustainability, circular design, material innovation, making and adaptive reuse. Through comparing the contrasting design identities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, students will gain an appreciation of different approaches to creativity, innovation and the role of design in responding to social, cultural and environmental challenges.
Finally, the study visit aims to inspire students’ own creative practice by developing their observational, analytical and reflective skills. The experience will provide valuable reference material and new perspectives that students can draw upon within their academic projects while supporting their understanding of contemporary design practice and future professional development.
Skill development
This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:
Agility
Confidence
Critical Thinking
Organisational
Cultural activities
Students will explore key cultural and design destinations, including the Cube Houses, Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge waterfront, Fenix Museum and Het Nieuwe Instituut, providing opportunities to engage with contemporary design, public space and digital culture. Time will also be dedicated to experiencing landscape and environmental design through parks and green spaces, encouraging reflection on sustainability, biodiversity and wellbeing in the urban environment.
Alongside the shared itinerary, the programme will include opportunities for subject-specific visits and activities, allowing students to explore areas that align with their discipline and interests.
Taking a train from Rotterdam, students will spend a day in Amsterdam. They will undertake a full day of design-focused cultural visits, including modern and contemporary museums such as the Stedelijk Museum and Foam Photography Museum, as well as exploration of design districts, galleries and concept stores.
Visa information
Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.
We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary). Visit our visa information page to learn more.