What Thanh Ngoc says about the Master's in Industrial Design

Introducing Thanh Ngoc  

Hi! My name is Thanh Ngoc and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Industrial Design. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.

About the programme and the teaching style 

Why did you choose Lund University? 

"I am from Vietnam, where our creative environment differs significantly from what Lund University offers in terms of sociocultural perspectives, prototyping practices, design analysis, trends, and more. My goal is to deepen my experience in the global design community, and with the international Industrial Design programme at Lund, I have the chance to work with design enthusiasts from all over the world – it's truly inspiring!" 

What do you think of your programme so far? Does it meet your expectations? 

"Firstly, the inclusive and collaborative atmosphere at Lund’s School of Industrial Design appeals to me greatly. Additionally, the programme aligns with my commitment to sustainability in design, which I believe is essential in a design career, no matter the specific path a designer takes."

What is the best thing about your programme? 

"One of the highlights of the programme at Lund is the opportunity to participate in renowned design exhibitions after completing a project. In our first year, we exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2024 during our first semester, and in the latter, attended Milan Design Week – one of the largest design trade fairs in the world. I also appreciate the supportive workshop instructors and accessible prototyping facilities at IKDC (Ingvar Kamprads Design Center), which foster a highly practical and constructive workflow."

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?

"I really enjoy the abundant space for creativity and the freedom for trial and error in every project. The teachers and my classmates are open and supportive; we continuously help improve each other’s ideas and work together as a team. The fact that there is no forced hierarchy between the supervisors and students creates a relaxed environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and sharing my opinions – everything is valued as part of the learning journey." 

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies? 

"Attending prestigious design events in Europe has been both rewarding and challenging for me and my classmates. We take on responsibilities not only as designers but also in organisation, scheduling, communication, and logistics under the school’s guidance. This provides us with insights into the interconnected nature of design with other fields in real-world contexts and helps us build interdisciplinary managerial skills, which are essential in professional settings."

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"The Industrial Design programme here allows students to approach problems from several perspectives. The design spirit that professors and instructors in the school want to deliver is to prioritise creative freedom alongside practicality and inclusivity. Another huge plus point is that several professional partnership/collaboration opportunities are introduced to the student by the school every year, which means students can experience being part of the practical design projects, working with new technologies and updating latest trends."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students

What is it like being an international student at Lund University? 

"There is no denying that integrating oneself to a new environment with great cultural differences can be immensely daunting. I was grateful that all teachers and students have been very welcoming and supportive to me both in my academic studies and social life. I appreciate that the school not only strives to deliver the most interesting academic journey, but also helps us international students establish valuable social connections with everyone in the school." 

What do you do in your spare time? 

"Lund is a small, cozy old town, but it has everything you need for a vibrant student life. In my free time, I often gather with friends for heartfelt homemade dinners. Sunny weekends are perfect for a picnic at the Botanical Garden or a stroll through the Kulturen open-air museum to immerse in historic Scania life. If you're interested in larger social events, there are plenty hosted by student organisations every week, or language cafes where you can make new friends and improve your Swedish at the same time."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund? 

"All experiences I had with my classmates during our school projects, and later, in the preparation phase for Stockholm Design Week and Milan Design Week were very insightful and memorable to me. I think such opportunities are rare to have if I had not been part of the Design programme as a student, where I was allowed to freely explore design possibilities and showcase them to the professional audience." 

Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund?  

"Design is multi-faceted and constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to evaluate if your long-term career goals align with the programme's core values. If your objectives include optimising energy and resource management, reinforcing ethical development in sustainability on a systemic level, and promoting human-centred design, then this programme could be an ideal fit for you." 

Have more questions for Thanh Ngoc? 

You can chat with her and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.