Footage and photographs courtesy of Here East
Applications for the new NABA campus in London are officially open. Much more than a new location, NABA London represents a decisive step in the Academy’s evolution, arriving in one of the world’s capitals of creativity, design, and fashion- a city that not only inspires, but generates opportunities, global connections, and cultural contaminations that become an integral part of the Academy’s educational approach.
Strengthening this new milestone is the international recognition NABA has earned over time: for the fifth consecutive year, the Academy has been ranked as the first and only Italian Fine Arts Academy among the world’s top 100 universities in the field of Art & Design according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 (QS Ranking 2025 – NABA Art & Design). A result that reflects a consolidated academic methodology which, based on data collected in Italy by the independent research body BVA Doxa, translates into an employment rate of 90% within one year of completing a BA degree and 94% for MA and Academic Master graduates.
With NABA London, the academic quality that has long distinguished the Milan and Rome campuses reaches one of the world’s most creatively and professionally dynamic cities, offering a fully international, contemporary, and future-oriented educational experience.
Apply now to NABA London! Call us at +39 02 97372106 to get started.
NABA London: a bridge to new opportunities
The opening of NABA London fits strategically within the dialogue between two of the most influential countries in the global creative landscape: Italy, with its internationally recognised design and craft tradition, and the United Kingdom, a benchmark for the European and global creative industries.
A positioning that also aligns with the preferences of international students: according to the QS International Student Survey 2024, 49% of respondents identify the United Kingdom as their most desired study destination. The motivations are clear:
- High quality of teaching
- A strong reputation within the relevant field
- A welcoming and multicultural environment
Alongside this is the strength of the UK’s creative sector, which contributes over £100 billion per year to the national economy, generating one of the most dynamic markets for design, fashion, communication, and innovation. For NABA London, operating within this context means offering students direct access to a rapidly expanding professional ecosystem, with real opportunities for growth and international networking.
NABA London: the campus
Located in Here East, the innovation district within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the new campus offers an international and dynamic environment, vibrant with over 6,500 professionals, tech companies, start-ups, and creative institutions.
NABA London: a strategic location in the heart of the Olympic Park
NABA London is located in one of the city’s most strategic areas, making it easy for students to move around. From the campus, it is possible to:
- Reach Stratford Station in 15 minutes on foot
- Quickly access the shuttle to Stratford International
- Arrive in the city centre in 10 minutes
In the immediate vicinity of NABA London, students will also find numerous cultural and artistic institutions: from the V&A East Storehouse- the new Victoria and Albert Museum venue dedicated to art, design and performance collections- to the BBC Music Studios and Sadler’s Wells East, the new location of the renowned London institution for dance and the performing arts.
These are joined by the nearby creative and exhibition spaces of Hackney Wick and the surrounding parks, such as Victoria Park, together forming an exceptionally stimulating cultural and urban landscape.
Spaces, laboratories and services at the NABA London campus
With over 2,000 sqm dedicated to learning and experimentation, the NABA London campus includes:
Laboratories and teaching spaces
- Design Lab for design and planning activities
- Fashion Design Lab for experimentation within fashion processes
- Multifunction Lab for interdisciplinary practice
- Study rooms for individual study, research and group work
- Collaborative spaces designed to foster creativity and exchange
Student services
- Career Service Office
- Psychological support
- Visa assistance and international guidance
- Access to the Academy’s library and digital resources
- Possibility of mobility across NABA’s campuses during the study path
Apply now to NABA London! Call us at +39 02 97372106 to get started.
NABA London: the academic offering
The educational offering at NABA’s London campus includes three BA (Hons) programmes taught in English - Design, Fashion Design, and Fashion Marketing Management - which are accessible after completing the Foundation Course. All programmes, validated by Regent’s University London, follow NABA’s distinctive methodology-interdisciplinary, project-based, and strongly connected to the professional world-and award an internationally recognised degree.
Foundation Course - a year to grow, find direction and prepare at your best
The Foundation Course is an introductory programme designed to help students begin their subsequent BA (Hons) degree with stronger preparation and greater project awareness.
BA (Hons) Design: learning to design for the contemporary world
The BA (Hons) Design prepares students to design objects and spaces that respond to the needs of contemporary society, combining methodology, practice and innovation. A programme designed to help graduates stand out internationally within the field.
Professional opportunities: Designer, Product Designer, Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Retail Designer, Exhibition Designer, Service Designer
BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Italian know-how at the heart of UK fashion
The BA (Hons) Fashion Design integrates fashion design, textile experimentation, and collection development, bringing Italian know-how into the dynamic landscape of UK fashion-a programme designed to build a distinctive, internationally recognisable stylistic vision.
Professional opportunities: Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Accessories Designer, Costume Designer, Product Manager, Art Director, Stylist, Web Communicator, Image Consultant, Visual Merchandiser, Fashion Buyer, Creative Director
BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing Management: creativity and strategy in one programme
The BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing Management trains specialists in brand identity, digital marketing, visual communication and trend forecasting within the fashion sector. A programme designed for future professionals capable of leading companies, products and creative projects with an international and market-oriented vision.
Professional opportunities: Product Manager, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, Brand Manager, Merchandiser, Collection Manager, Fashion Buyer, Sales Manager, Account Manager, Trend Researcher, Social Media Manager, E-commerce Manager
NABA London: the faculty
The identity of NABA London is also shaped by a high-profile Faculty, which now includes Diego Mattiolo as School Director and Head of Education. Originally from Italy and long based in the United Kingdom, he brings over ten years of international experience in the management of educational institutions and programmes.
In his most recent role as School Director at EF International Language Campuses in London, Diego led multicultural teams, supported the institution’s growth and paid close attention to the quality of the student experience. His profile is further supported by an academic background that includes a Master’s in TESOL, a MA in Business and Communication, and a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies.
A strong professional background that naturally fits the leadership of the new NABA campus.
NABA London: finding accommodation with the Academy’s support
NABA London offers students practical support in finding accommodation, sharing advice, feedback, and reliable options - insights gained from students and colleagues at the nearby Liverpool Media Academy, whose London campus is in the same Here East district.
The list of recommendations is regularly updated with housing options in very safe, well-connected areas that suit students' needs.
