Before you apply

Prerequisite

Research knowledge

Design knowledge and skills

Korean proficiency of international applicants

New Design Studio only considers international applicants with TOPIK level 4 or higher (over 150 points) unless the applicant has a crystal clear and realistic academic research plan with access to empirical data. TOPIK level 4 is a standard graduation requirement for international students in many universities in Korea, as this ensures basic comprehension in courses and project meetings.

Only full-time doctoral study

New Design Studio accepts only full-time doctoral students. Most academic institutions around the globe offering doctoral studies are giving up the idea of part-time and/or remote doctoral study arrangements due to the high failure rate – students giving up their studies after one publication or produce low-quality PhD.

Plus, UNIST Design boasts a demanding hybrid learning environment where doctoral students are expected to work on practical design challenges from/with external partners and produce academic outputs from these projects concurrently. This cannot possibly achieved through a part-time and/or remote doctoral study arrangements.

One online consultation before applying

After having read this page carefully, a candidate is expected to have one – and only one for fairness – online session with the director from 30 to 45 minutes to ask questions. If you’re interested in pursuing doctoral study in New Design Studio, please contact Seungho Park-Lee with CV, master’s thesis, research plan (2-5 pages), and your portfolio and schedule a Zoom meeting.

While studying

Requirement for defense