Admission

1.Overview

The Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) was established in 2019 with the joint partnership between Xiamen University (XMU), China and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UK. With the approval of the Ministry of Education of China, ICI is the first Chinese-foreign cooperative education institution of XMU which integrates the advanced educational concepts and advantages of both universities, and builds on the exceptional educational resources of both countries. It is committed to cultivating top-notch talents with global vision, multidisciplinary knowledge, superior creativity, and innovation ability. ICI offers three programmes currently, including Visual Communication Design, Environmental Design, etc. The institute has enrolled more than 1000 full-time students and has over 90 faculty and staff from over 14 countries.

2.Programmes

Visual Communication Design

Our BA (Hons) in Visual Communication Design program enables successful graduates to apply critical thinking and creative problem solving to using visual elements to communicate ideas and information.

Students are prepared for employment or post-graduate study throughout their degree, through study of various sectors of the graphic design industry. Students have the opportunity to work with or enter into live briefs with industry and clients. Our students develop subject-specific and generic skills, including skills of investigation and enquiry, oral and written communicative skills, the use of a range of technology systems for accessing data, resources, contacts and literature, media production skills. Students are required to have a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge, possess rigorous analytical skills, and maintain good aesthetic judgment, along with an international perspective. Our students will also cultivate an awareness of changes to technologies and the role of technology within Visual Communication to develop future-proof designers, responsive to ethical, cultural and economic considerations in communication media.

Environmental Design

Our BA (Hons) in Environmental Design program teaches the application of creative problem solving to the built environment. This course takes a critical, trans-disciplinary approach to the transformation of underused and unused spaces and places.

Our students develop the necessary skills to enter environmental design practice with confidence while cultivating a creative thinking mindset able to produce imaginative and unexpected design outcomes in response to real-world project briefs. As environmental designers, our graduates are expected to understand their social responsibility and seek positive change to benefit society, while being sensitive to context and human habitation of space.

3. Programme Duration and Award of Degree

ICI adopts a “4+0" dual-degree model, that is, the under-graduate studies are entirely conducted at ICI. Students who have completed all the academic requirements and passed all applicable assessments of both universities will receive Undergraduate Graduation Certificate and Bachelor Degree awarded by XMU and Bachelor Degree conferred by UCA.

4. Eligibility

Applicants who meet the requirements listed in the “XMU Admission Guide for Undergraduate Programs 2025” and have an elementary skill set in the field of art and design.

5. Curriculum

This is a sample list of indicative units, for more information please follow this link (https://ici.xmu.edu.cn/en/Study_at_ICI/Our_Units.htm). Please note that the list is subject to change.

6. Application Portal & Scholarships

Applicants should apply through XMU Online Application System for international students at https://application.xmu.edu.cn and pay the application fee.

Notes: Beijing Time (GMT +08:00); late applications will not be considered.

7. Documents for Application

① The documents listed in the “XMU Admission Guide for Undergraduate Programs 2025”

② To complete your application, you will need to send your personal portfolio to linziyi@xmu.edu.cn as attachment. Remember to include your full name and passport number in the email.

Your portfolio will be used to assess your skills, creativity and potential. The portfolio should contain 5-10 finished pieces, along with sketches and early efforts that led to the final piece. The work should reflect a foundation in art and design, represent personal creative ideas and illustrate how your work was developed. It may include, photographs, drawings, mixed media (2D and/or 3D), etc.

8. Selection and Notification

For applicants who pass the verification of qualifications of the Office of Admissions, ICI will conduct academic assessment, which includes evaluation of the application documents and an online interview if necessary. The university enrollment will be made on the basis of competitive selection according to the applicants’ research ability, academic performance, language proficiency, performance during online interview, etc.

Applicants need to check XMU Online Application System and mailbox for further notifications and application status. The result will be released around June or July via application system.

9. Expenses

Application Fee: RMB 400 (payable upon signing up online; non-refundable)

Tuition Fee: RMB 90,000/year.

Notes: Tuition fees are payable in RMB by academic year.

10. Contact

Institute of Creativity and Innovation

Tel: 0086 (0)596 6288022

Email: linziyi@xmu.edu.cn

Website: https://ici.xmu.edu.cn/en/

https://ici.xmu.edu.cn/en/about/About_ICI.htm

Office of Admissions and Examination, Xiamen University

Tel: +86 (0) 592 2184792, 2188375

Fax: +86 (0) 592 2180256

Email: admissions@xmu.edu.cn

Website: https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn

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Institute of Creativity and Innovation	Office of Admissions and Examination

Attachment：ICI Handbook