L’École De Design Nantes Atlantique
Arts, Design and Media Preparatory Program
Nantes, France
Preparatory Program
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
French
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 6,700 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* + CVEC
A cultural immersion program with L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique’s expertise
This cultural adaptation class and introduction to various design professions has been specifically designed for international students who wish to begin design studies in a French-taught program after obtaining a state diploma equivalent to the French Baccalauréat.
This preparatory class allows students to explore the specificities of creation with courses in modes of expression, general culture and technical culture, and to discover the different design professions: Space Design, Graphic Design, Interactive Design and Product Design.
In addition, this program offers a French language pathway designed to prepare students for entry into one of the school’s academic programs. It helps them progress from an A2 to a B2 level in French.
After completing this class, students can pursue undergraduate studies.
Curriculum
This program aims to:
- Improve your French language;
- Discover the different design fields;
- Prepare your application for undergraduate studies in Design at the school
Program taught in French
Total course load: 690 hours
Semester 1
FLE (French as a Foreign Language): 220 hours
- Progress from A2 → B1: basic comprehension and expression, acquisition of everyday vocabulary, first structured written productions.
FOS (French for Specific Purposes): 40 hours
- Specific vocabulary (shapes, materials, colors)
- Presenting a sketch or a project simply in French
Introduction to Design: 120 hours
- Observation drawing workshops, sketching, perspective
- Introduction to design fundamentals: product, graphic, digital, spatial design
- Building a sketchbook throughout the semester
- Cultural visits
Semester 2
FLE (French as a Foreign Language): 150 hours
- Progress from B1 → B2
- Argumentation, comprehension of documents, structured writing
- Preparation for the B2 certification exams (certification to be determined)
FOS (French for Specific Purposes): 80 hours
- Presenting a project in French (oral + written)
- Workshops / project pitches / learning to communicate
- French for design (typography, color, materials, ergonomics)
Introduction to Design: 80 hours
- Portfolio development
- Color and volume drawing, introduction to model making
- Top 3 Best Design School in France (Ranking Le Figaro – L'étudiant 2024)
- 1st Best Postgraduate Program in Design in France (Ranking Eduniversal 2025)
- #200-240 QS World University Rankings (Ranking 2023)
- 2nd Best Interaction Design School in France (Ranking UX / UI Design)
- Recognized by the French State
- Member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (a French association of leading higher education schools)
- School associated with Nantes University
After completing this preparatory class, students can pursue undergraduate studies.
Job Prospects and Further Education
After the completion of this preparatory program, students will be offered the possibility to apply for the first year of undergraduate studies at L’École de design Nantes Atlantique.