Grau de Disseny per als Sistemes Alimentaris

Bachelor's Degree in Design for Food Systems

Duration

4 courses
Credits

240 ECTS
Start date

September 2026
Modality

On-campus
Languages

Spanish

Catalan
Cut note

5.00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ok5cDb23Y&t=5s

Fusing design, gastronomy and sustainability

In the Bachelor's Degree in Design for Food Systems, taught between CETT and Elisava, Faculty of Design and Engineering, will train designers with a transdisciplinary profile at the intersection between design and food, able to act with critical thinking from the design for food systems and sustainability, ranging from the primary sector to the final product or service.

Design for food systems was born out of the food industry's need for a profile that integrates creative knowledge of design, gastronomy, food and sustainability.

The new Bachelor's Degree in Design for Food Systems prepares you with ethical, sustainable, responsible and inclusive knowledge to create a more just and respectful future.

What makes CETT-UB's Bachelor's Degree in Food Systems Design different?

These studies are created to train people capable of working on food design projects, which require a profile that addresses the problems of contemporary food systems in a cross-cutting manner.
This program provides creative, systemic and technical skills through design to collaborate with teams of experts in food systems, devising services, products and experiences.
We train designers capable of combining creative, technological and sustainability skills, applying design processes in projects related to production, processing, distribution, consumption and food waste management.
This university degree, internationally recognized in the world of food design and gastronomy, is presented in our territory as a new opportunity to lead the vanguard towards food practices that respect the planet.

The Elisava and CETT-UB Degree transforms you:

You will differentiate yourself as a professional with the only degree in Food Systems Design that currently exists in Spain.
You will acquire a creative and rigorous vision in the processes of design and gastronomy in the food sector.
According to the World Economic Forum, these will be the most required professional skills in the coming years.
You will make a great step in your professional career, thanks to the contact with the reality of the sector through your own companies and the close relationship with the business network.
You will be able to access the Internship and Job Placements of the two centers, with numerous job offers in the sector.
You will have at your disposal the resources of the University of Barcelona, CETT and Elisava.
Discover more reasons to study this degree.

Why study the Bachelor's Degree in Food Systems Design?

This degree, a pioneer in Spain, is the only one that provides creative, systemic and technical skills through design to collaborate with teams of experts in food systems, devising services, products and experiences.

Develop skills in design applied to the food sector

To provide students with the necessary knowledge to integrate design and gastronomy, applying creative processes and innovative methodologies in the development of products, services and food experiences.

Promote a sustainable and ethical perspective in the food industry.

To prepare students to design solutions that respond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting sustainability and circular economy practices that minimize environmental impact throughout the food value chain.

Boosting the capacity for technological innovation in food design

To train students in the use of technological tools and in the application of advanced processes in food technology, so that they can improve efficiency and sustainability in food production, processing and distribution systems.

Develop a cultural and social understanding of the food system.

To enable students to analyze, interpret and respond to the changing needs of society through ethical and culturally conscious food design.

Why CETT-UB?

Academic prestige

CETT-UB is an institute with a strong academic reputation: it is supported by the University of Barcelona, scores high in international rankings, has more than 55 years of experience and over 22,000 alumni, guaranteeing prestige and educational quality.

International vocation

You will study in an international environment: every year, the campus receives more than 1,200 students from over 75 countries who choose CETT to train in tourism, hospitality and gastronomy. This cultural diversity, together with academic mobility opportunities, will enrich your learning experience and prepare you for a global career in the tourism industry.

Connection with the sector

CETT-UB has a close relationship with the tourism industry, ensuring that your training will be consistent with the needs of the labor market. As the institute has more than 1,000 agreements with companies in the sector, you will have access to employment and internship opportunities. A high percentage of CETT graduates also find employment in the sector, which demonstrates the quality and relevance of our training.

Experience-based methodology

At CETT-UB, you will learn through real challenges and projects. You will have the opportunity to participate in national and international awards and competitions, which will allow you to make your mark and develop your skills with a global perspective.

More than a campus

The CETT Campus has learning spaces that reflect the reality of the sector: such as the Hotel Universitario Alimara, the Aula Restaurant, Espai Fòrum and the Ágora BCN residence. You will be able to apply your knowledge in real work environments, connect with active professionals and develop innovative projects.

Campus CETT

Select a gallery

Training Center

Building

Reception

Resource center

Career Services

Theoretical teaching classrooms

Technical Classrooms

Pre-preparation Classroom

Cooking Workshop

Techno-Culinary Classroom

Research and Innovation Space

Demonstration Kitchen Classroom

UB-Bullipedia Space

Sommeliers Classrooms

Reception Classroom

Computer Classrooms

Applied Technology Classrooms

Restaurant Classroom

Forum Space

Kitchen Classroom

Alimara University Hotel

Reception

Summum Restaurant

Event Rooms

Garden

Rooms

Àgora BCN University Residence

Reception

Rooms

Dining Room

Leisure Room

Gym

Activity Rooms

Garden

Training Center

Building

Reception

Resource center

Career Services

Theoretical teaching classrooms

Technical Classrooms

Pre-preparation Classroom

Cooking Workshop

Techno-Culinary Classroom

Research and Innovation Space

Demonstration Kitchen Classroom

UB-Bullipedia Space

Sommeliers Classrooms

Reception Classroom

Computer Classrooms

Applied Technology Classrooms

Restaurant Classroom

Forum Space

Kitchen Classroom

Alimara University Hotel

Reception

Summum Restaurant

Event Rooms

Garden

Rooms

Àgora BCN University Residence

Reception

Rooms

Dining Room

Leisure Room

Gym

Activity Rooms

Garden

Design, gastronomy and sustainability

The Bachelor's Degree in Food Systems Design incorporates new content focused on design, gastronomy, food, and sustainability, but also geared toward developing entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial projects.

Objectives and skills you will obtain with this degree

Train designers capable of combining creative, technological, and sustainability skills, applying design processes to projects related to food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management.
Relate the foundations of design to the culinary arts from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Identify social and ethical issues to develop projects applied to the food system.
Apply the main processes, methods, and techniques of design, along with culinary processes in an integrated manner, for application to the context of the food sector.
Interpret the relationship between design, technology, and food from a sustainable perspective.
Relate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to design projects that respond to the challenges of the food system.

Skills you will acquire

The main skills developed during the degree are:
Skills in design processes, methods, and techniques.
Management and coordination applied to the food sector.
Interpretation of the relationship between design, technology, and gastronomy.
Market and trend analysis.
Digital and technological skills.
Creativity and innovation.
Leadership and teamwork.
Adaptability and crisis management.
Empowered by sustainable development in design projects and food system challenges.

The main thematic blocks of the Degree in Design for Food Systems are

Design and innovation in the food industry

Explore the application of design in the food context, integrating creativity and design methodologies to create innovative food design experiences, products, and services.

Technology and processes in Food Design

Learn how to use innovative technologies and advanced culinary techniques to transform food production and processing processes.

Food sustainability

Learn to connect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with design projects that respond to the challenges of the food system.

Gastronomy and Social Awareness

Cultural and social impact on food design and gastronomy, analyzing how food design responds to the changing needs of society from the perspective of ethics, food culture, and social issues associated with the food system.

What are the subjects of the degree?

First course

Code	Subjects	Type	Credits
-	Design fundamentals and methodologies	BT	6
-	Fundamentals of cooking and pastry	BT	6
-	Food systems and sustainability	BT	6
-	History of art, design and gastronomy	BT	6
-	Digital and analog representation tools	MAND	6
-	Cooking and pastry techniques	MAND	6
-	English Applied communication design	MAND	6
-	Food safety	BT	6

Second course

Code	Subjects	Type	Credits
-	Advanced cooking and pastry	MAND	6
-	Space design for gastronomic experiences	BT	6
-	Material design	MAND	6
-	Psychology applied to design	BT	6
-	Principles of dietetics and nutrition	BT	6
-	Agri-food and products	MAND	6
-	Interaction experience design	MAND	6
-	Service design	MAND	6
-	Food and health	MAND	6
-	Company internship I	IN	6

Third course

Code	Subjects	Type	Credits
-	Business management	MAND	6	3
-	Food and wine	MAND	6	3
-	Design of culinary challenges	MAND	6	3
-	Food Systems design	MAND	6	3
-	Food technology	MAND	6	3
-	Electives	OPT	6	3

Fourth course

Code	Subjects	Type	Credits
-	Research methodologies	MAND	6
-	Design for social innovation	MAND	6
-	Applied agri-food sustainability	MAND	6
-	Gastrophysics	MAND	6
-	Company internship II	MAND	6
-	Sustainable energy processes	MAND	6
-	Food Innovation	MAND	6
-	Project management and leadership	MAND	6
-	Final degree project	MAND	12

Final degree project

The Final Degree Project is a research or application project that represents all the learning acquired during your studies. It reflects the skills acquired, their application, and practical development. You can choose from four types of Final Degree Projects:

Own theme

You will complete a research project tailored to your interests, combining your ideas with the experience and guidance of the teaching team.

Entrepreneurship project

You will develop a business idea and explore its potential viability. This is an opportunity to experience a real-life business or case study.

Participation in a research group

You can participate in one of the following CETT research groups: Tourist Accommodation and Catering, Tourism, Culture and Territory, or Cooking and Gastronomy.

Project with real companies

The Final Project will allow you to connect with national or international companies, organizations, and institutions through applied research or project development.

Evaluation

CETT has its own four-phase experiential learning methodology. It is a system that fosters leadership skills and is characterized by personalized attention.

Introduction

Preparing for each training session by reading bibliography on the concepts, viewing multimedia material, etc.

Assimilation

Class development guided by the teacher, with active learning through cases and models, generating debate among students.

Application

Conducting sessions to put knowledge into practice through critical analysis and project development, contrasting ideas with industry professionals.

Consolidation

Assimilate learning by reflecting and applying knowledge in the different areas of the degree.

Qualification you will obtain at the end of your degree

Official qualification

RUCT code

Graduate in Food Systems Design, a degree awarded by the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic – UCC) and the University of Barcelona (UB). Pending validation.

*Qualification with seal of quality validated by the AQU

2503006

Quality

CETT is the ideal partner for companies and institutions that consider attracting professional talent a strategic pillar of development.

Through expert support, project implementation, and the development of specialized initiatives, we add value to companies' talent selection processes by providing them with dynamic environments that facilitate the recruitment of the most suitable professionals for their needs.

Develop your studies internationally

We promote student exchange and mobility because it enriches university education. We believe in understanding other cultures, in new ways of approaching the disciplines we teach, and in new learning methods.

Starting in your third year, you can study abroad for a semester in another city to experience diverse academic communities, learn new work methodologies, and discover cultures. We have partnerships with the most prestigious universities in the world of design and gastronomy, and we offer exchange, cooperation, and research programs with institutions around the world.

We are part of the European Erasmus mobility program and Cumulus, a network that brings together the world's leading design institutions with the aim of promoting international cooperation. We are members of the International Association for Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), the Council for International Educational Exchange, the GUARDES Network, and ELIA Art Schools.

We are currently working to formalize collaboration agreements with international universities to begin exchanges in the 2027-28 academic year. Below is a selection (more will be added in the coming months):

CETT

Aspira University of Applied Sciences, Split, Croatia
South East Technological University (SETU), Waterford, Ireland
Taylor's University, Selangor, Malaysia
Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana, Mexico City, Mexico
UPC: Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru
Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey

Elisava

Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma (Italy)
ISIA Roma Design, Rome (Italy)
CENTRO, Mexico City (Mexico)
Kasetsart University, Bangkok (Thailand)
Politecnico di Torino, Turin (Italy)
The School of Design Nantes Atlantique, Nantes (France)
Köln International School of Design: KISD, Cologne (Germany)

Internships and work

In your second and fourth years, you'll complete your curricular internship (12 ECTS) at leading companies in the sector. This experience will allow you to learn and acquire the knowledge and resources necessary to enter the workforce.

Job opportunities

Design Industry: Design, development, and management of new products for the food sector (edible and sustainable products, tools, packaging, etc.), as well as new user-focused experiences and new narratives.
Food Industry: Research and development of R&D projects for the food sector (implementation of circular processes), consumer trend analysis, new product design, etc.
Commercial Restaurants: R&D in haute cuisine, product design and implementation, experience design and communication focused on user experience, resource and task optimization, and process circularity.
Collective or Social Restaurants: Conceptualization, strategy, and design, development of new food services for communities (schools, hospitals, nursing homes, catering models, social initiatives).
Hotel Industry: Design and development of products and systems focused on user experience, resource and task optimization, and process circularity. Career Opportunities.
Gastronomy and Health: Consulting, research, and development of R&D projects for the food sector in public and private R&D centers (detection of emerging trends in gastronomy, health, and consumer habits to develop impact strategies) and training.
Creative Industries: Conceptualization and creation of proposals for the dissemination of new food systems, design of creative methodologies, workshops, and conferences.

Employability

+1.500

job offers

20%

job offers are international

888

internship agreements

+900

collaborating companies

Economic information

The ECTS fee for the 2025-26 academic year is €175/ECTS. Each course consists of 60 credits, equivalent to €10,500 (plus application fees and student insurance).

How to access the Bachelor's Degree in Design for Food Systems?

Main access routes

You can access the Bachelor's Degree in Food Systems Design through one of the following pathways:
Baccalaureate + University Entrance Exam (PAU)
Advanced vocational training courses
Consult the Elisava website* to learn about all available credit recognition options
Other university studies

University pre-registration

Elisava is a federated center of the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic–UCC), and therefore, university pre-registration is done through the pre-registration portal of the Generalitat of Catalonia in two sessions: June and September.

Enrollment process

Payments, scholarships, and funding will be managed by Elisava University, and you will have all the following options:

Financing
Three payment options:
- Single payment
- 3-month installment payment
- Initial payment and 10 monthly installments
Elisava Scholarships
- Talent Scholarships with Financial Criteria: 50% scholarships that recognize motivation and a vocation for design, taking into account financial criteria. The scholarship is awarded for all four years of the degree if a good academic standing is maintained.
- Collaboration Scholarships: Paid internships in different departments and workshops, starting in the third year. These positions are announced annually.
- Other Scholarships: You can access other scholarships offered by the State. Consult the website of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and/or the website of the Generalitat of Catalonia (AGAUR).
You can find more information on their website, in the "Funding and Scholarships" section.

Additional information

Consult all the information about CETT degrees: academic regulations, indicators, quality systems (SIQMAC), Tutorial Action Plan (PAT), VSMA documents, and discontinuation plans, all focused on educational excellence and sustainability.

Know more