Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle
- 4 year
- English
- Bachelor
- Full-time
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- Factsheet
About
Companies and organisations need insight into trends, market developments, and target groups. During this study programme, you’ll learn how to design and shape lifestyle concepts based on trends that improve quality of life. You’ll work on this in the sectors of appearance, living, food, human movement, health, leisure, and work. After the programme, you can start working as a creative producer, trend watcher, or junior market innovator.
Why this study in the Netherlands?
- You work on concepts that improve the quality of life
- During the course, you’ll be immersed in all seven lifestyle sectors
- You’ll be trained both creatively and commercially
- You’ll work for external clients alongside studying
- You’ll gain a lot of international experience
What are you going to learn?
During the four years of the Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle course, you’ll learn to analyse trends and how to creatively translate these into new future-proof concepts. You’ll also learn how to visualise analyses and design and test concept designs. The programme is shaped by the following:
- Mix of real-life assignments, interesting workshops and assessments
- Skills: communicating, presenting, researching, creating
- Subjects: creative thinking, concept development, trend research, lifestyle research, and professional communication
How does your week look?
Studying is hard work. That’s okay, as long as there’s diversity in what you do. This is exactly what the Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle course will give you. One minute you’re working in a team on a trend report or a concept, the next you’re getting to know all lifestyle sectors within the programme: appearance, living, food, human movement, health, leisure, and work.
Career opportunities
Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle graduates will be able to work professionally in the field of analysing trends and developing and marketing lifestyle concepts. After completing your studies, you could work as:
- Concept developer
- Trend Researcher
- R&D Manager
- Design thinker
- Designer
Requirements
Language requirements
For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table below:
| TEST | Bachelor's students |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 (academic level) |
| TOEFL paper | 550 |
| TOEFL computer | 213 |
| TOEFL internet | 79/80 |
| TOEIC* | 670 |
| Cambridge ESOL | CAE-C |
* only if the units 'Speaking and Writing' and 'Listening and Reading' have been passed succesfully.
The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.
Exemptions
Some applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:
- Candidates with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma
- EEA/EU candidates with diplomas from certain countries are exempted from the language test. Find the list of diplomas and countries here
- Applicants whose previous education was English-taught, and taken in a country in which English is an official language
- Applicants whose mother tongue is English.
Language requirements
For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table below:
| TEST | Bachelor's students |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 (academic level) |
| TOEFL paper | 550 |
| TOEFL computer | 213 |
| TOEFL internet | 79/80 |
| TOEIC* | 670 |
| Cambridge ESOL | CAE-C |
* only if the units 'Speaking and Writing' and 'Listening and Reading' have been passed succesfully.
The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.
Exemptions
Some applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:
- Candidates with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma
- EEA/EU candidates with diplomas from certain countries are exempted from the language test. Find the list of diplomas and countries here
- Applicants whose previous education was English-taught, and taken in a country in which English is an official language
- Applicants whose mother tongue is English.
Visa
As a non-EU/EEA student, the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa* (MVV) and a Residence Permit. Fontys will apply on behalf of its students for these documents. We recommend you start the process early, i.e. approximately three months before you plan to enter the Netherlands.
*except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.
Language requirements for Dutch students
For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required. As an applicant with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma you can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test.
Costs
The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation. The information and tuition rates from this indicator are without engagement.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, you can count on a one-time discount on tuition fees from the ‘Nationaal Programma Onderwijs’. Do you want to know what this means for you personally? Check the tuition fees indicator to see how high your tuition fees are for academic year 2021-2022.
A distinction is made between statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees. Only if you satisfy all statutory requirements regarding your nationality and if you have not yet been awarded a degree, will you be eligible for statutory tuition fees. Via the tuition fees indicator, you can secure an indication of the type of tuition fees that will be applicable in your situation. To do so, please make use of the indicator above.
Distinctions are made between the following types of Institutional Tuition Fees:
• Low institutional tuition fees
• High institutional tuition fees
These different types of tuition fees and the Exemption Regulations are fully detailed in the
The amount to be paid may vary in accordance with the following situations:
• If you have enrolled in more than one course programme (at Fontys and/or elsewhere), it is possible that you may only be obliged to pay one set of statutory tuition fees.
• If you believe that you may be eligible to pay only the statutory tuition fees on the basis of information that may be unknown to us, please report this to your Course Department.
• If it later transpires that you do not meet the requirements for statutory tuition fees, you will be obliged to pay the (higher) institutional tuition fees and if this is the case, you will be notified accordingly.
Fontys currently offers several scholarships for Non-Eu / Non-EEA students. You might also be eligible for other scholarships not provided by Fontys. These can be found on Grantfinder.nl
ACI Scholarships
Fontys Academy for Creative Industries (ACI) awards a limited number of scholarships to students from countries other than those in the European Economic Area (EEA). There are two different types of scholarships.
Holland Scholarship Programme
The Holland Scholarship is subsidised by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The scholarship amounts to €5,000. The purpose of the scholarship is to support excellent non-EU students during their first year of study. Each academic year, ACI awards two of these scholarships. To be eligible for the Holland Scholarship Programme, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Your nationality is non-EEA
- You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands
- You start with one of our 4-year Bachelor Programmes as a regular, degree-seeking student
- You have achieved excellent secondary school results with a grade point average of 75% or higher
More information on the Holland Scholarship Programme can be found here.
ACI Creative Mind Scholarship
The ACI Creative Mind Scholarship is an ACI-specific scholarship. The scholarship amounts to €3,000. The purpose of the scholarship is to support young, creative minds during their study period at ACI. Each academic year ACI hands out three of these scholarships. For the ACI Creative Mind Scholarship, students of all study years can apply.
To be eligible for the ACI Creative Mind Scholarship, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Your nationality is non-EEA
- You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands
- You have to be enrolled as a regular student for one of ACI’s study programmes
- You can demonstrate that you have a creative mind and focus**
- For applicants of higher study years (years 2, 3 and 4): You do not have any study delay (all courses passed so far). There are no negative entries in your student file
** Creative Mind & Focus The Creative Industry has attracted your attention. Tell us why and convince us that you are the perfect match for one of our creative study programmes. What does creativity actually mean to you? Who or what inspires you? What’s the Creative Industry like in your home country? You decide in what way you’d like to convince us of your creative mind and focus. Keep it short (no longer than two minutes or one A4) and make sure that your motivation can be accessed online.
Application procedure
- The application deadline for both scholarships is 1 May every year.
- An assessment committee will examine all applications and decide to whom the scholarships will be granted.
- Even if you fulfil all application criteria, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship, as scholarships are limited in number.
- Allocation of scholarships is only possible if you have completed your enrolment.
- Payment of scholarships will be done in October.
- To apply, send your full application file to aciinternational@fontys.nl including a motivation letter, CV, grade records, and your demonstration of your creative mind and focus (if you’re applying for the ACI Creative Mind Scholarship).
- You can only apply for one scholarship. In your application, make sure to mention for which of the two scholarships you’re applying.
If you have any questions about scholarships, do not hesitate to contact us at aciinternational@fontys.nl.
Paying in instalments
Collection will take place in a maximum of ten equal instalments on or around the 26th of the month. Depending upon the processing time required after your enrolment, the direct debit may need to be moved to the following month. If so, the amount outstanding will then be divided and added to the remaining instalments to be executed until and including the June instalment.
If paying the full sum in a single payment
If you commence your studies on 1 September, the direct debit pertaining to your Tuition Fees will be executed on or around 25 September. If you commence your studies after 1 September, the direct debit will be executed on or around the 26th of the month in which you commence your studies.
Non EU students
Incoming Non EU students will receive a payment letter from their study department which must be paid before the deadline. In the following academic years payment can be done by direct debit.
The Dutch currency unit is the Euro (i.e. abbreviated to ‘EUR’ or ‘€’).
The average living expenses per month for a foreign student living and studying in Holland are between EUR 900 and EUR 1,100 per month. These living expenses cover rent, insurance, food, public transportation, books, clothing and other general costs.
Costs within the first months upon arrival will be higher than all other months due to a housing deposit, intro week and books. Study books are usually bought at the start of the semester and therefore it is wise to reserve and have direct access to an amount at the start of the semester which can cover the price of all study books and the living expenses for the first two months.
Accommodation for international students
It is not always easy for international students to find accommodation in the Netherlands. Therefore, Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Fontys) offers a service to provide students with assistance in securing suitable accommodation (i.e. a student room) for the first period of their studies at Fontys. For information and application go to the accommodation page.
Application procedure
- After application you will receive an application form for accommodation.
- You will have to fill in and send the form to internationalstudents@fontys.nl
before June 15. - The accommodation officer will send you detailed information about the housing agency (at the latest 3 weeks before your start of study).
- The housing agency will get in touch with you and you'll have to transfer two months of rent + deposit before arrival to housing agency (no payment = no entrance accommodation, but still the obligation to close rental contract).
- Accommodation is available on the agreed date.
- You are obliged to accept and pay for the offered room for the whole period.
How to apply
All applications for our programmes have to be conducted via www.studielink.nl. Studielink is an online portal that allows applicants to apply and maintain their registration whenever they want to.
The application process may differ for EU and Non-EU students, please read below what applies for you.
Application deadlines
| September intake |
|---|
| 15 June |
Start your online application
- Log in to Studielink: www.studielink.nl.
- Submit your personal details (please ensure that you enter your names as stated on your passport and/or identity card), ensuring that all details are entered correctly, i.e. capital letters where required.
- Add 'New Enrolment Application': mind you choose the correct intake (September 2021 or February 2022).
- Add your previous education and answer the supplementary questions.
Within Studielink, choose this option:
| Educational institution | Fontys Hogescholen |
|---|---|
| Location of educational institution | Tilburg |
| Programme | Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle |
Application deadlines
| September intake | |
|---|---|
| If you want us to arrange accomodation | 1 June |
| If you arrange accomodation yourself | 1 June |
Start your online application
- Log in to Studielink: www.studielink.nl.
- Submit your personal details (please ensure that you enter your names as stated on your passport and/or identity card), ensuring that all details are entered correctly, i.e. capital letters where required.
- Add 'New Enrolment Application': mind you choose the correct intake (September 2021 or February 2022).
- Add your previous education and answer the supplementary questions.
Within Studielink, choose this option:
| Educational institution | Fontys Hogescholen |
|---|---|
| Location of educational institution | Tilburg |
| Programme | Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle |
Meet us
More about Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle
Right now we haven't planned new virtual open days. New dates will be planned later this year. We would like to keep you posted about new dates.
Would you like to have a conversation with students of this programme? Are you curious about their experiences? What do they like most about the programme, what do they find difficult? What is it like to study in The Netherlands and at Fontys?
Then sign up for 'Meet the student'. Our students are ready for you online!
The situation and guidelines resulting from the corona pandemic are constantly changing, also for higher education. One thing we know for sure: in the new academic year we will have to observe the 1.5 metre distance rule in our buildings and on campus for the time being. We are adapting our education accordingly so that a good mix of face to face education on location and online education is created.
We carefully consider which form of education is best suited to each course, each subject and even each component.
In the factsheet you will find the most important programme information at a glance.
Download the factsheet