Bachelor in Digital Design and Development (Devine)

About the course

Devine mixes design and technology to create websites, apps, motion graphics and interactive installations. It runs in Dutch and in a separate English-speaking class at Howest’s Buda campus in Kortrijk city centre. Year 1 covers concepting, design principles, creative coding, web basics, prototyping and studio projects. From Year 2 you choose a Technology track (development and creative coding) or a Design-UX track (user experience, visual design, storytelling), while still working on joint projects. Year 3 has a crossover project, a passion project, a thesis and a 12-week internship, often abroad. Graduates become UI/UX designers, front-end developers, motion designers and creative coders. You earn a Bachelor’s degree (professional bachelor).

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Howest’s country list for Ireland: a Leaving Certificate (Established or LCVP) with at least 5 subjects, including English or Irish and usually maths, at O6/H7 or better, and a minimum of 200 CAO points. Each file is assessed individually.
• No portfolio, art or coding background is required; you start from scratch. You must use an Apple MacBook from January of Year 1.
• English at B2 level. Howest accepts proof of at least one full year of English-taught secondary school in an EEA country, so most Irish students will not need a test (students from Irish-medium schools should check). Otherwise IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 110 and others are accepted.
• No entrance exam, interview or portfolio. You write a short motivation letter in English. If you meet the diploma and language rules you are accepted, though Howest may stop taking applications from one country once a limit is reached, so apply early.

How to apply

1. Apply online from 1 JanuaryApplications for September 2027 open on 1 January 2027. Apply on Howest’s online platform and choose Digital Design and Development (Devine) – English track.
2. Upload your documentsUpload your passport, your school transcript plus a letter from your school confirming your expected Leaving Cert, a motivation letter, and pay the €50 application fee.
3. Meet the deadlineFor 2026/27 the EEA deadline was 1 July. Check the 2027 date when Howest publishes it.
4. Send your results and enrolAfter the Leaving Cert results, upload your final results and ask your school to email Howest confirming you graduated. You then get a Certificate of Acceptance and enrol online.

Costs

• Tuition 2026/27: €1,181.40 for 60 credits (€305.40 fixed + €14.60 per credit) for EEA students. The 2027/28 fee is not yet published.
• Non-refundable €50 application fee, plus a flat-rate study cost for Devine of €329 in 2026/27 (software, licences, equipment).
• Budget for an Apple MacBook (compulsory from January of Year 1). Howest has no scholarships for international students.

At a glance