Cibap Vocational College for Design

What is Cibap?

Cibap Vocational College for the Creative Arts is a secondary vocational education (MBO) college in Zwolle, the Netherlands offering creative courses for 1800 students. Our aim is to help young people develop at the very highest level in creative, entrepreneurial and technical fields.

Our vocational courses equip students with the skills they need to establish themselves in the creative industry, which has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the Netherlands for many years.

The core values of creativity, craftsmanship, inclusivity, communication and contextual awareness are at the heart of the teaching here at Cibap. Together these values form the 21st century skills the creative industry needs.

Internationalisation is an essential part of our education. After all, anyone wanting to work in the creative industry will by definition be working internationally, especially in the Netherlands. Dutch Design is a household name across the globe – and for good reason. We encourage students to look beyond borders – through international projects, course exchanges and internships abroad. We also welcome students and staff from other countries for short-term mobilities or exchanges.

If you are interested in cooperating with Cibap on an international level, please contact our International Office: internationaloffice@cibap.nl.

Courses

At Cibap we offer a wide range of creative vocational programmes with a strong emphasis on personal creativity, craftsmanship, entrepreneurial mindset and international orientation.

Film maker (AV), Graphic designer (DTP), Signmaker (signage) & Creative maker (EQF3)
On these creative technical courses in the areas of audiovisual production, graphic design and signage, you learn by doing and making. Bringing an idea to fruition by working on short assignments, individually or in small groups, just as you would in a commercial setting. Mastering the art right down to the finest details. This course can also form the basis for further training on our media designer or 3D designer courses.

Creative Craftsmanship: Wood & Design, Fabrics & Design (EQF4)
On this course students work with various materials including plastic, leather, metal, glass and ceramics, and sometimes also with innovative materials such as grass and algae. They learn to design products such as furniture, bags, sneakers and decorative design objects using these materials and a range of techniques. Aspects such as cost price, safety and functionality must also be considered.

Specialist Painter: Decoration and Restoration Painter (EQF4)
Students on this course study decorative and restoration techniques. They learn to restore and conserve authentic painted finishes, including trompe-l’oeil, imitation wood, marbling and gilding. Decoration techniques such as painting walls or objects with a decorative function are also covered.
Students who excel in restoration can take part in an excellence programme to qualify as a Master Restoration Painter.

Media Designer: Motion Design, Interaction Graphic Design, Creative Technology, Media Communication (EQF4)
On this course students learn to tell a story using images with the aim of conveying a message, still or moving. Students design brochures, corporate identities and websites and create commercials, films, animations, games and apps.

Social Design (EQF 4)
This programme is for creative individuals who are passionate about addressing social issues. Students learn to engage with stakeholders and conduct research. They use creative ideas to help find answers and provide solutions. A program for those who want to make the world a better place.

Immersive Designer (EQF 4)
This program focuses on creating meaningful and engaging immersive experiences. Students learn how to design interactive environments using XR technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and projection mapping (MR). They are challenged to think creatively while also developing the technical skills needed to turn ideas into real, tangible experiences.

Spatial Designer: Styling & Instore, Project & Interior Design, Event & Set Design (EQF4)
On this course students design and style spaces using colour, materials and composition to create an experience. This can range from set design to shops and offices to festivals – in other words anything in 3D.

Students can also take part in the Visual Communication excellence programme. This is an international programme offered by Cibap in collaboration with the University of Northampton. This programme is also open to Media Design students.

International Creative Business Developer: All-Round Design, Marketing, Technology (EQF4)
Students design and create various products for a brand strategy for a client in the Netherlands or abroad, such as animations and websites in combination with spatial designs. They work in multidisciplinary and international teams. Thanks to their language skills and international experience, our students make attractive professionals in the international arena.