MA in Design
The Media Design University of Applied Sciences (MDH) offers a 1.5-year Master of Arts ...
MA in Design
Berlin
INTAKE: April & Oct
Program Overview
The Media Design University of Applied Sciences (MDH) offers a 1.5-year Master of Arts (MA) in Design program, which is specifically tailored for graduates who have already completed a four-year undergraduate degree. The program is designed to deepen students' knowledge in design research, theory, and artistic practice. This fast-track option allows students to strategically expand their expertise and prepare for leadership roles in a dynamic and innovative design, media, and technology landscape. With specializations in areas like "Technology and AI" or "Arts and Culture", the curriculum fosters a holistic understanding of the creative process and the impact of cutting-edge technology on design.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Design is an intensive, studio-based program that combines practical and academic approaches to address current design issues. The 1.5-year "Fast-Track" option is for graduates of four-year bachelor's programs. It includes a central studio project and offers elective specializations such as Design Leadership or Interdisciplinary Futures. Students learn to critically address current design issues and develop their argumentation strategies for decision-making. The program culminates in a Master's thesis, where students conduct practice-based or practice-led research, further deepening their knowledge and applying it to a specific design challenge.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MA in Design program is rooted in practice-based and practice-led research. Students are encouraged to use their Master's thesis to explore and contribute to the fields of design research and theory. The program critically addresses current design issues, encouraging students to conduct research that is both scholarly and relevant to professional practice. With specializations available in "Technology and AI" and "Arts and Culture," the research can be highly interdisciplinary, reflecting the complex relationship between design, technology, and society. The program's goal is to produce graduates who can not only create impactful design but also contribute to the theoretical and methodological advancements of the field.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the MA in Design program at MDH. The university has a strong network of over 6,000 top companies and emphasizes forward-thinking, market-oriented education. This is reflected in the program's focus on developing skills that are directly applicable to the creative, media, and technology sectors. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths, including digital media management, web design, and user experience design. The university’s strong connections with the professional world are a valuable resource for students seeking to build their careers, providing opportunities for networking and real-world project experience.
Global Perspective: The MA in Design program provides a strong global perspective by offering an international academic experience and enhancing career prospects with intercultural competencies. The program is designed to be accessible to a diverse group of students, and the curriculum addresses the global nature of media and design. By studying in a major European city like Berlin or Düsseldorf, students are immersed in a vibrant, multicultural environment that fosters creativity and cross-cultural communication. The program's focus on emerging media formats and cutting-edge technology also prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of a globalized, media-saturated world.
Location
Berlin
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
Euro 12600
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 50% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 46 or higher.
Media Design Hochschule (MD.H) is fostering global talent and creativity by offering various scholarship opportunities and financial aid options to support international students in pursuing their academic and professional goals. While MD.H is a private institution, it provides both internal and external funding support to help international students manage the cost of education in Germany.
MD.H Talent Scholarships: Media Design Hochschule offers merit-based scholarships to highly motivated and talented students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs. These scholarships are granted based on academic excellence, creative portfolios, motivation letters, and, in some cases, personal interviews. They typically cover partial tuition fees and are renewable based on academic performance.
Galileo Global Education Scholarships: As a part of Galileo Global Education, MD.H students may be eligible for funding and support programs coordinated by the larger education group. These scholarships are often focused on diversity, international engagement, and inclusion, providing financial support to students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship): MD.H participates in the national Deutschlandstipendium program, which offers financial support to talented students of all nationalities. The scholarship provides jointly funded by private sponsors and the German government. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, social engagement, and personal achievements.
DAAD Scholarships: International students applying to MD.H can also apply for external scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). These scholarships offer comprehensive support for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. DAAD scholarships are highly competitive and require early application.
Graduates of the 1.5-year MA in Design from Media Design University of Applied Sciences are well-prepared for leadership and specialized roles in a variety of creative, media, and technology-driven industries.
Creative Director: A top-level career path where graduates oversee the entire creative process for campaigns, projects, or brands. They lead teams of designers and artists to ensure a cohesive vision that aligns with business goals.
UX/UI Designer (User Experience/User Interface Designer): With a specialization in technology and a deep understanding of human-centered design, graduates can focus on creating intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences for digital products.
Design Strategist/Consultant: These professionals use their advanced knowledge to advise companies on design strategy, branding, and innovation. They work with businesses to solve complex problems and ensure design efforts align with market trends and business objectives.
Innovation Manager: This role involves planning and leading the implementation of new ideas and products within a company. The program's focus on design thinking and innovation makes graduates a great fit for this position.
Digital Product Designer: Graduates can work on the development of digital products and services, from conception to launch. They combine their design skills with an understanding of technology and user behavior to create market-leading products.
Brand Strategist: These professionals develop and manage cohesive brand identities by combining market research, design, and storytelling. They ensure consistent branding across all platforms and help businesses communicate effectively with their audience.
Art Director: In advertising, publishing, or production, an art director is responsible for the visual style and images in various media. They guide the work of other designers and artists to meet creative objectives.
Game Designer: With a specialization in technology and a passion for interactive media, graduates can work as game designers, blending art, storytelling, and interactivity to create engaging video game experiences.
Exhibition Designer/Curator: For graduates specializing in "Arts and Culture," this career path involves designing and managing exhibitions in museums and galleries. They are responsible for creating engaging and educational experiences for visitors.
Design Entrepreneur: The program's emphasis on creative problem-solving and its interdisciplinary nature provides a strong foundation for graduates who wish to start their own design businesses or consultancies, offering specialized services in areas like web design, digital media, or strategic branding.
