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 two-year Master of Arts (MA) in Design program that is a highly sought-after, government-accredited degree. This program is an excellent option for graduates from a variety of backgrounds who want to deepen their understanding of design, media, and technology. Unlike the fast-track option, the two-year program offers a more in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the field. It is designed to develop professional skills, capabilities, and confidence for leadership roles in a dynamic and innovative design, media, and technology landscape. With a central studio project and a range of electives and specializations in areas like "Technology and AI" and "Arts and Culture," the curriculum fosters a holistic understanding of the creative process and its impact on society.
Curriculum: The two-year curriculum is an intensive, studio-based program that offers a deeper and more extensive exploration than the shorter track. It is organized around an annually changing studio theme, which acts as the program's creative core. In the first two semesters, students delve into contemporary themes and methods in design research, engage with key texts, and explore "futures literacy." The third semester focuses on teaching and learning concepts in design, as well as an individual in-depth project. The final semester is dedicated to the 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 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 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. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths, including digital media management, web design, and user experience design.
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. The program also has a double degree option with a university in Taipei, which further expands students' international exposure and career opportunities.
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 two-year MA in Design from Media Design University of Applied Sciences are exceptionally well-equipped for leadership and specialized roles across a diverse range of creative, media, and technology-driven industries.
Design Strategist/Consultant: Leveraging their advanced knowledge of design research and theory, graduates can advise companies on design strategy, branding, and innovation. They work to solve complex business problems by aligning design efforts with market trends and business objectives.
Creative Director: This is a top-level leadership role where graduates oversee the entire creative process for campaigns, projects, or brands. They lead teams of designers and artists, ensuring a cohesive vision that aligns with strategic goals.
UX/UI Designer (User Experience/User Interface Designer): With specializations in technology and a focus on human-centered design, graduates can pursue careers in creating intuitive and engaging user experiences for digital products and services.
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, futures literacy, and interdisciplinary approaches 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, combining 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.
Cultural Manager/Curator: For graduates specializing in "Arts and Culture," this career path involves managing cultural institutions, planning and curating exhibitions, or working in cultural preservation. They are responsible for creating engaging and educational experiences for the public.
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.
Lecturer/Researcher: With a strong foundation in design research and theory, some graduates may choose to pursue a career in academia, teaching and conducting research to contribute to the theoretical and methodological advancements of the design field.
