MA Design
A research-driven, interdisciplinary Master's programme focusing on critical design practice in a changing world.
Best for:Best for design graduates seeking to integrate critical research, speculative practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration into their professional portfolio.
Overview
The MA Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is a tuition-free, interdisciplinary programme designed for graduates who wish to engage with design as a critical, research-oriented practice. Located near Berlin, the programme emphasizes a studio-based culture that encourages co-creation, collaboration, and individual exploration. Students can choose between experimental, research-driven studio pathways or speculative, technology-oriented tracks that explore digital futures. The curriculum is highly flexible and modular, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific professional and academic ambitions. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in design leadership, research, and practice.
What you'll do
- Participate in interdisciplinary studio projects exploring contemporary societal and technological challenges.
- Engage in critical reading and analysis of seminal texts in design theory, AI, and ecological transformation.
- Develop and deliver teaching formats to gain pedagogical experience.
- Conduct practice-based or practice-led research culminating in a Master's thesis.
- Collaborate with research groups on projects involving data visualisation, XR, and human-computer interaction.
- Develop strategic design management and leadership skills for professional practice.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent (minimum 180 ECTS) in a design-oriented discipline.
Degree offered: Master of Arts
Language: English (B2 CEFR) for the English track; German (sufficient level) for the German track.
Instruction: English or German (depending on the chosen track).
- Proficiency in English (B2 CEFR) for the English-language track.
- Successful completion of an artistic design entrance exam (aptitude test).
- Foundational knowledge in design research or design theory.
- Ability to engage in collaborative, studio-based work.
- Hold a first qualifying university degree in a design-related field.
- International students must have university entrance qualifications recognised by uni-assist e.V.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2025-07-15
Applicants must first pass an artistic design entrance exam by April 1st. Following the aptitude test, formal applications for university admission must be submitted by July 15th. International applicants are required to have their qualifications verified by uni-assist e.V. prior to applying.
- University entrance qualification
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Aptitude test results
Contact
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