Design (MA)

The ‘Design as Strategy’ Master’s programme views all design disciplines as purpose-driven measures for achieving a goal. Here, trained designers develop into decision-makers and, as such, into advisory partners for clients – starting right from the briefing stage, long before the design process begins.

This requires a process of understanding: listening to interests, critically examining objectives, and assessing contexts, stakeholders, conditions and impacts. On this basis, scenarios involving different courses of action are developed. Those who view matters through the client’s lens weigh up objectives, effort, time, costs and benefits, and think in terms of resources and return on investment.

The background to this is the observation that more and more original design tasks are being automated, carried out with the aid of AI, or undertaken by amateurs themselves. What does this mean for the role of design professionals? We are consulting successful graduates from the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and using their insights to develop a framework for a generation of designers who think strategically.

The studio is led by Matthias Beyrow, Professor of ‘Identity and Signs’ in the Department of Design. In his compendium on Corporate Identity & Corporate Design, he highlights the potential of various design disciplines for holistic design strategies.

The English-language Master’s studio ‘Speculative Software’ is dedicated to the design and exploration of creative, experimental software interfaces. It pushes the boundaries of interaction design and invites students to speculate on current and future forms of software beyond established conventions.

This requires three perspectives: technology, speculation and communication. The first semester introduces students to XR, web technologies, AI, spatial typography, robotics, data visualisation and software prototyping; the second to theory and thesis development; and the third to strategic communication. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis.

The programme is based on the observation that software is the dominant medium of our time, yet it often lacks creativity and vision. What does this mean for design? We explore radical design approaches whilst reflecting on the cultural and ethical implications of software. A double degree with National Taipei University of Technology is also available.

The studio is led by Boris Müller, Professor of Interaction Design and Co-Director of the Urban Complexity Lab. In his TEDx talk The Art of Speculative Software, he challenges conventional UX paradigms and develops his perspective on speculative software.

The one-year fast-track Master's programme is aimed at graduates of an eight-semester Bachelor's programme (minimum requirement: 240 ECTS credits) who wish to deepen their knowledge in the areas of design research, design theory and aesthetic-artistic practice.

In the central studio project and in freely selectable specialisations such as Teaching Experience, Design Leadership or Interdisciplinary Futures, you can expand your specialisation in a targeted manner and sharpen your argumentation strategies for design decisions. You will further deepen your knowledge in your research-oriented Master's thesis. The programme combines practical and academic approaches to critically examine current design issues – and equips you with important skills to respond flexibly to changes and uncertain conditions in the design profession.

The two-year Master's programme (minimum requirement: 180 ECTS credits) offers comprehensive in-depth study of a studio topic that changes annually, combined with newly developed knowledge modules and an extensive range of electives that reflect the breadth of design disciplines and research topics at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. The studio combines a future-relevant topic in the design profession with its theoretical, methodological and creative treatment.

In the first two semesters, in addition to the studio, you will deal with current topics and methods in design research, relevant texts and positions, future literacy and design leadership. In the third semester, the focus is on teaching and learning concepts in design and an individual in-depth project – and in the elective area, you have the opportunity to set your own priorities. The fourth semester is entirely devoted to your Master's thesis, the research question and presentation of which you will reflect on and further develop in an accompanying seminar.

The third semester centres on teaching and learning concepts in design, as well as your individual in-depth project, with electives allowing you to shape your own academic focus.

The fourth semester is fully dedicated to your Master's thesis, accompanied by a seminar in which you will reflect on and refine the development and presentation of your research.

In the two-year master's programme with double degree option, you will spend the first year of study at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. In the second year, you will continue your studies at the National Taipei University of Technology  (Taipei Tech). There, you will have the opportunity to specialise in topics such as XR, UX and service design, and human-centred AI in the Interaction Design Master's programme. You will independently develop, design and implement projects that integrate methodological-theoretical as well as design, creative and artistic-experimental approaches. You will write your Master's thesis in the second year at Taipei Tech – accompanied by professors from both universities.

The "Thesis Development I" module immerses you in the world of design research, blending scientific rigor with hands-on, creative methods. You will delve into diverse knowledge cultures within design, explore interdisciplinary research approaches, and shape your own research designs. Through this module, you will master the art of crafting insightful research questions and structuring both academic and design-driven projects. You will also develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, creative problem-solving techniques, and innovation processes. With a strong emphasis on research planning, ethical considerations, and self-management, this module is your launchpad for a transformative Master's journey—setting you on a clear and inspiring path toward your own thesis!

In the Reading Group, you will dive deep into seminal texts from design theory and research, immersing yourself in the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, ecological transformation, and the evolution beyond a solely human-centred design approach. Through thoughtful analysis, you will cultivate the skills to dissect academic writings and craft a compelling survey paper. This course not only refines your ability to critically engage with complex English-language literature but also empowers you to discuss, interpret, and challenge these ideas with clarity and insight, strengthening both your analytical and communicative skills.

"Studio X – Extended" provides you with the opportunity to delve into a contemporary design-related or transdisciplinary question over the course of two semesters. The emphasis is on exploring societal, technological, and design challenges, critically examining them and addressing them through a range of design methodologies. Students from diverse design disciplines collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, fostering a rich exchange of ideas while employing methods from design research, speculative design, and artistic practice to engage with complex issues.

The studio encourages an analytical and critical approach to topics such as technology, aesthetics, ecology, ethics, and the social aspects of design. In addition to developing methodological skills in research, project organization, and academic work, students also enhance key qualifications in communication, argumentation, visualization, and teamwork. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to actively participate in current design discourse and lay a solid foundation for their Master's thesis.

How does design shape the future? In this module, students critically explore design methods such as Speculative Design and Design Fiction to assess emerging technologies and their social, ecological, and ethical implications. They will be introduced to futures research methods, including trend and scenario analysis, simulations, and participatory approaches.

The focus is not only on predictions but also on Futures Literacy – the ability to question and reimagine possible futures consciously. Students will develop scientifically grounded methodological skills, learning how to integrate technology ethics and design impact assessments into their work. Through collaborative reflection and discussion, they will sharpen their critical thinking and cultivate an awareness for sustainable, future-oriented design.

How do you lead design teams? How do you develop creative strategies in startups, businesses, or NGOs? In this module, you will learn how to strategically manage design processes, lead teams, and drive innovation. You will gain insights into management theories, business fundamentals, and the development of social innovations.

Topics such as Strategic Foresight, corporate strategy, and project management will be explored, alongside intercultural competencies and conflict resolution. You will discover how to turn an idea into a successful startup, how design is integrated into businesses, and the diverse career paths available in Design Leadership – whether in entrepreneurship, management, or academia.

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to not only design but also lead organizations strategically, shaping the future with purpose and vision.

The Studio Z Project offers you the opportunity to pursue an individual focus – whether as a continuation of your Studio X work, a deep dive into a specialization, or a strategic prelude to your Master's thesis. You will independently explore a complex design question, honing both your creative and methodological skills with precision and purpose.

At the same time, you will refine your unique design voice and practice presenting your ideas and research – through narrative, argumentation, visualization, and staging. This studio lays the foundation for your thesis and strengthens your professional identity as a designer.

In this module, you step into the role of an educator. Whether through leading your own workshop, co-teaching alongside professors, or contributing to project weeks – you will design, deliver, and reflect on your own teaching formats. Drawing on your subject expertise, you will craft didactic concepts tailored to the unique dynamics of design education.

You will learn how to integrate meaningful feedback, facilitate group processes, and present teaching content across different media formats. Along the way, you will sharpen essential social and communication skills – empathy, conflict resolution, and intercultural awareness.

This module equips you for teaching and knowledge transfer in the design field, while expanding your profile with valuable key qualifications.

In the module “Thesis Development II: Master Proposal”, you will develop a strong research proposal for your Master’s thesis, including your research question, methodology, analysis, and reflection. You will experiment with various presentation strategies, learn to structure complex topics, and explore a range of multisensory and mixed media storytelling techniques.

This module will enhance your academic and creative writing skills while helping you find your voice in communicating your research. In short, it equips you both conceptually and methodologically to confidently tackle your Master’s thesis and its presentation.

In the electives, you can choose from modules within the Department of Design, across other programmes at FH Potsdam, or from partner institutions in Brandenburg and Berlin – such as the inter- and transdisciplinary FLEX modules offered by FH Potsdam.

These options allow you to broaden your skills and knowledge in areas such as sustainable development, data literacy, gender and diversity, business and management, and foreign languages – while also deepening your methodological expertise for both your studies and future career.

The Master's thesis marks the culmination of your studies – an opportunity to showcase your advanced expertise and refined creative skillset. You engage deeply with complex questions, weaving together theory and artistic-practical exploration. Through this work, you prepare to take on and shape demanding roles in the realms of design, art, and research – both nationally and internationally.

The thesis comprises a written project, a colloquium, and concludes with the public presentation and academic defence of your final project.

Register for the admissions test for the Design (MA) programme via the online portal. The test will take place once a year in May. 

The registration for the admissions test is possible from the 1^st of January to the 1^st of April.

Initial application documents

When registering, the following documents must be submitted in the registration portal by the deadline:

• Curriculum vitae in tabular form
• University degree certificate(s) or current transcript of records with the ECTS credit points earned to date and the grade earned to date, if the degree programme has not yet been completed
• Project outline (maximum of 2 DIN A4 pages), discussing the chosen research topic and formulates its own creative and/or transdisciplinary question or position in the context of the field of study (selected studio). For more details on the project outline, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
• Portfolio of previous artistic and creative work and/or scientific work
• If applicable, proof of previous specialized internships and practical work experience as well as work references
• Proof of awards and prizes, if applicable
• Evidence of design- or artistically or scientifically relevant further education and training or comparable design or scientific knowledge and skills acquired outside the university system, If applicable
• Application for compensation for disadvantages for the entrance exam, if applicable
• Expression of interest in participating in the double degree programme, if applicable

To apply for the four semester English-track or the double degree programme, you must provide proof of English language proficiency at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

If you are interested in the double degree programme, you can indicate this in your application. Final acceptance is based on a selection interview with professors from both universities, held at the end of the first semester. At the beginning of the programme, you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with its structure and requirements. If you are selected for the double degree programme, you may also be eligible for a scholarship for the second year abroad, offered by the FH Potsdam.

All documents must be uploaded in electronic form (PDF) to the university's online platform.

The artistic-design admissions test is conducted online. Once your application documents have been reviewed, you will receive an email invite with all the details (date, time and online link) approximately 14 days before the exam.

1. Digital presentation of the project outline in the chosen field of study as part of an interview with the selection committee,
2. Digital presentation of a portfolio with a maximum of 25 work samples, projects or publications at the request of the selection committee.

The following work samples are suitable:

• Visual work (e.g. graphic design, photography, infographics, illustrations, UI/UX design, moving images and animation)
• 3D design (e.g. 3D models and renderings)
• Projects with a process focus (e.g. research and concept development, prototyping and evaluation)
• Texts (e.g. scientific publications, blog posts)

Please also refer to the information on the evaluation criteria and the notes on the project outline 

After the admissions test

The assessment of the artistic admissions for the degree programme is generally valid for the winter semester immediately following the assessment procedure. The Master's Commission decides in individual cases.

You can find detailed information on determining your artistic admission for the Master's degree programme in Design in the admissions requirement for the degree programme. You can view these on the  module handbooks and study and examination regulations page of the Department of Design.

Have you successfully passed the admissions test? If so, you can confirm your place in MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam by the 15^th of July for the following winter semester.

Have you accepted the offer of admission and received your letter of admission? If so, you can submit your enrolment application for the coming winter semester in the FH Potsdam MyCampus university portal.

Documents to submit

• Officially certified copy of the university entrance qualification or university degree certificate
• Proof of statutory health insurance for students or proof of exemption from the statutory insurance obligation via the electronic student registration procedure
• Payment slip/order confirmation of the semester fee and any other fees
• Certificate of exmatriculation from the last university attended, if applicable
• If applicable, further documents according to the enrolment application or enrolment notification
• Head shot for your Campus.card

Do you have any questions about the enrolment process at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam? Our enrolment page offers you further information and a FAQ section on all aspects of admission and enrolment.

Once you have successfully completed the application process, we recommend that you take a look at the Department of Design's study start page. There you will find important information and dates about starting your studies at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam at the beginning of the semester.