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Design Department Profile: Digital Transformation – Urban Futures Forming Society

Design (MA)

Person in einer Virtual-Reality-Umgebung

The Design (MA) offers something rare and raw - space and time to generate ideas, concepts, objects, systems, interventions, and experiences. It’s a space for research, exploration, action and reflection in a socio-political climate that can, at times, leave us breathless. Immersed in a diverse community of makers and thinkers in the fields of communication, interface and product design, the Design (MA) offers time. Time to think, discuss, contemplate, reimagine and reflect on alternatives for our planetary present and future. Embark on a transformative journey with us!

Abschluss:
Master of Design
Master of Arts
Type:
Full time
Part time
Course language:
German
English
Standard study period:

2 semesters
4 semesters

Start of study:
Winter semester
Registration for the qualifying examination:

until 15.06.

Application deadline:

15.06. - 15.08. (admission restricted)

Admission requirements:
First professionally qualifying university degree, passed aptitude test
Credits:

60 ECTS credit points
120 ECTS credit points

Module Manuals & Regulations
Profile

Designing Futures: Between Strategy and Speculation – The New Design Master's at FHP

The Design (MA) offers a unique learning environment, where a strong studio culture of co-creation and collaboration supports your studies. By specializing in one of our studios, “Speculative Software” or “Strategy in Design”, it opens up a flexible, modular and interdisciplinary learning environment (English or German track). Choosing from a rich selection of courses in communication, interface and product design, the programme offers the opportunity to craft an individual learning journey that is entirely your own. At the core of your studies lies an in-depth practical and theoretical research exploration into societal transformation processes and interdisciplinary futures.

Studio: Design as Strategy

Design, with its diverse disciplines, offers a powerful toolkit for achieving entrepreneurial or societal goals. In this studio, we'll develop methods and train routines that enable future designers to engage with clients in making strategic decisions before the design process begins. The focus lies on understanding design not just as execution, but as a driver of vision, positioning, and long-term impact.

Studio: Speculative Software

This studio pushes the boundaries of interaction design and invites students to speculate on the future of software itself. Together, we’ll question today’s conventions, explore radical design approaches, and prototype new forms of digital interaction and expression. From ambient systems to post-GUI futures – this is a space to rethink how we shape, sense, and experience the digital world. 

Design in Times of Polycrisis

The climate crisis, societal polarization, and rapid technological transformation define a present that raises more questions than it offers clear answers. The Master's programme in Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam invites students to engage with this complexity not through quick fixes, but through a reflective, research-oriented design practice.

At the heart of the programme, design is not conceived as embellishment, but as a mode of thinking, researching, and acting. Rather than searching for a simple solution to solve a problem, students are encouraged to embrace ambiguity, confront contradictions, and turn tensions into productive potential. The ability to navigate complexity emerges as a vital competence.

Design is understood here as both critical reflection on the everyday and a speculative engagement with future possibilities. Students develop projects that range from situated interventions in daily life to visionary scenarios that challenge and reimagine societal futures. The projects aim not only to persuade through conceptual clarity and aesthetic precision, but to foster discourse and offer new perspectives on transformation.

Following a period in which design thinking has often been indiscriminately applied as a universal solution, this Master’s programme positions itself as a deliberate counter-model — one that values consolidation over hype, depth over immediacy. It cultivates an awareness of when to pause and reflect, and when urgent change demands acceleration. In this sense, design becomes a matter of rhythm: attentive, responsible, and with a feel for the right moment.

Infografik zu den Forschungsfeldern im Studiengang MA Design

Hands-On Research

Our approach is reflected not only in the design projects, but in the close integration of teaching and research. The Master's programme offers diverse opportunities to explore design questions within the context of current research projects, combining theoretical reflection with hands-on research experience.

Engage with cutting-edge research while developing your own practice. The Master's programme offers the opportunity to collaborate on innovative research projects within the Interaction Design Lab and the Urban Complexity Lab. Gain hands-on experience and deepen your academic and methodological skills in our research-oriented modules or as student assistant. Additionally, we support your pursuit of a PhD in one of our research labs as a future opportunity.

Interaction Design Lab

The IDL is home to an international team of researchers, designers and developers with roots in science and industry. We create an interface between teaching, research, development, technology transfer, design and knowledge transfer and thus open up a space for multidisciplinary projects.

Urban Complexity Lab

The UCLAB is an interdisciplinary research group that combines expertise from the fields of interface design, computer science and the humanities. Its research work focuses on the design, development and investigation of data visualisations.

Why Study Design at FH Potsdam?

Are you looking to deepen your existing interest in design? Do you want to complete your undergraduate studies with an internationally recognised qualification? Are you eager to explore design as both a practical and theoretical field of research, and considering an academic career in design research? Would you like to be supported on your path to developing your own research question—across disciplines and fields?

The Master's programme in Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam offers you these opportunities. You will learn to address problems on formal, aesthetic, and methodological levels and acquire the skills to understand and manage complex design, development, and transformation processes—structurally, conceptually, and strategically. Ecological, social, and political contexts are not add-ons here—they're integral to how we understand and teach design.

You have these qualities

  • analytical and conceptual way of thinking
  • a creative vision
  • enjoy art, culture, design, media and technology
  • independence, communication, organisational and teamwork skills

Shop window

Let us inspire you! In our virtual showcase you will find current projects and works from the degree programmes of the Faculty of Design.

Key visual of the Open Day with department symbols: "Shape the world of tomorrow. Open Day at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. 24/05/2025, 10 am - 1 pm)"
© Mandy Puchert

Info Day 2025: We open our doors

Open Day at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences: On 24 May 2025, you will get to know the diverse study paths at our university, explore the campus and gain exclusive insights into our modern laboratories and workshops.

Take the opportunity to talk to students and lecturers in person and look forward to a varied programme.

Projects of the Design department

More projects

The Opposite of Fear is Courage – Photography as a Tool

Under the direction of Wiebke Loeper, students from the Department of Design presented their photographic work as part of the exhibition "The opposite of fear is courage" at the Kulturhaus Wittenberge in November 2024.

International Study and Training Partnership with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan)

Exchange programme for students and teachers within the framework of the DAAD ISAP programme

Drängende Gegenwart × Luckenwalde – Photographic and Textile Works

The exhibition ‘Drängende Gegenwart - Fotografie als Forschungsinstrument’ and ‘Drängende Gegenwart - textiles in transit’ combines photographic and textile works. The exhibition opening took place on the 6th of June 2024. The exhibition itself was on display at the Luckenwalde branch until the 27th of June 2024.

LAUBE focuses on Sustainability, Social Issues and Biodiversity

The allotment garden is changing – one driver of this change is the demographic development, which results in a generational change.

Contact us

The colleagues at the Central Student Advisory Service provide information to prospective students, first-year students, parents, teachers and students on all general questions relating to the degree programme. If you have specific questions and concerns about the Master's degree programme in Design, please contact the Student Advisory Service.

Student counselling

Research Associate and Pro-Dean for Studies and Teaching
Office Management/Finance at the Department of Design
FB Development/Study Reform Process & Quality Development
Scientific Coordination for the Master's programme
Departmental Exchange Coordinator

Student counselling

Research Professor for Design of Software Interfaces
Programme Director for Design (M. A.)

You may also be interested in these degree programmes

More courses
Department Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
Urban Futures (MA) German Winter semester

15/05 – 15/06 (restricted admission)

Programme content

Programme Structure and Modules

The Design (MA) is offered as a one- or two-year course, full-time or part-time, leading to a Master of Arts degree. The two-year programme can be completed in either German or English. In addition, you may pursue a double degree as part of our established collaboration with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech).

The double degree is a joint programme between the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and Taipei Tech. It allows you to obtain two degrees: a Master of Arts and a Master of Design. You are required to complete specific courses and pass the necessary exams at both institutions. This programme provides an international academic experience and enhances your career prospects by offering intercultural competencies and subject-specific qualifications.

Study plan Master of Art Design for the two-semester programme

The one-year "Fast-Track" Master's programme is designed for graduates of eight-semester (four-year) Bachelor's programmes who wish to deepen their knowledge in the fields of design research, design theory, and aesthetic-artistic practice.

Through the central studio project [Link] and elective specializations such as Teaching Experience [Link], Design Leadership [Link], or Interdisciplinary Futures [Link], you can strategically expand your expertise and sharpen your argumentation strategies for decision-making. In your Master's thesis, you will further deepen your knowledge through practice-based or practice-led research and theory. The programme combines practical and academic approaches to critically address current design issues, while simultaneously equipping you with essential skills to respond flexibly to changes and uncertain conditions in the design profession.

 

Study plan Master of Art Design for the four-semester programme

The two-year Master's programme offers in-depth exploration of an annually changing studio theme, paired with newly developed knowledge modules and a wide range of electives reflecting the diversity of design disciplines and research areas at FH Potsdam.

The studio acts as the programme’s thematic and creative core, focusing on a forward-looking issue relevant to the design profession and addressing it through theoretical, methodological, and artistic-practical approaches.

During the first two semesters, alongside the studio module, you will delve into contemporary themes and methods in design research [Link Thesis Development I: Introduction to Design Research], engage with key texts and positions [Link Reading Group], explore futures literacy [Link Interdisciplinary Futures], and develop your leadership skills in design [Link Design Leadership].

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.

Study plan Master of Art Design for the four-semester double degree programme

The two-year Master’s programme provides an opportunity to obtain a double degree. In your first year, you will study at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and in your second year at the  National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech). At Taipei Tech’s Interaction Design MA programme, you can dive deep into topics such as XR, UX, Service Design, as well as Human-Centred AI. You will gain hands-on experience working on both creative and research-driven projects, developing, implementing, and documenting your own ideas. The Master’s thesis will be completed at Taipei Tech, with supervisors from both universities.

First Year – Curriculum and Module Overview

This outlines the curriculum of the Design (MA) programme, organised by the academic year. You will find all module descriptions, the study and examination regulations, as well as the statutes for the selection procedure neatly compiled and easily accessible here.

1-year Master's programme (2 semesters) | taught in German

The one-year "Fast-Track" Master's programme is designed for graduates of eight-semester (four-year) Bachelor's programmes who wish to deepen their knowledge in the fields of design research, design theory, and aesthetic-artistic practice.

Through the central studio project and elective specializations such as Teaching Experience, Design Leadership , or Interdisciplinary Futures, you can strategically expand your expertise and sharpen your argumentation strategies for decision-making. In your Master's thesis, you will further deepen your knowledge through practice-based or practice-led research and theory. The programme combines practical and academic approaches to critically address current design issues, while simultaneously equipping you with essential skills to respond flexibly to changes and uncertain conditions in the design profession.

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.

2-year Master's programme (4 semesters) | taught in English

The two-year Master's programme provides an opportunity to obtain a double degree. In your first year, you will study at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and in your second year at the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech). At Taipei Tech’s Interaction Design MA programme, you can dive deep into topics such as XR, UX, Service Design, as well as Human-Centred AI. You will gain hands-on experience working on both creative and research-driven projects, developing, implementing, and documenting your own ideas. The Master’s thesis will be completed at Taipei Tech, with supervisors from both universities.

First Year – Curriculum and Module Overview

This outlines the curriculum of the Design (MA) programme, organised by the academic year. You will find all module descriptions, the study and examination regulations, as well as the statutes for the selection procedure neatly compiled and easily accessible here. 

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 Design department, across other disciplines 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.

Studio for Design as Strategy

Studio for Design as Strategy

Keyvisual MA Studio »Design als Strategie«

The Master Studio for Design as Strategy represents all relevant design disciplines as purpose-oriented “measures” to achieve a goal. Trained designers will develop into “deciders” and thus into advisory “counterparts” for clients.

Collaboration at eye level: This “counterpart” begins at the briefing stage, well before the design process itself.  It is crucial to hear, understand, and assess the client's interests at this stage. The stated goals need to be critically questioned and, if necessary, discussed, and design measures formulated and planned. The foundation for this is established in the studio for “Design as Strategy”, which includes skills such as constructive listening and thinking, the ability to contextualize, an understanding of design as an “investment” and a realistic ability to assess the appropriate effectiveness of creative means. Most importantly, this process requires mental agility and flexibility.

Let’s dive in: Into the subject! In the studio “Design as Strategy” we practice reflected assessments on various actors, levels and stages:  the initiators' self-image and understanding of the objective, the conditions (economic, temporal, technological, social, and ethical), of the players and reference groups, the interests, wishes and resistance of all players, the potential touchpoints and its possible effects and consequences. We achieve a deeper comprehension of our topics by classification, mapping, characterisation and discussion. Thereby, you systematically develop criteria for every recommendation and project, ensuring consistency and quality in our outcomes.

Moving towards the solution: What can be achieved, with what resources, and by when? Based on your assessments and criteria, you can outline various scenarios, each with its own unique measures. As a designer and consultant, it is crucial to possess in-depth knowledge across multiple design disciplines. This interdisciplinary knowledge enables you to approach challenges from the client’s perspective, allowing for a critical evaluation of objectives, required efforts, development timelines, costs, benefits, and overall resource efficiency, including return on investment. Recommending design measures and criteria involves strategic considerations regarding their concrete effects and, above all, their intended purpose.

Facing reality: Is this way of thinking and working design now or is it yet to come? The studio for “Design as Strategy” supports a new generation of designers as strategic thinkers! This approach is based on the observation that more design tasks become automated or even carried out by amateurs using software like Canvas. The market is shrinking, and the design quality is deteriorating. How do design professionals address this challenge? What role do strategic considerations play in their daily work? And how does this shift affect the role of designers? We are reaching out to successful FHP design graduates to gather insights. Additionally, we are developing methods that provide a framework and value proposition for a new generation of designers. 

The studio for Design as Strategy is headed by Matthias Beyrow. He holds the professorship for “Identity and Sign” at the Department of Design at the FH Potsdam. His teaching expertise lies in applied communication for companies, administrations and institutions, in short: branding and campaigning. His compendium, already emphasizes the potential of different design disciplines for holistic design strategies.

If you are interested in applying for the Master Studio for Design as Strategy, please join our online information event on May 22, 2025 Zoom Link.

Studio Speculative Software

Studio “Speculative Software”

Examples of Speculative Software

The Master Studio Speculative Software is dedicated to the design and exploration of creative, experimental software user interfaces. It is part of a full-time two-year Master programme, taught in English.

The Master Studio Speculative Software is dedicated to the design and exploration of creative, experimental software user interfaces. It is part of a full-time two-year Master programme, taught in English.

The studio pushes the boundaries of interaction design and invites students to speculate on the future of software. They are encouraged to challenge conventions, explore radical design approaches, and imagine new forms of digital interaction and representation that question established norms. 

The studio covers a wide range of topics and is structured around three core perspectives: technology, speculation, and dissemination. In the first semester, students are introduced to current technologies such as XR, web technologies, artificial intelligence, spatial typography, robotics, data visualization, and software prototyping. The second semester focuses on theory, thesis development, and design discourse, engaging with topics like speculative design, human-computer interaction, cultural theory, and media theory. The third semester emphasizes strategic communication and dissemination, while the fourth is dedicated to the Master’s thesis. 

Students benefit from a broad range of practical and theoretical perspectives offered within the Department of Design. Each semester, the studio invites professors and lecturers to join as co-teachers, enriching the learning experience. As part of the Master's programme, students also have the opportunity to take electives across the department, fostering interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. (For details, please check the Modules and Course of Study). 

Additionally, those enrolled in the Studio for Speculative Software can choose to participate in the double degree programme with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in Taiwan.

Speculative Software places a strong emphasis on critical reflection, encouraging students to consider the cultural and ethical implications of software design. Graduates develop the ability to envision and create forward-thinking design concepts that inspire, challenge, and redefine software across diverse applications, from digital art installations to experimental software platforms. The studio welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds. We are looking for students who want to make a transformative impact in the evolving landscape of software design.

Headed by Boris Müller, Professor of Interaction Design and Co-Director of the Urban Complexity Lab [https://uclab.fh-potsdam.de/], the studio builds upon innovative and experimental design research. The Urban Complexity Lab (UCLAB) is a research space at the intersection of design, science, and the humanities. Its activities have a strong focus on data visualization and exploratory design. Boris Müller recently gave a TEDx Talk on Speculative Software, presenting his unique perspective on design and exploration. Furthermore, he publishes essays on interaction design, data visualization, and design research on his blog. 

If you are interested in applying for the Master Studio for Speculative Software, please join our online information event on May 22, 2025 at 2 pm (CEST) Zoom Link

Vortrag von Prof. Boris Müller auf der TEDx-Konferenz in Potsdam

TEDx “The Art of Speculative Software”

We spend almost 8 hours a day in front of a screen - but is the software we use really well designed? On 6 November 2024, Boris Müller gave a talk on this topic at the TEDx conference in Potsdam. He argues that software is the dominant medium of our time, but that it usually lacks creativity and vision. In his talk, he questions conventional UX paradigms and introduces the concept of "speculative software".

Impressions from teaching

The "Speculative Software" studio builds on the personnel, technical and content-related structure of the Interface Design degree programme and the Department of Design. Here are some impressions from the programme and teaching.

Application & Contact

Dates & Requirements

The Design (MA) programme welcomes applicants with a Bachelor's degree in design, art, or related design- or art-oriented disciplines (e.g. architecture). We also encourage applicants from a wide range of other fields, including media studies, information and communication sciences, or media informatics. It is essential to show a strong interest in design, design research and to demonstrate relevant design expertise.

Dates

  • 22/05/2025: Virtual Open Event: Presentation of the Master Studios and Q&A session
  • 24/05/2025: Open day at the FH Potsdam
  • Until 15/07: Registration for the entrance exam
  • Mid-July: Entrance exam (online)
  • Until 15/08: Submit an online application to confirm your place

Entry Requirements

  • Honours degree or possession of equivalent qualification (at least 180 ECTS credit points) in a design degree programme or a design-oriented degree programme from a university, university of applied sciences or university of the arts
  • Passed entrance exam 

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for the entrance exam.

Register for the entrance exam s for the Design (MA) programme via the online portal. The test will take place once a year in July. 

For the start of the winter semester 2025/26, registration for the entrance exam is possible from the 1st of May to the 15th  of June, 2025.

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 entrance exam 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 entrance exam

The assessment of the artistic aptitude 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 aptitude for the Master's degree programme in Design in the regulations for determining aptitude 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 entrance exam? If so, you can confirm your place in MyCampus university portal of the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences by the 15th of August 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 UAS 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 still have questions about the enrolment process at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences? We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers on enrolment and admission.

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.

Project outline

The project outline is a key requirement for admission to the Master's programme in Design. You should develop a well-founded position on the chosen study topic (length: max. two pages). This can take the form of one or more research questions as well as initial approaches for the practical, aesthetic-artistic or scientific examination of the topic.

Whether problem solving, speculative design or artistic intervention - the perspectives on the studio are diverse, as is the possible form of the sketch. It can be exclusively text-based or include visual elements such as photographs, illustrations, user interfaces or infographics.

Your project outline, the presentation in the entrance exam and your portfolio will be assessed according to these criteria:

Project outline

Originality: level of innovation and independent interpretation of the topic, ranging from aesthetic-artistic to methodological-scientific

Content quality: clarity of the problem, technical depth and conceptual derivation

Thematic fit with the studio: examination of the thematic link to relevant issues of the selected studio from various design-specific perspectives

Presentation and Discussion

Presentation and communication: comprehensibility, strength of argumentation and response to queries

Portfolio (our portfolio term is broadly defined and refers to a variety of creative forms of expression, e.g. also texts or software)

Portfolio quality: creative, technical and methodical realisation of previous work 

Artistic and creative design skills: creativity, improvisation, abstraction and technical skills

Further information

The following links summarise further information on the topics of application and enrolment for national and international students at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences.

International applicants

Would you like to apply for a degree programme from the first or a higher semester and have obtained your school-leaving certificate and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have your qualifications and achievements from abroad recognised and study with us.

Application & enrolment procedure

The Application and Study Service provides information and advice on general questions about the application process, admission and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. It also supports applications for a higher semester, and further on topics such as compensation for disadvantages, part-time study, waiting semesters and hardship applications.

Contact & Services

The Central Student Advisory Service provides information and advice on general questions about studying and on topics such as choosing a programme, application process, enrolment and how to organise your studies.

For subject-specific questions about module content, credit transfer, examinations or studio specialisations in the Master's programme, the Student Advisory Service is the best place to go.

 

Student counselling

Research Associate and Pro-Dean for Studies and Teaching
Office Management/Finance at the Department of Design
FB Development/Study Reform Process & Quality Development
Scientific Coordination for the Master's programme
Departmental Exchange Coordinator

Student counselling

Research Professor for Design of Software Interfaces
Programme Director for Design (M. A.)

Student Financing

Room 3.02a

Family Affairs Commissioner

Room 026

Office hours

Tue and Thu 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

Commissioner for University Employees with Impairment

Room 0.17

Office hours

by arrangement

Contact persons Study and Examination Services