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Design
Department

Characteristic of the design department is the close interlinking of the degree programmes Interface, Communication and Product Design and European Media Studies, a cooperation project with the University of Potsdam. This networking enables a unique, interdisciplinary educational profile with strong research and practical relevance, which is reflected in numerous projects, exhibitions and cooperations each year. Close cooperation with business and cultural institutions as well as a lively exchange between teachers, students and international universities characterise the learning atmosphere.

Impressions from the Design Department

Degrees

Interface Design (B. A.)

The innovative degree program combines user experience (UX) with user interface design (UI) and a lot of creativity. Digital technology is omnipresent in our world and offers designers enormous creative freedom! From user-centric smartphone apps and experimental data visualizations to immersive media productions in virtual reality – interface designers create all this and much more. 

Communication Design (B. A.)

From the smallest characters to complex campaigns – the task of communication designers is to convey information, messages and news in an exciting and emotional, but also clear and understandable way. We prepare you for the diverse professions in the creative and media industry.

Product Design (B. A.)

With their work, product designers have a significant influence on the comprehensibility, sustainability, attractiveness and, last but not least, on the acceptance and thus also on the social and market success of a product.

European Media Studies (B. A.)

Media should mediate. Because they are constantly gaining in importance with new technologies and cultural practices, the European Media Studies course is based on a broad concept of media. It encompasses a variety of media techniques and practices – with an international perspective and a focus on European cultural, media and legal areas. As a cooperative study program of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam, the course combines aesthetic-theoretical and cultural-historical knowledge with practical media technology and design.

European Media Studies (M. A.)

The Master’s degree course in European Media Studies is a cooperative degree course offered by the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam. The course combines aesthetic-theoretical and cultural-historical knowledge with practical media technology and design. Fundamental questions about theories, histories and manifestations of the media are combined with conceptual strategies. Reflecting on and with media promotes research work that independently combines theory and practice.

Design (M. A.)

The world that surrounds us is a visual one. Its appearance expands our imagination, inspires our ideas and shapes our dreams. Practical and theoretical research into the transformative power of design is carried out in the Master’s degree program. Students can set and deepen their individual focus in the areas of interface, communication and product design. It is also possible to join one of our thematic clusters. We look forward to researching and shaping the world of tomorrow with you!

Infografik zum Lehrkonzept des Fachbereichs Design

Interdisciplinarity and choice

The study system of the Design Department is focused on the permeability of the degree courses: Only around 50 % of the design subjects have to be completed from the degree program in which the students are enrolled, the other 50 % can be taken from the courses offered in the other design degree programs. 

Courses in the module groups Design Basics, Theory, Workshop Practice or Perspectives and Social Skills in the first stage of studies and all module groups in the second stage of studies are generally offered across all degree programs. This trains students to think beyond disciplinary boundaries at an early stage.

News from the Department

More news
Event

News

Lighten Up: Biology and Time at the MIT Museum

On the 28th of October, 2025, the exhibition Lighten Up: Biology and Time will open at the MIT Museum in Boston. A work by Prof Dr Helga Schmid will also be part of the exhibition: Circadian Dreams.

Awards

Press release

Germany Scholarships awarded to 26 students

In the 2025/26 funding period, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is awarding 26 Germany Scholarships to particularly committed and high-achieving students. The scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month for one year. Since the start of the funding programme, the university - together with…

Campus life

News

Recognisable from afar: implementation of the new orientation system starts on campus

The first signs of better orientation are now visible on the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Planning and design took place on site with students and staff under the direction of Prof Christina Poth. The involvement of the university community was crucial to the development.

Event

News

register now: Long Night of Writing for FHP students on 23th of October 2025

In October, the Student Counselling Service and the University Library at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam are once again organising the "Long Night of Writing" - an opportunity for concentrated writing and networking.

Projects

More projects

Product design ideas competition for street furniture

11 students presented 22 designs for outdoor furniture in a student competition.

MyAppMyData

App prototyping as an inclusive teaching-learning arrangement for the integrative development of digital skills at upper secondary level.

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

Events

More events
Workshop
12/11/2025, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

Finance Fit – Getting to Grips with your Finances Step by Step

Target audience: University members, Lecturers, Employees, Students
Location: OnlineRoom via Zoom
Workshop
13/11/2025, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Resolving professional disputes through conflict management

Target audience: University members, Lecturers, Employees, Students
Location: Online
Info Event
14/11/2025, 9.00 am – 10.30 am

Information Event: Social Insurance and Self-Employment

Target audience: University members, Employees, Students
Location: OnlineRoom via MS-Teams
Workshop
14/11/2025, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm

Workshop on effective self-management and time management for employees

Participation date for employees
Target audience: University members, Lecturers, Employees
Location: Main BuildingRoom 104

Contact

Pro-Dean for studies and teaching

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

Pro-Dean & Head of the Master's Design programme

Pro-Dean of the Design Department
Head of the Master's Design programme
Professor of Design Theory and Design Research

Office Manager (Dean's office)

Dean’s Office

Availability Dean’s Office Design