International Programmes 2022/2023

Master in Integrated Design (MID) Master in Integrated Design (MID)

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts • Detmold

Degree
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

Please check the website for deadlines.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Globalisation in general and the construction industry in particular have brought about new demands on buildings and construction projects. These new demands also take local conditions into account. Planning is also changing in line with the new requirements. Moreover, digital technology has also brought lasting changes to architecture, from the planning and production stage right through to execution, and job profiles are accordingly getting more sophisticated. Thus, the Master's programme places a particular emphasis on theoretical and practice-oriented skills of digital analysis, design, planning, and production methods as well as the traditional design and planning methods. It also gives a detailed overview of the latest technological developments.

Additionally, the programme includes operative aspects of information technology, new developments in building materials, and scientific work in architectural education. The programme also includes interaction/cooperation with external partners and international networks. It focuses on qualifying architects and engineers for interdisciplinary, international, and, to a growing extent, digitally supported jobs. We attach special importance to our cooperation between university and external partners, such as links to other universities, planning offices, the construction industry, and software manufacturers.

The standard study period is four semesters. The specialisations in Facade Design and Computational Design are only taught in English.

The specialisation in Facade Design provides an extensive overview. It also provides the scientific foundations of the field of facade planning and consulting. Facade planning is indisputably high on the list of the most demanding and versatile professional specialisations. Here, legal, physical, material-technology, structural design, and, in particular, architectural and aesthetic issues converge.

The specialisation in Computational Design focuses on digital design methods and construction technologies in architecture, engineering, and design. The curriculum provides a scientific and practical foundation and gives an overview of the latest developments in computational design and construction.

For further information, please visit: https://mid.makerspace-owl.org

Course organisation

First Semester:

  • Tools and Methods 1
  • Construction and Dimensioning

Specialisation in Facade Design:

  • Climate and Comfort
  • Design Studio: Facade Design

Specialisation Computational Design:

  • Programming and Simulation
  • Design Studio: Computational Design

Second Semester:

  • Tools and Methods 2
  • Theory, Research and Scientific Methods

Specialisation in Facade Design:

  • Planning, Detailing and Production
  • Design Studio: Integrated Building Facade Design

Specialisation in Computational Design:

  • Digital Fabrication
  • Design Studio: Integrated Computational Building Design

Third Semester:

  • Conference and Communication
  • Elective from catalogue

Specialisation in Facade Design:

  • Materials, Surfaces and Safety
  • Design Studio: Contextual Facade Design

Specialisation in Computational Design:

  • Computational Optimisation
  • Design Studio: Contextual Computational Design

Fourth Semester:

  • Master's thesis, presentation and colloquium

Compulsory Electives:

  • Advanced Construction
  • Advanced Programming
  • Advanced Theory
  • Advanced Visualisation
  • Technical English II
  • Business start-up / Career start
PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Study trips
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements
  • Students are encouraged to study abroad for one semester.
  • Domestic and international study trips are organised by the faculty.
  • Design studios are developed with partners in Germany and abroad.
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 324 EUR per semester

Included in the semester fee is the semester ticket for public transport in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

In addition to the semester contribution, there are secondary expenses for lectures and courses that are not held on our campus in Detmold. Additional expenses for travelling, accommodation, and living will be incurred during the study programme. We always try to keep these expenses to a minimum.

Costs of living

Accommodation costs in Detmold need to be taken care of by the student. They vary from approx. 250 to 300 EUR per month.

Since 1 January 2021, the annual required amount that must be paid into a blocked account when applying for a visa amounts to 10,332 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

The Deutschlandstipendium programme was created in 2011. As part of this programme, the federal government subsidises private donation funds raised by colleges to finance scholarships for talented and academically strong students. The programme was modeled after other programmes, including Studienfonds OWL, which has been granting privately funded scholarships on behalf of five colleges in Ostwestfalen-Lippe, North Rhine-Westphalia.

More information and details at the following link: http://www.studienfonds-owl.de/en/scholarships/deutschlandstipendium/

Additional opportunities: https://www.th-owl.de/international/studieren-an-der-th-owl/foerderprogramme/

 

Academic admission requirements

Application requirements for the Master in Integrated Design (MID):

1. University entrance qualification or an equivalent standard (e.g. secondary school graduation certificate)

2. Bachelor's or diploma degree in a course of study with substantial scientific or engineering content (for example, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, Product Design, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Informatics); a focus on building, interior, structural or facade planning and/or design; and a minimum study duration of six semesters (180 credits)

It is recommended that applicants complete a three-month practical training or internship in the professional field of architecture, building, interior, structural and/or facade design or planning.

3. Evidence of the specific, that is, professional and methodological suitability for the Master in Integrated Design (MID) – see point 5 and 6

4. Evidence of English proficiency (see below)

5. Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes some of their most important and relevant work related to urban, architectural, building, or facade design and/or construction. Work samples should be submitted according to the following criteria:

  • three work samples from the previous course of study or professional experience, one of which, if possible, is the Bachelor's or Master's thesis or comparable final examination
  • two to three smaller work samples which demonstrate additional interests and specialised fields
  • up to two samples can be parts of team projects if the contribution of the applicant is indicated and clearly recognisable (The work samples must be submitted in a DIN A4-sized portfolio in a suitable data format, such as a PDF.)
  • a written explanation by the applicant describing the projects and the concepts behind each project (In the case of team work, the applicant should clearly indicate her/his role in the project. The applicant should limit her/his letter to one page!)
  • a written declaration that the applicant has produced the work samples on her or his own

6. Motivation letter and resume: Applicants must submit a motivation letter that should address their background as it relates to the requested specialisation (Facade Design or Computational Design).

Language requirements

Evidence of English proficiency documented by one of the following tests or certificates, with the indicated minimum score (for those who obtained their university entrance qualification at a non-English speaking institution):

  • at least six years of English in school education with a minimum grade "4 – ausreichend" ("satisfactory" in the German grading system) in the last four semesters
  • TOEFL paper-based 550
  • TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) 79-80
  • TOEFL computer-based 213
  • TOEIC 750
  • IELTS 6.0-6.5
  • Cambridge CPE/CAE pass
  • proof of an equivalent standard
Application deadline

Please check the website for deadlines.

Submit application to

Applications for non-European Union applicants are organised by uni-assist. Please upload your application to: https://www.uni-assist.de/en/

EU applicants, please complete the online application at: https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/application-and-enrollment/options-for-admission/master/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

As registered students at OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, non-EU students are permitted to work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year without an additional work permit.

You may work when the university is in session as well as during semester breaks. Only those days on which work is carried out are considered. Traditional jobs of an academic character such as student tutoring can be carried out in addition to the above-mentioned 120 full days or 240 half days. Such jobs are not subject to time restrictions.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German as the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. This will open up many more opportunities in later semesters. Free German courses are available for students through our International Office.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market.Information can be found on the Internet at https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/starting-your-degree/housing-during-your-degree/ or https://www.th-owl.de/en/international-office-th-owl/international-support-services/living-in-owl/#c-accordion-68899-0

Career advisory service

Career Services of the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts: https://www.th-owl.de/career-service/

International Office Career Services: https://www.th-owl.de/en/international-office-th-owl/career-service-io/

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

University location