The programme is taught in English.
Intake: October
Mode of study: We believe that sustainable learning is only possible if there is enough space for experimentation, games and critical thinking. That is why we have completely restructured the classical course of studies. Read more about our CORE Principle.
Non-EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 15 August (October intake). We also recommend that you apply early (at least four months before the start of your programme).
EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 1 October (October intake).
- Non-EU/EEA tuition fees: 5,950 EUR per semester
- EU/EEA (including Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine) tuition fees: 830 EUR per month
Please note: The monthly/semester tuition fees remain the same for the entire duration of the study programme.
The Master’s programme in Strategic Design lies at the intersection of innovation management, brand strategy and creative processes management. During the course of the programme, strategic thinking skills are trained around issues relevant for branding, innovation and design processes.
Students are taught to approach design not as a merely decorative art or in order to beautify surfaces but also as a strategic resource for processes and companies. You will gain knowledge of methods and theories of corporate and brand management, design thinking, social design, transformation design, system thinking, critical thinking and strategic participation. You will learn user-centred research, focused synthesis and systematic development of ideas. You will acquire knowledge on creativity techniques, business models, and sustainability as well as intercultural communication. Soft skills such as presentation skills and the development of your personal leadership style are specifically addressed and promoted through specially designed teaching units. The imparting of methods of scientific work creates the prerequisite for the preparation of a thesis in the fourth semester of study.
The lecturers provide scientific and theoretical input, supplemented by practical project work and workshops. By sharing and collaborating with students from other disciplines and cultures, you will acquire the ability to move freely in interdisciplinary design and design teams.
Innovation is the common thread that runs throughout the course, influencing our thought processes, working methods and approaches to all subject matter. The course is not only about understanding technological and social innovations but also about thinking about them holistically and strategically with regard to the future.
The biggest strength of the programme is its practical relevance. All teachers are experts in their subject area and in addition to teaching, they are active in a wide variety of companies and agencies. They have a history of success in effectively applying what they have learned in project-oriented theoretical studies, to the development of new business fields in existing companies and institutions. Study visits to Berlin-based companies and institutions that implement branding, strategic design and social innovations in their business processes are also an integral part of the curriculum.
Thanks to our focus on practical relevance, you will graduate with valuable experience in the field, relevant contacts and a good network in the professional world of strategic design.