International Programmes 2025/2026

Social Design and Sustainable Innovation (MA) Social Design and Sustainable Innovation (MA)

SRH University • Berlin

Degree
Master of Arts
Course location
Berlin
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The programme is taught in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

Intakes: April & 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.

Application deadline

Non-EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 1 February (April intake) or 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 April (April intake) or 1 October (October intake).

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
4,980 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees
  • 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.

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Master's degree programme in Social Design and Sustainable Innovation is about shaping the real and digital world with the aim of participating in eco-social change for the good. The cornerstones of the programme are social design, socially engaged art, sustainable fashion, digital innovation, critical theory and design practice. Within these key disciplines, students work on social innovations and interventions for a sustainable future. They choose between the following design specialisations: communication design, film, photography or web development.

Students use their individual academic background as well as knowledge and experience from other fields such as entrepreneurship and civic engagement, technology and crafts as resources for new ideas and debates on social and technological change.

In their projects with real-world partners, students design effective solutions and concrete visions for a better world. They work with practices like artistic research, cooperation, co-creation and other methods of qualitative research. The overriding goals are fairness, transparency and sustainability.

Course organisation

First semester

  • Social Design Science + Practices A
  • Design Research
  • Social Campaigning
  • Art, Society + Change
  • Marketing and Branding
  • Profession and Best Practice I

Second semester

  • Social Design Science + Practices B
  • Sustainable Innovation I
  • Sustainable Innovation II
  • Social Design Internship
  • Sociology and Branding
  • Profession and Best Practice II

Third semester

  • Design Thinking / Research
  • Design Thinking / Synthesis and Creation
  • Design Thinking / Realisation and Prototyping
  • Social Design Manifesto + Portfolio
  • Design Practices
  • Profession and Best Practice III

Fourth semester

  • Master's Thesis + Colloquium
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Projects 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
4,980 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees
  • 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.

Semester contribution

None

Costs of living

Approx. 950–1,000 EUR per month for personal expenses

Students may purchase a discounted semester ticket or a discounted "Deutschlandticket" for public transport.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university
  • SRH offers partial scholarships for talented international students.
  • EU students can also benefit from our range of "study now – pay later" financing options.
  • Please check our website for more information here.
Academic admission requirements
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Letter of motivation
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Secondary school certificate
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two to three creative works on the topic of "Why change?", in the form of film, text, photo, illustration or in another creative form of expression
Language requirements

The following English proficiency tests are accepted:

  • TOEFL Internet-based: 87
  • TOEIC listening/reading: 785, speaking: 160, writing: 150
  • IELTS/IELTS Online (academic): 6.5
  • CAE (grades A, B, or C)
  • CPE (grades A, B, or C)
  • Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
  • Linguaskill: 176 to 184 (CES) – all four skills required
  • B2 First: 173
  • Duolingo: 110 points
Application deadline

Non-EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 1 February (April intake) or 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 April (April intake) or 1 October (October intake).

Submit application to

Please use our online application system to submit your application.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Working as a non-EU citizen: In possession of a valid German residence permit for study purposes, you are allowed to work for up to 120 full days (full day = eight hours per day) or 240 half days (half day = four hours) during the calendar year. However, freelance work is not permitted. Internships that are mandatory for the successful completion of your studies at SRH do not count towards the above-named 120 full days.

Employment that is considered “student part-time work” ("studentische Nebentätigkeit", e.g. employment as a student worker at a university or in a university-related organisation or "Werkstudent" activities at companies that are related to your studies) can be done without any time restrictions.

Accommodation

We do not own any student dormitories or hostels. However, we provide assistance in selecting accommodation prior to and after your arrival in Berlin.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

Our Career Service supports students and alumni in planning their careers and sharpening their professional profile. Our service portfolio includes:

  • Consultation services for students
  • Career trainings and workshops
  • Annual "Career Day" with job fair and workshops
  • Support in finding a job or an internship for graduates and students
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Support with registration procedures

SRH University

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