Design Futures (MA) Folkwang University of the Arts

Working in product design increasingly means working at the intersection of design and other disciplines. Product design is moving into fields that differ significantly from the image of the designer of industrially manufactured goods, and designers sometimes deliberately distance themselves from this. A design degree programme must therefore prepare students for a job profile that can be highly heterogeneous. The "Design Futures" Master's programme approaches design as an inherently future-oriented activity. At the same time, the programme explores the future of design itself as a discipline that can be designed and challenged. The study programme is interdisciplinary and includes scientific discourse in the field of design, engagement with social developments, and the development of a design process that focuses on openness of results and the personal responsibility and approach of the designer. Design is understood as an attitude and as a tool that enables students to critically examine the complexities of our world and to intervene in them through design.

More information can be found here:
https://id.folkwang-uni.de/

and here:
https://www.folkwang-uni.de/en/home/design/courses-of-studies/design-futures-master-of-arts.

The curriculum of the two-year MA Design Futures programme is divided into six studios, which offer a pluralistic approach to design cultures, methods, and theories. They support students in developing their own design identities. The course offers seminars, workshops and project units that promote students' independent development and enable their entry into a variety of design professions. It is also possible to join specific seminars in the Communication Design and Photography degree programmes. Through the "Space for Sustainability by Design" (SBYD), which was established in the design department in 2023, one of the focal points of teaching and research are sustainable, resource-light and circular design practices. The university was awarded the title of "Innovative University" for the "Space for Sustainability by Design" by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Joint Science Conference, which also generously fund its activities.

• A professional qualification first university degree that pertains to this Master's programme, in a field of study such as industrial design or in a design related subject of engineering, social sciences, and humanities; official database on the equivalence of international educational achievements: https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html
• Evidence of programme specific aptitude by passing the aptitude test at the Folkwang University of the Arts

Approximately 320 EUR per semester

The "Deutschlandticket" for public transport throughout Germany is included in the semester fee.

The cost of living for your stay largely depends on your personal needs. When planning your stay, you should calculate monthly costs of approx. 1,000 EUR.

Many students partially fund their studies by taking on a part-time job in or outside the university. Balancing work and studies offers students numerous advantages – they can earn extra income, gain valuable professional experience, and potentially take their first step toward building a career.

DAAD scholarships (STIBET I) for international students can be applied for while studying at the university.