Communication & Design for Sustainability (MA) Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- Deadlines vary
- Language level required
- English: B2German: A1
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Communication & Design for Sustainability (MA)
Are you passionate about communication, design and sustainability and wondering what to do after your Bachelor's degree? How about the Master's programme "Communication & Design for Sustainability" at HNU? Merlin is currently in his second semester and tells you what this degree programme is all about, what the coolest project has been so far and who he would recommend the Master's programme to.
Play videoProgramme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
English
Programme description
The challenges regarding a sustainable transformation make an inter- and transdisciplinary approach of economics, design science, communication and social sciences reasonable and necessary: These include:
- design thinking
- storytelling
- stakeholder management
- moderation of transformation processes
- research through design
- lifestyle research
Design is understood as a methodology for transforming social and economic conditions technically, socially and creatively.
The programme combines theory with design and communication practice; most modules are linked to projects, laboratories and case studies.
Programme structure
In the first semester, the degree programme includes fundamentals of sustainable economic models, applied social research (target groups, lifestyles), sustainability communication, design science and media production (30 ECTS).
The second semester is focused on analysis and conceptualisation: qualitative and quantitative research in design and communication are complemented by best practices and case studies of sustainable and transformative projects worldwide. Students also design their research projects for the third semester (30 ECTS).
In the third semester, students develop the strategic measures for a design project and a communication project. The Master's thesis and seminar conclude the programme (30 ECTS).
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- International guest lecturers
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
2 May 2026
|
31 August 2026
| |
Non-EU countries
|
2 May 2027
|
15 July 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
- Completed university studies with at least 210 ECTS (those with fewer ECTS, please see University degree does not reach 210 ECTS)
- Grade 2.5 or better
- English language skills: level B2
- For international applicants: German A1 (The language certificate must be submitted by the end of the first semester.)
- Proof of examination achievements in the Bachelor's degree in the fields of corporate communication, corporate social responsibility, communication science, product or communication design or related subjects totalling 30 ECTS.
- Optional: voluntary entrance test to improve final grade
- The programme has unrestricted admission.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
The administration fees for enrolment are around 100 EUR per semester. You will be informed of the exact amount with your letter of acceptance.
Cost of living
Taking all aspects of daily life into account, students have to expect expenses of approximately 1,000 EUR per month.
Part-time employment
There are some job opportunities within the university (e.g. as a tutor for undergraduates). Moreover, student trainee positions ("Werkstudent") offer you very good opportunities to gain professional experience. Numerous job offers in the region (Ulm, Stuttgart, Munich) are available in English.
Scholarships and financing information
Graduation scholarship "STIBET" (scholarship for Bachelor's and Master's students in need, only in the last semester while writing the Master's thesis), DAAD Prize (award for one outstanding international student per year)
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
Contact for application, admission, enrolment:
application@hnu.de
General study counselling, e.g. for study orientation, study planning:
studienberatung@hnu.de
Contact after enrolment (tips for housing, social life, funding and formalities in Germany):
incoming@hnu.de
The International Office of HNU is there for international students' questions and problems. You can find detailed information here.
Check out our video.
About us
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
The Hochschule Neu- Ulm (HNU) is an international business school for innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
We educate
- internationally experienced,
- solution-oriented thinking,
- responsibly acting
shapers of the future.
Intensive cooperation with companies in a dynamic economic region and the competence of the professors stand for high quality in applied research, practice-oriented teaching and innovative transfer.
University facts
- 4,200Number of students
Location
Neu-Ulm is a young, modern city with more than 60,000 inhabitants. Lively urban hustle and bustle and rural idyll are close together.
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