Design and Interaction, MA Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Why choose Design and Interaction?

Whenever we want to communicate complex content, design interactive systems and scenarios or tell multi-layered digital stories, we need approaches far beyond established forms of communication and interaction. In addition, interfaces have become more and more present in everyday life. They enable us to communicate with each other, different objects and surroundings and their increasing importance calls for new scenarios and solutions that have to be developed and designed.

In the light of these challenges, our English-language Master’s degree programme focuses on technologically supported forms of interaction and future communication scenarios. With a clear emphasis on the interface and translation competence of design as well as the design of (user) interfaces, we will support you in becoming a responsible, conceptually strong and content-oriented designer.

Career prospects

Your future professional field will be subject to permanent change as the lines between scientific disciplines become increasingly blurred. Your working life will be strongly influenced by the changes brought about by new media, tools and scenarios, and you can look forward to developing completely new products, services and forms of interaction. Our degree programme aims to equip you for a career that matches these current and future labour market trends. We produce versatilely qualified, confident and successful graduates who are able to apply and establish their skills and knowledge in various kinds of work environments – in the role of self-employed or employee, in business or research, on the agency or client side.

The methodological, conceptual, design and technological skills you acquire, will give you a competitive edge when it comes to addressing tasks that involve profound knowledge across specialisms in the fields of technology, computer sciences and design.

This course is a three-semester follow-on Master’s degree programme. At the beginning, there is a series of intensive workshops which will help you to assess and reflect on your individual level in the context of the degree programme and explore the spectrum of study content.

In each of your first two semesters, you will be given the chance to carry out a project of your choosing. During these semesters, you will learn to precisely analyse the context and the specific requirements of your self-selected or given project tasks, to develop approaches, to communicate results in an understandable way and to realise them prototypically in terms of design and technology.

In additional modules, you will acquire the necessary design, methodological and technological skills. Furthermore, we will support and accompany you on your way to the Master's thesis from the second semester onwards. You will also benefit from modules of other academic fields and disciplines by choosing two elective courses that will help you gain the additional expert knowledge you might need to realise your projects, to pursue a specific interest or to work towards your professional goal.

Your first two semesters will also include the modules

• Advanced Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Culture and Ethics
• Creative Computing
• Workshop Thesis Development
• Elective courses

Your third semester will be devoted to your Master’s thesis, which will be another project you will develop yourself. It usually consists of a practical work with a focus on design and/or information technology and a written part. Scientific-theoretical theses will also be permitted.

None

Admission to the degree programme is subject to an application process.

The formal entry requirements for the Design and Interaction MA programme are:

• Proof of a completed, relevant undergraduate degree (BSc, BA or equivalent) consisting of at least 210 points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), or at least seven semesters of full-time study. The previous degree programme must be either a degree in a design field or a degree in information technology or a related field, provided that the curriculum included design elements. Applicants with less than 210 ECTS points or seven semesters of full-time study, but at least 180 points and six semesters of full-time study from an undergraduate programme must provide proof of additional academic training or may – on agreement – make up the missing credit points by passing suitable examinations in modules of other degree programmes during their Master's studies.
• If an undergraduate degree has not yet been issued, then a preliminary graduation certificate, a current transcript of records or similar official documents must be submitted instead.
• An IELTS or TOEFL language certificate which demonstrates English language proficiency equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Passing an aptitude test regarding artistic/creative capability

Please find more information on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/current-application-period/masters-programmes.

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 300 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 1,150 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/get-involved/companies/germany-scholarship.

Internship, student job, or first steps in a new career – Rhine-Waal’s Career Service is here to help with a broad range of useful services.

Correspondingly, we act as bridge builders between students and fresh graduates, the university, and companies or organisations from industry, science, social sectors, etc. Our overall goal is to "help others help themselves" by supporting capacity development in students and fresh graduates with respect to their individual career paths.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 290 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and around 6,200 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting-edge facilities, laboratories, workspaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.