MA Design University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

What does it mean to design responsibly in a world defined by climate change, digital disruption and social inequality? Design (MA) at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam (FHP) — located 30 minutes from central Berlin — is a tuition-free, English- and German-taught Master's programme for graduates who want to go beyond execution and engage with design as a critical, research-driven practice.

At the heart of the programme is a strong studio culture built on co-creation, collaboration and individual exploration. The result is a flexible, modular and interdisciplinary environment that adapts to each student's interests and ambitions. Students choose from two distinct studio pathways, each with its own focus and language of instruction:

Experimental and research-driven studio: This is an exploratory studio that investigates design as a critical and material practice, engaging with cultural, social and aesthetic dimensions of form and communication (taught in German).

Speculative and technology-oriented studio: This is a studio focused on interaction design and digital futures. Students prototype radical new forms of digital experience, drawing on data visualisation, XR, AI, and media theory (taught in English).

Both studios are embedded in an active research environment. Students can collaborate with the Interaction Design Lab (IDL) and the Urban Complexity Lab (UCLAB) — internationally-recognised research groups with expertise in interaction design, data visualisation and human-computer interaction.

The programme is offered as a one-year fast-track (two semesters, German) or a two-year full programme (four semesters, German or English), with the option of a double degree with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in Taiwan.

Core Subject Areas

• Communication Design, Interface Design, Product Design
• Design Research & Design Theory
• Speculative Design & Design Fiction
• Strategic Design & Design Leadership
• Futures Literacy & Interdisciplinary Futures
• Data Visualisation & Interaction Design
• Design in Times of Polycrisis (ecology, society, technology)

The Master's degree programme was re-accredited in 2025, and it gives you access to the higher civil service in Germany.

Please find specific information on our website and in the module handbook.

Programme Structure

One-year track (two semesters | German): The fast-track Master's for graduates of eight-semester Bachelor's programmes (240 ECTS) has a focus on design research, design theory, and aesthetic-artistic practice. The core module includes Studio X. Elective courses include Teaching Experience, Design Leadership, and Interdisciplinary Futures. This track concludes with Master's thesis, colloquium, and public defence.

Two-year track (four semesters | German or English): This is an in-depth exploration of an annually-changing studio theme. Studio acts as thematic and creative core. Semesters one and two include studio module, design research, a reading group, Interdisciplinary Futures, and Design Leadership. Semester three includes teaching/learning concepts, individual in-depth project, and elective courses. Semester four consists of the Master's thesis and thesis seminar.

Double Degree track (four semesters | English): Year one takes place at FH Potsdam, and year two takes place at Taipei Tech (Taiwan). The Master's thesis is completed at Taipei Tech with supervisors from both universities. A scholarship for the second year abroad may be available.

Key Modules:

• Studio X: Two-semester interdisciplinary studio project exploring contemporary design, societal, and technological challenges through design research, speculative design, and artistic practice
• Reading Group: This includes seminal texts in design theory, AI, robotics, ecological transformation, and post-human-centred design. Critical reading and survey paper writing are cultivated.
• Interdisciplinary Futures: Speculative Design, Design Fiction, futures research methods (trend analysis, scenario building, Futures Literacy), technology ethics
• Design Leadership: Strategic design management, team leadership, innovation in start-ups/businesses/NGOs, intercultural competencies, entrepreneurship
• Teaching Experience: Students design and deliver teaching formats. This also includes didactic concepts, feedback integration, and group facilitation.
• Thesis Development I & II: From research question to the Master's thesis proposal, students are introduced to design research methods — qualitative, quantitative and interdisciplinary — alongside ethics, methodology, academic and creative writing, and presentation strategies. The two modules progressively build toward a fully developed research proposal for the Master's thesis.
• Master's Thesis: Practice-based or practice-led research; written project, colloquium, public presentation and academic defence

National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech), Taiwan (double degree)

1 April for the aptitude test

Application for a place at university after passing the aptitude test by 15 July

International students must have their university entrance qualifications (high school diploma and/or college degree abroad) recognised by uni-assist e.V. (Vorprüfungsdokumentation). This evaluation is a prerequisite for the application for a place at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Please consider deadlines for uni-assist well in advance!

Applicants must hold a first qualifying university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent, minimum 180 ECTS credit points) in a design degree programme or a design-oriented discipline (e.g. communication design, interface design, product design, fine arts, architecture, media informatics, information sciences, media studies, or comparable).

Graduates of eight-semester (240 ECTS) programmes may apply for the two-semester fast-track (German track). Graduates of six-semester (180 ECTS) programmes apply for the four-semester programme.

A passed artistic design entrance exam (aptitude test) is required in addition to the formal degree. The application deadline is the 1 April.

361.68 EUR per semester

The semester fee consists of the student union fee, student body fee, enrolment and re-enrolment fees and the "Deutschlandsemesterticket" (ticket for free public transportation).

https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/study-further-education/student-counselling/student-financing

For most students, working while studying is just as much a part of the programme as long queues in the canteen or exams at the end of the semester. In some subject areas, such as design, it is also common for students to put their talent and acquired skills to use with their first client assignments or project work. The advantages are obvious: initial professional experience is gained, a network/client base is built up and the rent can be paid. Are you looking for a job or an internship? Here you will find a large selection of current job vacancies: 
https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/university-career/career/job-and-internship-exchange-students-alumni.

For more than ten years, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam has been awarding the "Deutschlandstipendium" (German scholarship) as part of the national scholarship programme of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Together with our sponsors, we support particularly committed and motivated students and help them develop their talents and potential.

The International Office awards end-of-study scholarships (STIBET) to international students every year, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The contact point for FHP members seeking professional orientation or self-employment support is the 360° ZUKUNFT.

Start-up counselling provides assistance in structuring and implementing your own start-up project. Additionally, the flex modules of the FHP Entrepreneurship School offer training in management, business administration, or project development skills. The Work@Heart programme ensures that participants are prepared to start their careers. The study-related programme for career entry in Brandenburg offers students (including English-speaking students) guidance in choosing a career, provides targeted training in skills that will help them find their (dream) jobs and supports them in building solid networks.

https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/campus-services/entrepreneurship-school-start-service-career-entry

The cost of rent is one of the biggest items in financing your studies. There are various ways to limit the costs. The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam offers affordable housing on and off campus in cooperation with the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg.

https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/campus-services/campus-life/reside-potsdam

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam feels particularly committed to advancing social development through the interdisciplinary combination of its range of subjects in the research clusters "Digital Space – Data, Interaction, Knowledge", "Social Space – Education, Participation, Community" and "Built Space – Design, Construction, Preservation" in a perspective of study and teaching, research, transfer and continuing education both regionally and in an international orientation. The close relationships with partners from the region, as well as from Germany and abroad, enable practice-oriented studies at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam from the very first day. Innovative teaching and research formats give students the opportunity to work together with fellow students and teachers from different departments and study programmes. Under the guiding principle of "research-based learning", students can familiarise themselves with the methods of application-oriented research at an early stage. Experienced and dedicated faculty, staff, well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and event rooms, a modern library, and interactive communication and learning platforms provide excellent conditions for efficient, hands-on study. Students are also allowed to participate in the courses of all Brandenburg universities.

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam benefits from its location. Potsdam is one of Germany's most important science locations, a city of culture and nestled in a beautiful lake landscape. Additionally, the centre of Berlin can be reached in about 30 minutes.