Study course

Industrial Design

Master's course in the Design Faculty

Disciplines

Today, industrial designers work in a wide range of fields: from the development of real products to the design of processes, interactions and programmes. This can manifest itself in the conceptualisation of action and communication strategies or services as well as in the design of physical or digital products. Design as a ‘method of intervention’ and ‘tool for innovation’ takes into account the latest technological developments in the research and teaching of a university Master's degree programme as well as the findings of the science of humans in their natural and social environment.

The project-oriented Master's course trains students in the methodical planning and implementation of transdisciplinary design processes as well as in the teamwork and communication skills required for this. The choice of various project options - also across degree programmes - offers the opportunity to deepen individual positions. The objective of the programme, demonstrated in the Master's thesis, is a high and original concept and design competence; the ability to develop integrated and holistic design strategies - in critical reflexion with social and cultural, with scientific and technological, with economic and ecological conditions and options of the respective task. The Master's course in Industrial Design thus prepares graduates for a wide range of fields of activity and creates optimal conditions for freelance design and consulting work as well as for taking on responsible tasks in companies and institutions. Cooperation with other universities, research institutions and partners from culture and business complement the study programme.

Master’s students can select their semester projects from a range of options offered in the course. They work here with students from the final semesters in the bachelor’s programme on problems in the same areas; the master’s students, however, have tasks with a different focus. Master’s students may also suggest their own project topics in consultation with their professors.

A wide spectrum of areas of practice are open to industrial designers today: from the development of real products to the design of processes, interactions and programmes. This activity could be in the conceptual design of plans of action, communications strategies or services, or in the design of physical or digital products. The aim of the course – as demonstrated by the master’s thesis – is the attainment of a high degree of skill and originality in conception and design along with the ability to develop holistic, integrated design strategies, combined with critical reflection on the societal, cultural, scientific, technological, economic and ecological conditions and choices that apply to the design task in question.

Teaching content

In research and teaching as part of a university master’s course, design as a “method of interventon” and a “tool for innovation” takes into account the latest technological developments as well as scientific knowledge about humans in their natural and social surroundings. The project-oriented master’s course trains students in the methodical planning and implementation of cross-disciplinary design processes and in the team and communications skills required here. The ability to select from among various projects – including cross-course projects – offers students an opportunity for detailed development of individual standpoints. Cooperations with other universities, research bodies and partners from industry and the arts round off this course of study.

Standard duration of course

The duration of the master’s course is dependent on its type and contents and also on the duration of the preceding completed course or the ECTS points achieved in the preceding course; the duration is generally between two and four semesters.

Course of study

In the final semester, students work on a master’s thesis on an individual design topic. The preceding semesters focus on project studies, which can be supplemented by diverse course elements from module areas in design studies or related subjects.  

Prerequisites

The master’s courses are aimed at graduates with a bachelor’s or a ‘Diplom’ degree with an artistic/design emphasis. However, interested graduates of other disciplines who have relevant qualifications may also be admitted to a master’s course after taking the course-specific entrance test.

Occupational field

The Industrial Design master’s course prepares graduates for a variety of areas of activity and provides ideal prerequisites for starting a freelance design and consultancy career or for carrying out important tasks with significant levels of responsibility in companies or other institutions.

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

university and examination regulations

Study-relevant legal bases

Prerequisites

General qualification for university entrance, and artistic suitability. No specialist prior technical and craft skills are required. Exceptions: The general qualification for university entrance can be waived in cases of exceptional talent combined with professional experience.

Study Information Day

The university holds a Study Information Day in January every year for applicants. General information on the university is provided, and the various disciplines showcase themselves. You will be able to talk to students and to assistants. The precise date is announced on our website by mid-December at the latest.

Annual exhibition

The traditional summer festival, which includes the annual exhibition, is held every year in July at Burg Giebichenstein. The university opens up its studios, seminar facilities and workshops to all who are curious about the fresh ideas, objects and pieces of art that have been created in the various art and design disciplines at the state of Saxony-Anhalt's art university. You are cordially invited to come along!