A GCQ360 counsellor can help you with eligibility, documents, and your application timeline.
English
Language of Instruction
Oct
Available Intake(s)
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 PDF Download | Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s) International guest lecturers | German language courses: No | English language courses: No
As of Sep 7, 2026, verify on the university’s site.
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! | Please find more details on this website.
Please check this website.
B2 required/recommended, no proof required
B2 required/recommended, no proof required
Tuition Fee
No tuition fee
This university charges no tuition fee. A compulsory semester contribution (administration, student services and usually a local transport pass) is normally still payable and is not included here.
Looking for living expenses, accommodation, scholarships, placements, or campus facilities? See the university page.
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).
Yes | 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 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
https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/study-further-education/student-counselling/student-financing
B2 required/recommended, no proof required
None
Yes
Through the double degree programme, students spend their second year at Taipei Tech's Interaction Design MA (topics: XR, UX, Service Design, Human-Centred AI). Optional study abroad is also possible via Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange partnerships coordinated by the FHP International Office. Information on international partner universities are available through the FHP International Office.
This university has not published its own document list, so this is what a student going to Germany is generally asked for. Confirm the exact list with the university.
Bucerius Law School
Funding
Merit- and need-based awards toward the EUR 25,000 tuition fee
Applicants to the Master of Law and Business (LLM/MLB) programme; early-bird and scholarship deadline is January 15 for the September intake
Master · Communication Design
Communication & Design for Sustainability (MA)
Neu-Ulm, GermanyQS 575Tuition
No tuition fee
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.
Buddy programme Tutors Accompanying programme Specialist counselling Cultural and linguistic preparation
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
Central and decentralised student advisory services, the International Office and the Central Institution for Start-Up Services and Management Qualifications support students on their way to a successful professional life by providing advice and continuing education. The International Office supports you in your plans with contacts, information and advice. We stand for cosmopolitanism and internationality. We establish partnerships, inform about exchange opportunities and plan events with space for encounters: think globally — act regionally! https://www.fh-potsdam.de/en/campus-services/international/international-students
National Merit Foundation
Funding
Full tuition waiver
For students admitted to an accredited university program, based on financial need and merit.
Il servizio di scambio accademico tedesco (DAAD)
Funding
EUR Research Stays, Scholarships, and Master's Programs
Students from pontifical universities.
MA Design is a Master program in Communication Design offered by University of Applied Sciences Potsdam in Potsdam, Germany.
Minimum qualification required: 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..
A minimum TOEFL score of 75.0 is required for this program.
No, this program does not require a GRE or GMAT score for admission.
Available intakes include: .
This specific program does not list a dedicated scholarship, but GCQ360 can help you explore other funding and scholarship options at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.
This program is offered in Full-time mode, taught in English at the Potsdam campus.
This program has no minimum work experience requirement. No thesis is required to graduate.
Yes -- a GCQ360 counsellor can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and the application process for MA Design at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
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