MA Design

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 build