For you, design is not just about aesthetics. It has the potential to change the world for the better. You have a BA degree in creative disciplines and want to help create the future. Welcome to our design strategy Master's programme.
- English
- summer and winter semester
Your course content
What you will learn
You develop your strategic thinking skills at the interface between innovation management, brand strategy and the management of creative processes. You will not only learn to understand social and technological innovation, but also to think about it holistically and shape it for the future.
To this end you will immerse yourself in methods and theories of corporate and brand management, design thinking, social design, transformation design, system thinking and critical thinking.
Your course content in detail
You learn user-centred research, focused synthesis and systematic idea development. You will deal with creativity techniques, business models, sustainability and intercultural communication.
Soft skills such as presentation skills and the development of your personal leadership style are specifically promoted through specially designed teaching units. The teaching of methods of scientific work creates the basis for writing a Master's thesis in the fourth semester of the programme.
Your career prospects
Our innovative approach that pays off
More than ever before, companies, institutions and startups alike are realising that brand management and shaping a strategic brand identity are key to gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. The demand for specialists in design and brand management, as well as, creative direction is accordingly high. Service design and experience design are also popular occupations for strategic designers and alumni of our programme.
Another professional field constantly growing in popularity for strategic designers is innovation management. Driving innovation in enterprises, institutions and startups is increasingly being led and moderated by strategically-trained designers, as they can connect creative and strategic processes. Strategic designers can be found in many strategy departments of large companies.
With an internationally recognised "Master of Arts" (M.A.) degree, your diploma and the Diploma Supplement meet the EU requirements from the Socrates/ECTS programme.
Get to know us online
Virtual Open House | Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden
13 February 2021, 10 am - 3 pm (CET) | Get to know our professors and our team from home and take part in lectures and workshops. Sign up now!
Event SRH Berlin Virtual Info Session - SPECIAL Design & Communication programmes
We're inviting you to get to know our university and our Design & Communication programmes! Our study advisor will tell you everything you need to know and guide you through the whole process.
EventEvent SRH Virtual Open House
by SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences. We have an exciting programme prepared for you. Get to know our president, professors, our team and take part in lectures and workshops. We are looking forward to seeing you.
Event
Admission requirements
Our requirements
The Master's degree is aimed at interested parties with a Bachelor's degree from design disciplines such as design, architecture, art, photography or film. They go through a two-stage selection process.
Checklist for your online application:
- officially certified copy of your university or (technical) college diploma
- Transcript of Records
- Proof of English language proficiency
- letter of motivation
- curriculum vitae
- portfolio with 15 to 20 own creative works
After we have reviewed your application documents and artistic submissions, if we you meet our requirements, we will invite you to our entrance examination in Berlin.
Admission requirements in detail
Here are the English requirements you should bring along:
- Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A) 59 points
- Duolingo 95 points
- TOEFL 87 ibt (direct recording)
- TOEFL 79 - 86 ibt (with additional agreement)
- TOEIC 785 (Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150)
- IELTS (academic) 6.5 average - deviations from this rule are governed by the current version of the Language Centre's guidelines
- CAE (grade A, B, or C)
- CPE (grade A, B or C)
- FCE (grade A, B or C)
Fees and Funding
Your tuition fees
As a state-recognised, private university, the SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences is financed by tuition fees. This revenue goes towards equipping our campus, providing services for our students, and quality assurance. In this way we ensure that you receive the best possible education under optimal study conditions.
Tuition fees
- citizenship | EU/EEA (incl. Switzerland, Western Balkans): €800 / month
- citizenship | Non-EU/EEA: €5400 / semester
The monthly/semester tuition fees remain the same for the entire duration of the study programme.
An additional enrolment fee of €500 (EU/EEA) / €900 (Non-EU/EEA) is to be paid once at the start of the programme.
Funding in detail
You can finance your studies through BAföG, student loans, education funds and scholarships. The possibilities vary according to nationality. You can find more information under "Financing Your Studies".
Our student advisory service will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Apply now
Application process and deadlines
Submit a portfolio with various (max. 20) works and convince us of your creative talent. You can upload the portfolio with your application, send it to us or bring it with you when we invite you for a personal interview.
In your letter of motivation you should also formulate what goals you want to achieve with the Master Strategic Design and how you would describe Strategic Design for yourself.
Next steps after submitting your application:
First of all we check your application documents. If the examination is successfull, we will invite you to a personal admission interview. Here we want to find out what goals you are pursuing with the MA degree in Strategic Design. In addition, we will ask you questions specific to your course of study to get an idea of your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. If you are unable to visit us in Berlin, we will be happy to make an appointment via Skype.
Application process in detail
Portfolio
The portfolio and your CV should provide an insight into your individual design and technical development. We deliberately avoid providing a specific theme. Please attach a written description explaining your work and methodology.
Any questions about what to put in the portfolio? Please arrange an individual portfolio consultation.
Study Plan M.A. Strategic Design Your curriculum
4 Semester
120 ECTS
1. Semester
First Semester
- Strategic Design Introduction 5
- Strategic Design Research 5
- Strategic Design Synthesis 5
- Content Management 5
- Theory I 5
- Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice I 5
2. Semester
Second Semester
- Strategic Design Creation 5
- Strategic Design Realisation 5
- Strategic Design Implementation 5
- Publication 5
- Theory II 5
- Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice II 5
3. Semester
Third Semester
- Purpose Driven Innovation | Intro and Research 5
- Purpose Driven Innovation | Synthesis and Creation 5
- Purpose Driven Innovation | Realisation 5
- Strategic Design Manifesto and Portfolio 5
- Theory III 5
- Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice III 5
4. Semester
Fourth Semester
- Master's Thesis 30