Strategic Design Master's Programme

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Strategic Design at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences equips students with strategic thinking, innovation management, and design skills. Through hands-on projects and industry collaborations, students develop user-centered research, idea development, and business model development abilities. The program emphasizes sustainability, intercultural communication, and prepares graduates for careers in innovation, design, and marketing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

in Strategic Design

• 4 Semesters
• Full time
• 120 ECTS
• €790/Month
• English language of instruction

Objectives:

• To develop strategic thinking skills and knowledge of innovation management, brand strategy, and creative processes.
• To gain a holistic understanding of social and technological innovation.
• To learn and apply methods and theories of corporate and brand management, design thinking, social design, transformation design, systems thinking, and critical thinking.
• To develop user-centered research, synthesis, and idea development skills.
• To enhance creativity, business model development, sustainability, and intercultural communication skills.

Program Description:

The Strategic Design Master's program at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences provides students with a comprehensive understanding of strategic design and its applications in various industries. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, with students working on real-world projects and case studies throughout their studies.

Outline:

Course Modules:

Semester 1

• Strategic Design Introduction
• Strategic Design Mindset, Methodology, and Tools
• Innovation Strategies
• Design Thinking
• Project Management and Agile/Lean Principles
• Strategic Design Research
• Human Centered/Qualitative Research
• Participatory Design Strategies and Ethnography
• Systems Thinking
• Data Driven/Quantitative Research
• Strategic Design Synthesis
• Analysis and Synthesis Frameworks
• Data Analytics
• Strategic Information Design and Graphic Recording
• Content Management
• Documentation and Writing Skills
• Methodology Toolbox
• Individual Mentoring and Peer Evaluation
• Theory I
• Brand and Personality I
• Sustainability I
• Trends and Future Technologies
• Media Ethics I
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice I
• Intercultural Communication
• Alumni and Expert Talks
• Guided Excursions to Strategic Design-Related Exhibition/Events

Semester 2

• Strategic Design Creation
• Creation Tools and Methods
• Brand Identity
• Critical and Speculative Design
• Future Studies
• Strategic Design Realisation
• Analogue and Digital Design Development Tools
• Digital Prototyping
• Design Prototyping
• Design Testing
• Strategic Design Implementation
• Change Management
• Transformation Design
• Implementation Strategies
• Storytelling and Presentation Skills
• Publication
• Publication Skills
• Individual Mentoring and Peer Evaluation
• Theory II
• Sociology
• Media Ethics II
• Brand and Personality II
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice II
• Creative Industries and Innovation Organizations: Guided Visits/Exhibition/ Events/Excursions
• Business Modelling
• Entrepreneurship/Start-Up Thinking

Semester 3

• Purpose Driven Innovation: Intro and Research
• Service Design
• Experience Design
• Game Design Strategy
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research II
• Purpose Driven Innovation: Synthesis and Creation
• Analysis and Synthesis Frameworks II
• Data Analytics II
• Systems Thinking II
• Strategic Information Design II
• Creation Tools and Methods II
• Purpose Driven Innovation: Realisation
• Design Prototyping and Testing II
• Business Modelling II
• Storytelling and Presentation Skills II
• Strategic Design Manifesto and Portfolio
• Strategic Design Manifesto
• Portfolio
• Exhibition Design
• Individual Mentoring
• Theory III
• Scientific Writing and Context
• Sustainability II
• Subject Exploration for Master's Thesis
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice III
• Creative Leadership and Conflict Management
• Student Led Integrated Workshops and Moderation
• Alumni and Expert Talks

Semester 4

• Master's Thesis
• Master's Thesis
• Master's Colloquium and Individual Coaching

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments (e.g., essays, reports, case studies)
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Portfolio development
• Oral examinations
• Master's thesis

Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity and rigor of analysis
• Creativity and innovation
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Project-based learning
• Guest lectures
• Industry visits

Faculty:

• Prof. Katrin Androschin (Study Programme Director)
• Prof. Julia Leihener (Study Programme Director)
• Prof. Marcus Fischer
• Prof. Dr. Holger Zumholz
• Prof. Dr. Jens Junge
• Prof. Gabor Kovacs
• Prof. Dr. Benjamin Schwenn
• Killian Poolmans
• Lilith Boettcher
• Virginie Gailling
• Kristina Jahn
• Katrina Günther
• Fabian Gampp
• Edda Dietrich
• Britta Posner
• Bernd Riedel
• Andrea Bauer
• Prof. Jasper Halfmann
• Joost Alleblas

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on real-world projects and case studies
• Collaboration with industry partners
• Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
• Interdisciplinary approach
• International faculty and student body

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Innovation Consultant
• Design Strategist
• Brand Manager
• Creative Director
• Service Designer
• Experience Designer
• Game Designer
• Entrepreneur

Opportunities:

• Employment in a wide range of industries, including technology, design, consulting, and marketing
• Opportunities for leadership and management positions
• Potential for high earning potential

Outcomes:

• Graduates of the Strategic Design Master's program are highly sought-after by employers for their strategic thinking, design skills, and business acumen.
• Alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including innovation, design, and marketing.

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 feescitizenship | EU/EEA (incl. Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine): EUR 790 / monthcitizenship | Non-EU/EEA: EUR 5700 / semesterThe monthly/semester tuition fees remain the same for the entire duration of the study programme. An additional enrolment fee of EUR 750 (EU/EEA) / EUR 1000 (non-EU/EEA) is to be paid once. More information about our fees.