Visual & Experience Design

Program Overview

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MA Visual & Experience Design

Thinking made visual.

Design digital products

The design profession is in constant flux. Design must not only be equally contemporary and traditional but also encompass the world of new digital media. More and more companies are relying on visual and experience design in the development and marketing of their products, brands and services, actively involving their customers in the digital transformation. The product becomes visually and tangibly present. Various senses are engaged, but the most important remains the visual allure, crucial in communication. Therefore, the master’s in visual and experience design combines technological know-how with creative design, making it essential for launching your career in the field.

Curriculum | Visual & Experience Design

Conceptualise, design and implement advanced interactive interfaces and digital products.
Choose to study visual design over two, three or four semesters at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. The visual and experience design curriculum gives students the flexibility to study around prior personal and professional commitments by providing three options. Explore modules such as Culture in Technology and Graphic Practice & Narratives when you choose to study visual design at UE.

Key facts MA Visual & Experience Design

Admission Requirements

• Completed admission form
• Transcript & language proficiency
• CV & Copy of passport
• Motivational letter
• A portfolio is required

Semesters & Credits

• 2, 3 or 4 semesters
• 60, 90 or 120 ECTS (Credits)
• Choose between the Standard Track (120 ECTS) and the Fast Track (60 or 90 ECTS) study options based on your previous education. Dubai options – 90 & 120 ECTS
• Teaching language: English
• Classes are typically scheduled between Wednesdays & Saturdays

Fees

• EU applicants standard: From € 854monthly
• Non-EU applicants standard: From € 12,000 yearly
• Dubai applicants:
  • AED 77,060 (1.5 Years)
  • AED 100,800 (2 Years)

Study Visual & Experience Design and build a career.

In our Master’s programme in Visual & Experience Design, students gain an understanding of innovations in the realm of digital, computer-assisted, and physical interactions that permeate our daily lives. All topics are taught in consecutive clusters, enabling students to grasp theories, apply them to real contexts , and devise entirely new scenarios. This course focuses on fostering critical awareness of the balance between creative, commercial, and business considerations to develop visual narratives using a variety of tools and graphic elements.

The international design industry is in search of talents adept at delivering functional and appealing user interfaces (UI) as well as crafting sustainable user experiences (UX). The fusion of skills in advanced visual design along with methods applied in a user-centered design scenario forms the core of the programme at UE.

Potential areas of employment may include: Visual & Experience Designer, Brand Designer, Service Designer, Experience Designer, Product Design Developer, Design Strategist, Creative Director, and Entrepreneur.

What to expect from the Master in Visual & Experience Design

Visual & Experience Design is a master programme welcoming the applicants majoring in visual and graphic design, product design, interaction design, communication and marketing, media and web design, new media or coding-­ or software engineering-related subjects.

Students will gain deep knowledge of the social repercussions of data technologies, including analytics and AI. They will also learn to design across a spectrum of digital prototyping platforms such as Sketch, Figma, InVision, etc. Additionally, they will advance in UI/UX design coupled with object-oriented interactive prototyping. Moreover, students will develop advanced data visualization design skills and more.

At UE you’ll have the unique opportunity to bring your design skills to a vibrant multicultural and interdisciplinary environment. You will engage in courses revolving around visual design, illustration, digital image creation, photography, contemporary typography, the creation of communication artefacts, the building of interactive prototypes, brand identity design, innovation design management and design research.

Study in the Innovation Hub in Potsdam near Berlin or in a sunny Dubai

The Visual & Experience Design MA programme is available at both the Innovation Hub in Potsdam and in Dubai. In Potsdam, you benefit from a calm and inspiring environment, perfect for focused work on projects, while also being close to Berlin’s design and tech scene. In Dubai, you immerse yourself in a fast-growing global hub of innovation and design. Dubai offers a diverse, multicultural backdrop for exploring design and user experiences on a global scale. Both locations provide state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning, allowing you to gain practical experience.

Industry Collaborations: Building Bridges to Success

Students benefit from the university’s collaborations with a range of leading companies and cultural institutions.

Inspiring Creativity: Student Projects Showcase

See all students projects

Learn from our Experts

Here you will find further valuable information about our professors and their career.

Prof. Dr. Peter Crnokrak

Dr. Peter Crnokrak is the professor for Visual and Experience Design at UE Innovation Hub. Contact us to know more!

Prof. Dahlia Mahmoud

Meet Prof. Dahlia Mahmoud, Professor of Visual and Experience Design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai.

FAQs

What is MA Visual and Experience Design?

A master’s in visual and experience design is a postgraduate degree that combines user experience and graphic design to provide students with the skills and knowledge to create effective visual content across multimedia platforms. The course welcomes applicants majoring in visual and graphic design, product design, interaction design, communication and marketing, media and web design, new media or coding or software engineering-related subjects.

What career opportunities are available after completing an MA in visual & experience design?

Students who choose to study visual design can pursue a wide range of career opportunities due to their in-demand skills. Job roles that students can access after the master’s in visual design include UX and UI Designer, Design Researcher and Graphic Designer as well as many more.

Is it worth to get a master’s in visual design?

If you are looking to access job roles in the design industry, studying a master’s in visual and experience design will provide you with the skills and experience to further your career and stand out from the crowded job market.

On which campus can I study a master’s degree in visual design?

When you choose to study a master’s degree in visual design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, you get the chance to study either at the university’s Innovation Hub in Potsdam, near Berlin or take your studies abroad at our Dubai campus. Both options are very attractive and offer you the chance to take your career to the next level.

What skills will I gain from a master’s in visual design degree programme?

While engaging in courses revolving around visual design, illustration, digital image creation, photography, contemporary typography, brand identity design, innovation design management, design research and more you will gain a wide range of transferrable skills across the design industry including research and analytical skills, software proficiency and visual communication.

Program Outline

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MA Visual & Experience Design

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Degree Overview:

• Focus: This program prepares graduates for careers in visual & experience design, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
• Objectives: The program aims to:
• Empower students to conceptualize, design, and implement advanced interactive interfaces and digital products.
• Foster critical awareness of the balance between creative, commercial, and business considerations.
• Develop students' visual storytelling skills using a variety of tools and graphic elements.
• Equip students with expertise in advanced visual design and user-centered design methodologies.
• Description: This Master's program blends technological know-how with creative design, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of visual & experience design principles and practices.
Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students acquire the skills to:
• Analyze and respond to evolving design trends and user needs.
• Create user-centered interfaces and experiences that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Collaborate effectively within design teams and across other disciplines.

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Outline:

• Content: The program curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
• User Experience Design (UXD)
• User Interface Design (UI)
• Interaction Design
• Visual Design
• Prototyping
• Design Thinking
• Design Strategy
• Business Acumen
• Structure: The program offers two study options:
• Standard Track (120 ECTS):
This full-time program consists of four semesters.
• Fast Track (60 or 90 ECTS): This accelerated program allows students to complete the program in two or three semesters, respectively.
• Course Schedule: The program follows a semester-based schedule, with courses typically offered in the following formats:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Practical projects
• Module 1: Foundations of Visual & Experience Design:
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methodologies of visual & experience design.
• Module 2: Design Thinking & User Research: This module focuses on developing students' skills in user research, analysis, and design thinking methodologies.
• Module 3: Interaction Design & Prototyping: This module delves into the principles of interaction design and equips students with the skills to create effective prototypes.
• Module 4: Advanced Visual Design & Branding: This module explores advanced visual design concepts and principles, focusing on branding and visual identity development.

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolio reviews
• Examinations
• Practical projects
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment method, but generally focus on the following:
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Creativity and innovation
• Technical proficiency
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Understanding of user needs and design principles

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions
• Hands-on workshops
• Project-based learning
• Individualized feedback
• Faculty: The program's faculty comprises experienced professionals and academic researchers with expertise in various aspects of visual & experience design.
• A focus on real-world case studies and industry projects.
• Collaboration with leading design agencies and companies.
• A strong emphasis on student-centered learning and individualized support.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Visual & Experience Designer
• Brand Designer
• Service Designer
• Experience Designer
• Product Design Developer
• Design Strategist
• Creative Director
• Entrepreneur
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can find employment opportunities in industries such as:
• Design agencies
• Tech companies
• Marketing and advertising firms
• Consultancies
• Start-ups
• In-house design teams
• Career Outcomes: The program has a strong track record of graduate success, with alumni working for renowned companies such as Google, Apple, Adobe, and BMW.

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Other:

• Industry Collaborations: The program boasts strong industry collaborations with leading companies and cultural institutions, providing students with valuable internship and real-world project opportunities.
• Student Projects Showcase: The program features a dedicated online platform showcasing student projects, demonstrating the program's innovative and creative approach to design education.
• Faculty Expertise: The program's faculty members are actively involved in research and industry collaborations, ensuring that students benefit from the latest advancements and trends in the field.

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EU applicants standard: € 820 monthly Non-EU applicants standard: € 10,938 yearly