Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Creative Direction is a 3-4 semester program that equips students with the skills to combine design skills with management tasks, lead design projects, and pursue academic careers in design research. Emphasizing a human-centered design approach, the program prepares graduates for management positions in the creative industry and further academic careers. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in the creative industries or for pursuing doctoral studies and can work in various graphic design and creative production roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Creative Direction is a 3-semester (or 4, depending on prior studies) program designed to equip students with the skills to combine design skills with management tasks, lead design projects, and pursue academic careers in design research. The program addresses the evolving creative industry, characterized by skilled worker shortages, agile teams, and digitalization. It combines design, research, marketing, human resources, and leadership. Graduates are prepared for management positions in the creative industry and further academic careers (PhD programs). The program emphasizes a human-centered design approach, linking design with research, business, and societal developments. Students gain both subject-specific and broadly diversified competencies. The degree is state and internationally recognized. The program aims to enable graduates to develop and implement innovative design approaches based on current research, lead teams, make personnel decisions, and manage complex projects. The university provides state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including printing workshops, film and photography studios, a VR lab, and a biofeedback lab. A startup consulting team supports students with business ideas. The curriculum is informed by discussions with partner companies and agencies to ensure relevance to the job market. Students can integrate their own project ideas into their studies.
Outline:
The program focuses on three areas: visual communication, personnel and project management, and applied research. Visual communication instruction includes human-centered design, design thinking, and methods of functional and aesthetic analysis. Students develop skills in applied design research, marketing, and management, including advanced knowledge in human resources, leadership, and strategy within an agency context. The program is completed in 3 or 4 semesters (depending on prior Bachelor's degree credit hours; 210 credits allows for 3 semesters, 180 credits requires 4). It involves 90 (or 120) credit points, with one credit point equating to 30 hours of workload. The program consists of modules involving lectures (with preparation and follow-up), self-study, and exams.
Teaching:
The program integrates technical and methodological skills with real-world applications. Students apply theoretical knowledge practically in their projects. Numerous industry collaborations provide access to the latest technologies and networking opportunities through events, guest lectures, and internships. The faculty includes Prof. Dipl.-Des. Stefan Theiss, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Schmiedgen, Dipl.-Des., Mag. phil. Manja Unger-Büttner, Dipl.-Des. Clemens Haufe, Dipl.-Des. Sven Deutloff, Mag. jur. Bernhard Kelz, and Vera Schneevoigt.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in the creative industries or for pursuing doctoral studies. They can work in various graphic design and creative production roles, including management, project and process management, mediation, and consulting. They may find employment in nationally or internationally operating companies, offices, or agencies. The program also prepares graduates for entrepreneurial self-employment, enabling them to promote, found, and manage their own projects and ideas.
Other:
The program views design as a human-centered process. The university is a private institution and charges tuition fees, offering various financing options.
Entry Requirements:
For admission to the Master's program, you need a first university degree with professional qualification or a degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education. Bachelor's or diploma degrees in design programs such as graphic, communication, industrial, spatial, interface, UX and screen design or related programs are considered relevant for the Master's program in Creative Direction (M.A.). Admission to the degree program also requires passing an aptitude test.