Strategic Design, Master of Arts

On-campus program @ SRH University 

👉 The Master's programme in Strategic Design introduces you to the world of innovative design. Aligned at the intersection of management and creation, you will learn new methods of brand development and business management through design thinking and transformation management. Graduates benefit from the combination of theoretical knowledge and practice-oriented modules that are prepared for international standards and strategic challenges.

At a Glance

🏫 University SRH University, UAS based in Heidelberg
The SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg, founded in 1969, is one of the largest private universities in Germany. It offers around 40 degree programs across six faculties and follows an innovative teaching model: the CORE principle (Competence-Oriented Research and Education). The university focuses on practical, interdisciplinary learning and personalized student support. Admission is based on individual selection rather than a numerus clausus (NC). With 18 locations across Germany and a strong international network, the university provides flexible study options and opportunities for global experiences. It is part of the SRH education group, which serves over 20,000 students from more than 140 countries.
🎓 Field of Study Communication Sciences
📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction English
📖 Course contents Strategic Design Mindset, Methodology and Tools, Innovation Strategies, Design Thinking, Project Management and Agile/Lean Principles, Human Centered/Qualitative Research, Participatory Design Strategies and Ethnography, Systems Thinking, Data Driven/Quantitative Research, Analysis and Synthesis Frameworks, Data Analytics, Strategic Information Design and Graphic Recording, Documentation and Writing Skills, Methodology Toolbox, Individual Mentoring and Peer Evaluation, Brand and Personality I, Sustainability I, Trends and Future Technologies, Media Ethics I, Intercultural Communication, Alumni and Expert Talks, Guided Excursions to Strategic Design-Related Exhibition/Events, Creation Tools and Methods, Brand Identity, Critical and Speculative Design, Future Studies, Analogue and Digital Design Development Tools, Digital Prototyping, Design Prototyping, Design Testing, Change Management, Transformation Design, Implementation Strategies, Storytelling and Presentation Skills, Publication Skills, Individual Mentoring and Peer Evaluation, Sociology, Media Ethics II, Brand and Personality II, Creative Industries and Innovation Organizations: Guided Visits/Exhibition/ Events/Excursions, Business Modelling, Entrepreneurship/Start-Up Thinking, Service Design, Experience Design, Game Design Strategy, Qualitative and Quantitative Research II, Analysis and Synthesis Frameworks II, Data Analytics II, Systems Thinking II, Strategic Information Design II, Creation Tools and Methods II, Design Prototyping and Testing II, Business Modelling II, Storytelling and Presentation Skills II, Strategic Design Manifesto, Portfolio, Exhibition Design, Individual Mentoring, Scientific Writing and Context, Sustainability II, Subject Exploration for Master’s Thesis, Creative Leadership and Conflict Management, Student Led Integrated Workshops and Moderation, Alumni and Expert Talks, Master’s Thesis, Master’s Colloquium and Individual Coaching
📍 Location Berlin
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 790 € monthly
from 18960 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.srh-berlin.de

Admission requirements

You must have a university or college degree in design disciplines such as design, architecture, art, photography, or film. Please submit your diploma and your transcript of records. If you do not have your diploma yet, you can also submit it before the start of your studies.

English proficiency certificate High school or college entrance qualification certificate Curriculum vitae Letter of motivation Portfolio with 15 to 20 of your own design works

After a positive evaluation of your application, we will invite you to a personal admission interview to discuss your goals with the degree and your theoretical and practical knowledge. If you are unable to be in Berlin, the university also offers a Skype appointment.

Details

The Master's programme Strategic Design is aimed at graduates of design disciplines who want to sharpen the interface between innovation, brand, and leadership. This full-time programme, offered in English, spans four semesters and concludes with the internationally recognised Master of Arts degree. It combines theoretical foundations with practical applications and equips students with competencies in societal and technological innovation, brand management, and creative processes.

Throughout the course, students acquire strategic thinking skills and learn innovative design practices such as Design Thinking and Transformation Design. They develop skills in user-centred research, systematic idea generation, and intercultural communication. The intensive engagement with business models and sustainability, as well as the enhancement of presentation skills, complete the curriculum.

1st Semester: Introduction to Strategic Design, Human-Centred Research, Analysis and Synthesis Frameworks, Brand and Personality I. 2nd Semester: Creative Tools, Change Management, Sociology, Media Ethics II. 3rd Semester: Service Design, Experience Design, History and Future of Design, Business Modelling II. 4th Semester: Master Thesis and Master Colloquium.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in design management, innovation consulting, and creative direction. They are capable of leading strategic design projects and uniting creative and strategic approaches.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Strategic Design? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution SRH University or the editorial team will answer you.

Your question?
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.