Who is the Master’s Degree in Visual & Experience Design Suitable For?
The Master’s programme Visual & Experience Design is aimed at graduates with specialisations such as visual design, graphic design, product design, interaction design, communication design, media and web design or related disciplines. It also targets applicants with prior knowledge in marketing, new media, coding or software engineering who wish to further develop their technical and creative skills. The programme is particularly suitable if you want to work internationally in the field of UI/UX design, digital product development or brand experience or specialise in the technology and creative industries.
What Formal Admission Requirements Apply?
For admission, you need:
- A first professional university degree (Bachelor or equivalent), ideally in design, communication, computer science or a related field
- Proof of sufficient English language skills (e.g. IELTS 5.5 or a comparable language test), as the language of instruction is English
- A motivation letter
- A portfolio with work samples documenting your design or technical prior experience
- A complete online application, CV and copy of your passport
In addition to the formal qualification, you should have the following personal prerequisites:
- Creative thinking and strong visual design skills
- Interest in digital media, technological trends and innovations in design
- Analytical thinking skills to understand complex requirements in user-centred design
- Initiative as well as the willingness to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Openness to international perspectives and communication skills in a multicultural environment
- Experience with common design and prototyping tools (e.g. Sketch, Figma, InVision) is an advantage
What topics await you in the Master’s Visual & Experience Design?
In the master's programme Visual & Experience Design, you develop comprehensive skills in the conception, design and implementation of advanced digital products and interactive interfaces. You engage intensively with visual design and User Experience (UX) and learn how strong user experiences and aesthetic user interfaces (UI) are created. The curriculum combines design, technology and management skills and provides you with the following core competences:
- Visual and interactive design: development and implementation of creative concepts for contemporary digital media, brand identities and multimedia products
- UX/UI design and prototyping: application of user research methods, usability, data-driven design, digital prototypes (including Sketch, Figma, InVision)
- Data visualisation & analytics: visualisation and interpretation of complex data as well as insights into analytics, artificial intelligence and their impact on design practice
- Communication design & typography: creation of visual narratives with contemporary typography, illustration and imagery
- Digitalisation & new media: knowledge of current technologies, their effect on design processes and digital transformation
- Innovation management & design research: development of innovative business models and research-based design projects with a focus on creativity and economic viability
Furthermore, you critically reflect on social, commercial and technological developments and can apply the interplay of creativity and user centrism to new scenarios.
How does the Visual & Experience Design M.A. programme work in practice?
The master’s degree programme in Visual & Experience Design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences is organised as a modular face-to-face course. Upon entry, you choose between the Standard Track (4 semesters, 120 ECTS) or Fast-Tracks (2 or 3 semesters, with 60 or 90 ECTS respectively, depending on prior qualifications). The programme typically lasts 4 semesters and imparts all the necessary specialised knowledge step by step.
- The language of instruction is English.
- The programme starts in the winter or summer semester.
- Courses usually take place between Wednesday and Saturday.
- The study is practice-oriented: projects with companies, excursions, interdisciplinary teamwork and individual support are part of the concept.
- Innovative laboratory environments (iMacs, VR labs, photo studios) as well as an international network support the project work.
A particular feature is the integration of theory and direct application: throughout the programme, you work on real design projects and benefit from networking events, company partnerships and regular guest lectures from design practice.
What career prospects does the Master Visual & Experience Design open up?
With a Master of Arts in Visual & Experience Design, you have a wide range of career paths in the international digital and creative industries. You are qualified to take on specialist and management roles where excellent design, user experience and digital innovation are demanded. Typical professional fields for graduates include:
- Visual & Experience Designer – designing digital products, apps, interactive applications
- UX/UI Designer – developing intuitive user interfaces and optimised user experiences for digital platforms
- Service Designer, Product Design Developer or Brand Designer – innovative service and brand design for companies
- Creative Director: strategic management of design projects in agencies or companies
- Design Strategist or Design Researcher: development of new design strategies, innovation management and design research
- Entrepreneur in the digital design sector – founding your own agencies or developing new digital business models
Thanks to the close ties to industry at UE, a practical orientation and good networking across the sector, the employment opportunities for graduates are excellent. According to an internal survey, more than 90% of UE graduates find a suitable position in the professional field within twelve months of graduation.
What does the study location for Visual & Experience Design look like?
The master’s programme is offered at the Innovation Hub of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Potsdam. The campus is situated on the modern science site “SAP Think Campus”, in close proximity to Berlin. Here you benefit from innovative infrastructure with design labs, VR and gaming labs, photo studios, digitally equipped project spaces and an inspiring atmosphere. Students also have access to international guest lectures and collaborate on practical projects with global companies.
An optional study at the international campus in Dubai is also possible, where an intercultural and globally oriented learning environment is offered.
How are the costs and financing options for the programme composed?
For the Master Visual & Experience Design at the Potsdam location, the tuition fees for the four-semester Standard Track with 120 ECTS amount to a total of €19,680, which corresponds to €820 per month over 24 months. These fees include full use of the equipment and personal support. Additional expenses for materials or project-related purchases may be incurred individually.
- The programme can be supported by various scholarship programmes offered by UE, including the Digital Pioneers Scholarship, Women in Tech, Cultural Diversity and others
- In addition, education loans, instalment payment models and state funding options (especially for German students) are available
- For siblings, spouses as well as particularly high-achieving or socially engaged students, the university offers special concessions and financial support
Consultation for an individual financing strategy as well as support with applications for funding can be obtained directly through the university’s student services team.
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