Digital Media Design, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Digital Media Design (B.A.) Degree at Dresden University of Applied Sciences Suitable For?

The Digital Media Design degree (formerly Media Informatics & Media Design) is aimed at anyone who wants to acquire creative and technical skills in the field of digital media. It is particularly suited for people interested in the combination of design, computer science, and media technology – for example, school-leavers looking for a practical alternative to a traditional computer science or design degree. It is also suitable for career changers who already have initial experience in media production, as well as for creative minds passionate about moving images, animation, game design, interactive applications, or digital communication.

Admission Requirements: What Do You Need to Start Your Studies?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or
• Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (for example in the field of economics or a related area)
• Alternatively, a degree without Abitur is also possible if you can prove a suitable professional qualification (e.g. a completed vocational training with at least three years of professional experience and, if applicable, a passed entrance exam). More information is provided by the university’s student advisory service.
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): The course is NC-free, meaning that the grade average of your qualification is not an exclusion criterion.

A personal advisory meeting before applying is recommended by the university but is not mandatory.

Personal Requirements: What Skills and Interests Should You Bring?

• Creativity and interest in design work, e.g. conception, storytelling, film, animation, graphic design, or interaction design
• Curiosity about digital technologies and their application in media projects (e.g. knowledge of or interest in software such as HTML, CSS, 3D tools, image editing)
• Technical understanding and willingness to familiarise yourself with new tools and software applications
• Team skills and willingness to communicate, as many projects are realised in interdisciplinary teams
• Initiative and independence, especially for working on your own projects and compiling a meaningful portfolio
• Ability to reflect on social, political, and ethical issues in media production
• Basic knowledge of English is helpful, as many technical terms and parts of the software are in English

Prior knowledge in design, computer science, or media production is helpful but not necessarily required. A willingness to learn new content and contribute your own ideas is especially important in the course.

What do you learn in the Bachelor Digital Media Design programme at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences?

In the Bachelor’s degree programme Digital Media Design (formerly Media Informatics/Media Design) at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences, experts provide you with in-depth knowledge in creative and technical areas of digital media production. The programme combines content from media design, media informatics, and modern software applications.

• Design fundamentals: You work on storyboarding, graphic design, and basic design methods.
• Media design basics: Topics such as storytelling, image editing, media technology, editing, and compositing are part of the curriculum.
• Software application fundamentals: You learn HTML, CSS, content management systems (CMS), how to use 3D software, as well as animation techniques.
• Specialisation Interactive Media: Areas such as interactive programming, game design, as well as app and game development allow you to follow an individual specialisation.
• Specialisation Media Design: Focus areas such as animated film, short film, and studio technology offer you broad creative perspectives.

During your studies, you will realise your own projects and build a portfolio that documents your development. Cross-disciplinary elective options in cooperation with the Graphic Design department support personal profile building.

How is the programme structured?

The Bachelor’s programme Digital Media Design usually lasts 7 semesters and is offered as on-campus study in Dresden. Most courses take place 4 days a week, and the language of instruction is German. A high proportion of practical projects, a mandatory internship semester, and intensive supervision in small groups characterise the programme. Modern labs (e.g. film studio with motion capture, volumetric capture space or mixed-reality workstations) ensure a strong practical orientation.

• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Standard period of study: 7 semesters (180 ECTS credits)
• Internship semester: integrated in the course of study
• Intensive personal supervision and individual mentoring
• Own projects, cooperative projects with industry and research

At the end of your studies, you will receive the internationally recognised degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Digital Media Design.

What career prospects does the programme offer you?

With your Bachelor’s degree, you are qualified for various roles in the media industry. The practice-oriented programme prepares you both for permanent employment as well as for self-employment or founding a company in the media sector. Typical professional fields include:

• Media design in agencies (e.g. for media design, game design or web and app design)
• Development and conception of digital media projects such as games, apps, interactive applications
• Film and video production, animation in studios or as a freelancer
• Audio, video and 3D visualisation for advertising, social media or architectural firms
• Activities in editorial offices, post-production or compositing departments
• Freelance designer in the media sector or founder of your own company

Many graduates extend their knowledge in further master’s degree programmes or specialise further in their professional life. The close cooperation with companies during the course often opens up direct entry into employment.

Where does the programme take place?

You will complete your studies at the Dresden campus of the Dresden University of Applied Sciences. The university offers modern, well-equipped labs and studios in the field of Digital Media Design and places great value on a very personal study atmosphere through small groups and individual support.

What costs are incurred and how can you finance your studies?

The monthly tuition fees amount to approximately 590 euros; in total, costs of around 24,780 euros arise for the entire duration of studies (7 semesters). Various financing options are available to you, such as:

• Scholarships and funding programmes
• BAföG (subject to personal eligibility and review)
• Study loans and education loans
• Instalment payments according to the payment agreement with the university
• Individual counselling services of the university on financing issues

The university supports you with personal advice on financing, scholarships and funding opportunities so that you can focus on your studies.