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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor Digital Design & Innovation suitable for?
The Bachelor’s programme Digital Design & Innovation at the CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin is aimed at creative minds who want to shape the interface between design, technology and innovation. The programme specifically appeals to those interested in developing user-centred digital products while integrating new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things or digital media. The programme is suitable both for school graduates who bring initial ideas and design approaches as well as for career changers from design, technical or entrepreneurial backgrounds who want to further expand their knowledge in the design process and innovative methods of product development.
Which formal admission criteria must you meet?
The following formal requirements are necessary for admission to the Bachelor Digital Design & Innovation:
- General higher education entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification or an internationally recognised equivalent school qualification (e.g. IB Diploma, A-Levels).
- Very good English skills, as the programme is conducted entirely in English (generally at least B2 level is expected, relevant certificates are accepted).
- Completion of the multi-stage selection procedure of CODE University, consisting of a written online application and participation in the Admission Day (including portfolio, motivation letter, project work or interview).
You do not need a formal design degree or professional experience. CODE assesses your motivation, potential and creative ideas within the selection process.
Personally, you should have a strong interest in modern technologies and digital media. Openness to interdisciplinary teamwork, pronounced curiosity and self-learning ability are important. Creative thinking, empathy for user needs, problem-solving skills and willingness to experiment independently are expected. Initial practical experience – for example with graphic or prototyping tools, your own design projects or in the media sector – is helpful but not a requirement. You should be keen to conceptually develop design projects and actively experiment with different technologies and methods.
How does the Digital Design & Innovation degree impart key competencies?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme Digital Design & Innovation, you develop a broad understanding of designing digital products and services, with a consistent focus on people at the centre. The curriculum combines analytical engagement with user needs, the latest technological developments, and creative practice. You acquire solid human-centred design processes, digital and analogue methods as well as prototyping techniques. Key areas include:
- Design Strategy: Promoting innovations and analysing the value contribution of design for businesses
- Brand Design: Creating visual and verbal brand identity
- Artificial Intelligence in Design: Using artificial intelligence and machine learning as design material and analysis tools
- Animation & Visual Storytelling: Designing moving content and purposefully employing digital storytelling
- Gestalt Principles & Composition: Effectively applying colour design, visual language, proportions and perception psychology
- User Experience & Interface Design: Designing intuitive, accessible and as seamless as possible user experiences
- Design Research: Capturing user desires using methods such as interviews, observation and validation
- Editorial & Digital Media Design: Developing professional design competence from typography to multimedia applications
In the elective area, you can for example specialise in Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Design Research, Digital Media or deepen your knowledge in User Experience.
In addition to technical and design skills, you learn to work in interdisciplinary teams with developers, product managers and business partners, to manage projects independently, and to reflect on solutions methodically and ethically.
How is the degree structured and organised?
The study model is oriented towards practical relevance and personal responsibility. The standard period of study is 6 semesters (a total of 180 ECTS). The language of instruction is English. You are supported through project-based formats and interactive workshops, feedback and presentation rounds:
- In each core semester, you work on real, team-oriented projects (often provided by partner companies)
- Interdisciplinary teams made up of design, software development and business management jointly realise digital innovations
- Self-directed learning: You select key topics, specialisations and work on your own projects at your individual learning pace
- Professors and lecturers act as mentors who accompany individual learning paths
- Fixed seminars, group work and regular presentations ensure reflection and feedback
- The Science, Technology & Society (STS) programme promotes an awareness of societal, ethical and philosophical questions of technology
Students also have 24/7 access to the modern campus with workshops, prototyping lab, multimedia studios and co-working spaces.
What career prospects do you have after graduation?
With a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design & Innovation, you are prepared for a variety of roles in the tech and creative industries. Typical job profiles for graduates include:
- UX/UI Designer – Designing user interfaces and user guidance for digital products
- UX Researcher – Collecting and analysing user needs and behaviour
- Interaction Designer – Developing innovative forms of interaction between humans and technology
- Digital Product Designer – End-to-end design of digital services and products
- Creative Technologist – Bridging technology and design (often at the interface with development)
- Product Manager with a design focus
Many graduates found their own start-ups or take on strategic roles as design lead and innovator – the CODE network and close connections to the start-up scene offer excellent foundations for self-employment and leadership positions in innovation departments, digital agencies and technology companies.
Where does the degree take place and what learning environment can you expect?
The degree is offered entirely on campus at the CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin-Neukölln. The newly occupied campus in 2024 in the KALLE building at Donaustrasse 44 provides a modern learning environment with 24/7 access. You work in open studios, makerspaces, quiet rooms, music studio, prototyping lab and communal areas for exchange and networking.
International and intercultural diversity shapes campus life – about one third of students and staff come from abroad. CODE is part of the Erasmus+ programme and promotes exchanges with European partner universities.
What are the tuition fees and what financing models are available?
The tuition fees are €1,150 per month. For the entire study period (6 semesters), this amounts to €41,400 total costs. The fees include all regular study services and use of the campus infrastructure.
- More than 80% of students use the "Pay Later Model" (reverse generational contract): You only pay a percentage of your future salary after graduation once you reach a defined minimum income.
- The university offers advice on further funding opportunities, such as education funds or scholarships.
With this, CODE aims to ensure that admission to study places is not dependent on financial background and that creative talents are supported as best as possible.
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