Media and Communications Management, Master of Arts

Who is the Master’s Programme Design – Technology & AI / Arts & Culture Suitable For?

The Master’s programme “Design – Technology & AI / Arts & Culture” at the Mediadesign University is aimed at creative talents with a bachelor’s degree who wish to specialise at the interface of design, technology, and culture. It is particularly addressed to graduates from design, art, media technology, architecture, communication studies, or similar fields of study. Whether you are tech-savvy and interested in innovative media, artificial intelligence, and digital applications, or want to focus on cultural and artistic aspects of design – the programme allows for individual emphasis. The goal is to qualify for leadership and specialist positions in agencies, companies in the creative and cultural industries, as well as for freelance activities in design.

Admission: What You Should Bring to the Master’s Programme

• Completed university degree (Bachelor or equivalent): Mainly degrees in design, art, media, communication studies, architecture, or comparable disciplines are acceptable. The university also accepts similar courses of study related to design, innovation, or media after individual review.
• Application possible before completion of your bachelor’s degree: The bachelor’s certificate may be submitted afterwards if you have not yet completed all requirements at the time of application.
• Application documents: Required are a topic-specific essay (approx. 4–5 pages), a tabular CV with photo, as well as relevant certificates of qualification and work references.
• Language: The course is offered in English. Generally, you need to demonstrate sufficient English skills. Internationally recognised language certificates or equivalent proof may be used as evidence.
• For international applicants: Verification of foreign certificates can be done independently in advance via the uni-assist portal. This ensures whether your degree is recognised for admission.

Personal requirements and expectations:

• Creativity and enthusiasm for innovation: An interest in new design, technological, and cultural developments is one of the most important prerequisites.
• Self-initiative and self-organisation: The course requires willingness to work independently on projects and tasks.
• Theoretical and practical prior knowledge: Practical experience in design, media production, the arts, or related disciplines is helpful, for example through internships, projects, or working student activities.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills: You should be able to address complex issues at the interface of art, technology, and society.
• Teamwork skills: Interdisciplinary collaboration is a central element, as is communication in international environments.

What content can you expect in the Master’s in Media and Communications Management?

In the Master’s programme in Design (Master of Arts) at the Mediadesign University of Design and Computer Science, you deepen your knowledge at the intersection of design, technology and culture. The programme offers you two specialisations to choose from:

• Technology and AI: Here you engage with current technological developments, including Experience Design, Immersive Media Technologies, Creative Coding and AI-based design innovations.
• Arts and Culture: This specialisation focuses on cultural management, design economics, visual culture studies, art mediation and leadership in the artistic field.

The curriculum consists of compulsory modules, specialisations and free electives. The core modules include Project Management, Design Research and scientific methods. Depending on your specialisation, you take at least six modules per focus area and supplement these with electives such as Strategic Management, Diversity or Sustainability.

How is the course structured?

The course is designed as a full-time Master’s and lasts 3 semesters. It comprises 90 ECTS credits and is based on a balanced combination of theory and practice:

• Start each winter semester (1 October) or summer semester (1 April)
• You decide on a specialisation at the beginning – Technology and AI or Arts and Culture.
• Core modules on methods, creativity and research form your foundation.
• Relevant modules and practice-oriented workshops are offered each semester.
• Practical project work and insights into industry trends provide diverse practical experience.
• You can flexibly choose between online and on-campus options.

During your studies, you develop individual projects, work together with fellow students and lecturers from different disciplines, and are supervised by experienced teaching staff.

What career prospects are there?

The Master’s degree in Design opens up numerous career paths depending on your chosen specialisation:

• Arts & Culture:
  • Cultural institutions, museums, galleries, art mediation
  • Teaching and cultural education
  • Curators, cultural management, art consultancy
  • Organisation of festivals or programmes in cultural tourism
• Technology & AI:
  • Agencies and companies in digital media management
  • UX/UI design, web design, interaction design
  • Development of digital products and media solutions
  • Software development and creative technologies

Typical job titles include for example Art Director, Cultural Manager, UX Designer, Digital Product Designer, Curator or Design Consultant. With the practical and theoretical skills gained from the course, you are well prepared for leadership and specialised roles in the creative industries, technology sector or cultural field.

Where do you study the Master’s?

The programme is offered as an on-campus degree at the Berlin and Düsseldorf locations. The language of instruction is English. Both locations offer modern working environments, access to technical resources and industry contacts. In addition, flexible study models are available that integrate online components to accommodate students with employment or other commitments.

How much does the course cost – and what financing options are there?

• Tuition fee per semester (Berlin, English-language):
  • EU citizens: 4,110 euros
  • Non-EU citizens: 6,300 euros
• Additional costs: One-time registration fee (490 euros) and examination fee (1,050 euros, already included for non-EU citizens).
• Discounts: 5% discount for advance payment (not combinable with early booking discounts). Graduates of a bachelor’s degree at mdh receive a 10% reduction on the Master’s fees.

Various flexible payment models are available, as well as personalised study counselling regarding funding opportunities and financing.