Master's in Integrated Design (MID) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Courses are held in English (100%).

Globalisation in general and the construction industry in particular have brought about new demands on buildings and construction projects. These new demands also take local conditions into account. Planning is also changing in line with the new requirements. Moreover, digital technology has also brought lasting changes to architecture, from the planning and production stage right through to execution, and job profiles are accordingly getting more sophisticated. Thus, the Master's programme places a particular emphasis on theoretical and practice-oriented skills of digital analysis, design, planning, and production methods as well as the traditional design and planning methods. It also gives a detailed overview of the latest technological developments.

Additionally, the programme includes operative aspects of information technology, new developments in building materials, and scientific work in architectural education. The programme also includes interaction/cooperation with external partners and international networks. It focuses on qualifying architects and engineers for interdisciplinary, international, and, to a growing extent, digitally supported jobs. We attach special importance to our cooperation between university and external partners, such as links to other universities, planning offices, the construction industry, and software manufacturers.

The standard study period is four semesters. The specialisations in Façade Design and Computational Design are only taught in English.

The specialisation in Façade Design provides an extensive overview. It also provides the scientific foundations of the field of façade planning and consulting. Façade planning is indisputably high on the list of the most demanding and versatile professional specialisations. Here, legal, physical, material-technology, structural design, and, in particular, architectural and aesthetic issues converge.

The specialisation in Computational Design focuses on digital design methods and construction technologies in architecture, engineering, and design. The curriculum provides a scientific and practical foundation and gives an overview of the latest developments in computational design and construction.

For further information, please visit: https://mid.ids-research.de and https://www.th-owl.de/en/design/studies/degree-programs/detail/master-of-integrated-design/

Please check the website for deadlines.

First Semester:

• Tools and Methods 1
• Construction and Dimensioning

Specialisation in Façade Design:

• Sustainability, Climate and Comfort
• Design Studio: Façade Design

Specialisation Computational Design:

• Programming and Simulation
• Design Studio: Computational Design

Second Semester:

• Tools and Methods 2
• Theory and Sustainable Construction

Specialisation in Façade Design:

• Culture and Climate Related Façade Design
• Design Studio: Integrated Building Façade Design

Specialisation in Computational Design:

• Digital Fabrication and Robots
• Design Studio: Integrated Computational Building Design

Third Semester:

• Conference and Communication
• Elective from catalogue

Specialisation in Façade Design:

• Materials, Surfaces and Safety
• Design Studio: Open Research and Practice Project

Specialisation in Computational Design:

• Computational Optimisation
• Design Studio: Open Research and Practice Project

Fourth Semester:

• Master's thesis, presentation and colloquium

Compulsory Electives:

• Advanced Construction
• Advanced Programming
• Advanced Theory
• Advanced Visualisation
• Technical English II
• Business start-up / Career start

• Domestic and international study trips are organised by the faculty.
• Design studios are developed with partners in Germany and abroad.

Students are encouraged to study abroad for one semester.

No tuition fees

Information on the TH OWL semester contribution can be found here.

In addition to the semester contribution, there are secondary expenses for lectures and courses that are not held on our campus in Detmold.

Accommodation costs in Detmold need to be taken care of by the student. They vary from approx. 300 to 400 EUR per month.

Since September 2024, the annual requirement that must be paid into a blocked account when applying for a visa amounts to 11,904 EUR (992 EUR per month).

Information on living in OWL as well as requirements for the visa and blocked account, can be found here

Application requirements for the Master in Integrated Design (MID):

1. University entrance qualification or an equivalent standard (e.g. secondary school graduation certificate)

2. Bachelor's or diploma degree in a course of study with substantial scientific or engineering content (for example, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, Product Design, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Informatics); a focus on building, interior, structural or façade planning and/or design; and a minimum study duration of six semesters (180 credits)

It is recommended that applicants complete a three-month practical training or internship in the professional field of architecture, building, interior, structural and/or façade design or planning.

3. Evidence of the specific, that is, professional and methodological suitability for the Master in Integrated Design (MID) – see points 5 and 6

4. Evidence of English proficiency (see below)

5. Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes some of their most important and relevant work related to urban, architectural, building, or façade design and/or construction. Work samples should be submitted according to the following criteria:

• three work samples from the previous course of study or professional experience, one of which, if possible, is the Bachelor's or Master's thesis or comparable final examination
• two to three smaller work samples which demonstrate additional interests and specialised fields
• up to two samples can be parts of team projects if the contribution of the applicant is indicated and clearly recognisable (The work samples must be submitted in a DIN A4-sized portfolio in a suitable data format, such as a PDF.)
• a written explanation by the applicant describing the projects and the concepts behind each project (In the case of team work, the applicant should clearly indicate her/his role in the project. The applicant should limit her/his letter to one page!)
• a written declaration that the applicant has produced the work samples on her or his own

6. Motivation letter and resume: Applicants must submit a motivation letter that should address their background as it relates to the requested specialisation (Façade Design or Computational Design).

Evidence of English proficiency documented by one of the following tests or certificates, with the indicated minimum score (for those who obtained their university entrance qualification at a non-English speaking institution):

• TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) 79–80
• TOEFL computer-based 213
• TOEIC 750
• IELTS 6.0–6.5
• Cambridge CPE/CAE pass

Please check the website for deadlines.

The Deutschlandstipendium programme was created in 2011. As part of this programme, the federal government subsidises private donation funds raised by colleges to finance scholarships for talented and academically strong students. The programme was modelled after other programmes, including Studienfonds OWL, which has been granting privately funded scholarships on behalf of five colleges in Ostwestfalen-Lippe, North Rhine-Westphalia. More information and details are available at the following link: www.studienfonds-owl.de/en/scholarships/deutschlandstipendium/.

Additional offers: www.th-owl.de/en/international-office-th-owl/international-support-services/scholarships/

As registered students at OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, non-EU students are permitted to work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year without an additional work permit.

You may work when the university is in session as well as during semester breaks. Only those days on which work is carried out are considered. Traditional jobs of an academic character such as student tutoring can be carried out in addition to the above-mentioned 120 full days or 240 half days. Such jobs are not subject to time restrictions.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German as the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. This will open up many more opportunities in later semesters. Free German courses are available for students through our International Office.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Information can be found on the Internet at www.th-owl.de/en/studies/starting-your-degree/housing-during-your-degree/ or www.th-owl.de/en/international-office-th-owl/international-support-services/living-in-owl/#c-accordion-68899-0.

Career Services of the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts: https://www.th-owl.de/en/career-service/

The TH OWL International Welcome Guide offers you a first look at the support services for international students at TH OWL. Additionally, provided are important dates for the semester, opportunities to get involved through student life and much more.

Please click here to view the TH OWL International Welcome Guide.

For more information, please see: https://www.th-owl.de/en/

The Detmolder Schule für Gestaltung / Detmold School of Design (TH OWL) offers a course of study in which theory and practice constitute a dynamic unit – in an environment that blends traditional and modern architecture. The open and transparent arrangement of the buildings lends itself to various meetings and promotes the creative atmosphere on campus. The combination of the courses of study in architecture and interior design provides a variety that shapes the character of the Detmold School.

Detmold, the "City of Culture in the Teutoburg Forest", welcomes you. Here you can find nearly everything: an original and intact old town, a varied cultural life, many possibilities for shopping, attractive sights like the Hermann monument or the open air museum, plenty of sports and leisure activities, and more.

Detmold is surrounded by a charming landscape of gentle hills and valleys. A rural landscape and farmyard holidays are only a stone's throw away. We are in the fortunate position to be able to follow many hiking trails and footpaths through the Teutoburg Forest. The over 230 km long cycle path network and many long-distance cycle paths that pass through Detmold are ideal for cyclists.

More information can be found on the Internet at:
https://www.detmold.de/startseite/.