Master of Arts in Design & Future Making Pforzheim University

Courses are held in English.

The MADFM curriculum offers a diverse environment that promotes research, analysis of complex situations, and development of personal positions. Practice-based exploration at the intersection of low-tech analogue craft processes and high-tech intelligent and interactive technologies leads to a new understanding of "craftsmanship" and is the core of the programme. The interdisciplinary and hybrid practice encourages personal curiosity, imagination and questioning of processes.

30 April for the following winter semester

Please be aware that since 2018, tuition fees of approx 1,500 EUR are being charged to international students from outside the EU.

The interdisciplinary character of the MA Design & Future Making embraces design as a cultural signifier and means of change. The USP of the programme lies in three areas:

• Personal research theme: The core of the MADFM is a personal research theme that accompanies the entire programme and whose various facets are explored and deepened in the Design (of) Future Making l and ll projects. The MA thesis represents a culmination of the exploration of this theme. 
• Practical intellect: Experimental research opens avenues for theoretical inquiry, which in turn fosters focused practical research avenues. Contributions from a wide range of thinkers in the arts and design sciences hone your skills in observing, analysing, and reflecting on specific contexts, ranging from abstract philosophical questions to contemporary social and political imperatives. This allows for a complementary critical and research approach to craft and digital technologies, traditional and new materials, and the role of making [in] the future. Project work makes up at least two-thirds of the curriculum.
• Complementary mentoring: Mentors from the specific contexts of each project bring in subject-specific input that allows you to deepen and professionally position your work in that context.

Each semester consists of a mix of courses, seminars, workshops, and field trips. Regular courses and seminars are held primarily two and a half days per week. The remaining weekdays are reserved for independent study or project work, supervised by individual and group mentors.

Students have access to workshops for gold, silver, electroplating, wood, plastics, textiles and ceramics as well as facilities for photography, screen printing and painting. All MADFM students are provided with workspace access as well. Beyond the university's offerings, the Northern Black Forest region, with its rich culture of small and large manufactories, provides opportunities for collaboration with industry as well as connections to various research institutes, providing a wide range of research contexts.

Varied

Please be aware that since 2018, tuition fees of approx 1,500 EUR are being charged to international students from outside the EU.

All students at Pforzheim University are charged fees for student services and administration, currently approx. 160 EUR per semester. However, costs for materials, books or their own technical equipment may be incurred within the courses.

• Proof of Bachelor's / "Diplom" degree qualifying for Master's studies (design studies with at least 180 ECTS), if applicable with German or English translation
• Letter of motivation
• Portfolio with work samples
• An expert opinion / recommendation letter
• Proposal of a possible research project
• Interview

Please check: https://designpf.hs-pforzheim.de/en/ma_design_future_making/bewerbung

English language certificate is mandatory for all non-native speakers: TOEFL (IBT minimum 87 points, ITP minimum 560 points), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or TOEIC (minimum 785 points) or equivalent (CEFR level B2)

Good German skills are also strongly recommended!

30 April for the following winter semester

No

The practice-based projects are supported by experts in the fields of jewellery, fashion, accessory design, industrial design, visual communication and art and are fostered through a critical thinking discourse.