Strategic Design (MA) SRH University

The programme is taught in English.

The Master’s programme in Strategic Design lies at the intersection of innovation management, brand strategy and creative processes management. During the course of the programme, strategic thinking skills are trained around issues relevant for branding, innovation and design processes.

Students are taught to approach design not as a merely decorative art or in order to beautify surfaces but also as a strategic resource for processes and companies. You will gain knowledge of methods and theories of corporate and brand management, design thinking, social design, transformation design, system thinking, critical thinking and strategic participation. You will learn user-centred research, focused synthesis and systematic development of ideas. You will acquire knowledge on creativity techniques, business models, and sustainability as well as intercultural communication. Soft skills such as presentation skills and the development of your personal leadership style are specifically addressed and promoted through specially designed teaching units. The imparting of methods of scientific work creates the prerequisite for the preparation of a thesis in the fourth semester of study.

The lecturers provide scientific and theoretical input, supplemented by practical project work and workshops. By sharing and collaborating with students from other disciplines and cultures, you will acquire the ability to move freely in interdisciplinary design and design teams.

Innovation is the common thread that runs throughout the course, influencing our thought processes, working methods and approaches to all subject matter. The course is not only about understanding technological and social innovations but also about thinking about them holistically and strategically with regard to the future.

The biggest strength of the programme is its practical relevance. All teachers are experts in their subject area and in addition to teaching, they are active in a wide variety of companies and agencies. They have a history of success in effectively applying what they have learned in project-oriented theoretical studies, to the development of new business fields in existing companies and institutions. Study visits to Berlin-based companies and institutions that implement branding, strategic design and social innovations in their business processes are also an integral part of the curriculum.

Thanks to our focus on practical relevance, you will graduate with valuable experience in the field, relevant contacts and a good network in the professional world of strategic design.

Intake: October

Mode of study: We believe that sustainable learning is only possible if there is enough space for experimentation, games and critical thinking. That is why we have completely restructured the classical course of studies. Read more about our CORE Principle.

Non-EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 15 August (October intake). We also recommend that you apply early (at least four months before the start of your programme).

EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 1 October (October intake).

• Non-EU/EEA tuition fees: 5,950 EUR per semester
• EU/EEA (including Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine) tuition fees: 830 EUR per month

Please note: The monthly/semester tuition fees remain the same for the entire duration of the study programme.

First semester

• Strategic Design Introduction
• Strategic Design Research
• Strategic Design Synthesis
• Content Management
• Theory I
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice I

Second semester

• Strategic Design Creation
• Strategic Design Realisation
• Strategic Design Implementation
• Publication
• Theory II
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice II

Third semester

• Purpose Driven Innovation | Intro and Research
• Purpose Driven Innovation | Synthesis and Creation
• Purpose Driven Innovation | Realisation
• Strategic Design Manifesto and Portfolio
• Theory III
• Strategic Design Profession and Best Practice III

Fourth semester

• Master's thesis

4,980 EUR

• Non-EU/EEA tuition fees: 5,950 EUR per semester
• EU/EEA (including Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine) tuition fees: 830 EUR per month

Please note: The monthly/semester tuition fees remain the same for the entire duration of the study programme.

None. Students may purchase a discounted semester ticket or a discounted "Deutschlandticket" for public transport.

• Bachelor's degree in a design discipline, such as design, architecture, art, photography or film
• proof of English-language proficiency
• secondary school certificate
• letter of motivation: What goals do you want to achieve with the Master's in Strategic Design, and what does Strategic Design mean to you?
• curriculum vitae
• portfolio with 15 to 20 of your own creative works

The following English proficiency tests are accepted:

• TOEFL Internet-based: 87
• TOEIC listening/reading: 785, speaking: 160, writing: 150
• IELTS/IELTS Online (academic): 6.5
• CAE (grades A, B, or C)
• CPE (grades A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 to 184 (CES) – all four skills required
• B2 First: 173
• Duolingo: 110 points

Non-EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 15 August (October intake). We also recommend that you apply early (at least four months before the start of your programme).

EU/EEA applicants: Please apply by 1 October (October intake).

• SRH offers partial scholarships for talented international students.
• EU students can also benefit from our range of "study now – pay later" financing options.
• Please check our website for more information here.

Working as a non-EU citizen: In possession of a valid German residence permit for study purposes, you are allowed to work for up to 120 full days (full day = eight hours per day) or 240 half days (half day = four hours) during the calendar year. However, freelance work is not permitted. Internships that are mandatory for the successful completion of your studies at SRH do not count towards the above-named 120 full days.

Employment that is considered “student part-time work” ("studentische Nebentätigkeit", e.g. employment as a student worker at a university or in a university-related organisation or "Werkstudent" activities at companies that are related to your studies) can be done without any time restrictions.

We do not own any student dormitories or hostels. However, we provide assistance in selecting accommodation prior to and after your arrival in Berlin.

Our Career Service supports students and alumni in planning their careers and sharpening their professional profile. Our service portfolio includes:

• Consultation services for students
• Career trainings and workshops
• Annual "Career Day" with job fair and workshops
• Support in finding a job or an internship for graduates and students