Aptitude Test
1. Application and Deadlines
In order to be admitted to the degree programme “Design and Interaction”, candidates need to pass two different application procedures:
1. Aptitude Test (assessment of personal aptitude)
For participation in the aptitude testing procedure, please send the necessary documents to MDI-FKU-Aptitude@hochschule-rhein-waal.de by either May 29, 2024 or, June 26, 2024 (final deadline). You will receive your results approximately 14 days after the respective deadline.
2. Regular admission procedure (examination of certificates)
In addition to passing the Aptitude Test, an online application using our application portal or uni-assist (in case you do not have a German entry qualification to higher education) is mandatory. Documents can be submitted from the end of November/beginning of December. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2024. Processing through uni-assist can take up to 7 weeks, processing via our online application portal (with a German entry qualification to higher education) is usually shorter.
In order to be admitted to the degree programme both parts of your application have to be successful. Both procedures are independent of each other and you may submit the respective documents at different times. The following applies to both procedures: The earlier you apply, the earlier you will be informed of the decision.
2. Documents needed for the Aptitude Test
- Application form including CV (You need to complete the application form which you can find in the download section and submit it with your digital documents. Please note that your application cannot be processed without the form.)
- Project idea for the degree programme (exposé, no more than two pages).
By presenting a project idea, you will demonstrate that you are able to identify opportunities for new approaches in the field of digital media, name reasonable steps to achieve the goals, and relate your project to related approaches and concepts. - Examples of past projects (explanations and images, no more than 15 pages)
Please give examples of projects you have already completed, e.g. during your studies or professional life. In the case of group or contracted work, your own share must be unmistakably evident. With these project examples, you demonstrate not only the quality of your work and your ability to present it but also your interest in digital media and in areas where design meets technology.
Please note that documents must be in English.
If you hand in your documents by email attachment, make sure that they do not exceed a max. of 10 MB altogether. You may also send a download link instead of a mail attachment.
The legal guidelines for the aptitude test can be found here.
If you do not pass the aptitude test, please resubmit your improved documents by the final deadline on 26 June 2024.
3. Contacts
Degree programme related questions:
Email: MDI-FKU@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Questions related to the aptitude test:
Email: MDI-FKU-Aptitude@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
For all other questions, please contact our Student Service Centre:
Prospective students can find a contact form and FAQs here.
Rhine-Waal students can find a contact form and FAQs here.
Exchange students please contact our International Office.
Email: international-office@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
How to apply? What qualifications do you need? Which degree programme will suit you best? Check here.
4. Aptitude Test Counselling
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the application process. Please send an email to MDI-FKU-Aptitude@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
5. Information on Results
You will receive the results of your application by email approximately two weeks after your portfolio has been assessed. Experience has shown that emails are sometimes sent to spam by mistake, so we would advise you to check your spam folder regularly. In some cases, we invite applicants to video interviews before making a decision.
6. FAQs
Q: Why are there several deadlines for submitting the aptitude test documents?
A: You usually receive results within two weeks of each deadline. This allows you to plan better and earlier.
Q: Can I resubmit documents to one of the later dates in the aptitude testing procedure, even if I did not pass at an earlier date?
A: Yes, you may submit revised documents once again in the current procedure.
Q: Why do I need to submit a project idea?
A: The project idea allows us to see if, for example, applicants with a degree in design also have skills and interests in digital media or the human-centred use of technology. We also want to check whether applicants with a technical background have a talent for designing human-centred systems, for design in general, or for using design technologies.
Q: I am a design professional, and I know Photoshop and maybe some other standard software. Apart from that, I have neither practically nor mentally dealt with digital media and the use of interactive technologies. Is that sufficient to pass the aptitude test?
A: No. Your documents should show that you are interested in both creating and testing concepts for new digital media and interactive technologies.
Q: Does the description of my project idea have to include pictures?
A: No, but it can be useful to illustrate things.
Q: Do I have to realise my project idea later in the Master's degree programme?
A: No. The point is to present an idea that could theoretically be realised in the degree programme. You are not obliged to take up your ideas from the aptitude test later. You are of course allowed to change your interests in the course of your studies.
Q: What are examples of good and bad project ideas?
A: It would be a bad idea for example to experiment with AI in a design context without having any experience in that field. In that case, your project idea would not reflect any aptitude or talent.
On the other hand, if you have got some experience in working with AI, you could illustrate how an innovative design question or a new approach to interaction could be tackled with it. The feasibility of your project should be plausible and should show potential for innovative outcomes.
Q: How many project examples should my portfolio include?
A: Enough to give a clear picture of your skills. However, you should not present less than three, and not more than ten projects.
Q: Do layout, the general design of my documents, my linguistic expression and the quality of the illustration of my project ideas count towards the evaluation?
A: Yes.
Q: I studied XY, and none of my subjects ever had anything to do with design. But I have experimented a lot with design in my private life. Can I be accepted?
A: No. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are welcome, but you should be able to prove that you have successfully taken at least some academic modules with a design component.
Q: I studied architecture. Can I be accepted?
A: Yes. The design components of your degree programme are sufficient. Your degree is suitable for admission.
Q: I studied Media Communication and Computer Science. Can I be accepted?
A: The Media Communication and Computer Science curriculum at Rhine-Waal University contains sufficient design components. This degree is suitable for admission. Other curricula need to be assessed. But usually, the design components of a Media Communication and Computer Science degree are sufficient.
Q: May I send my documents for the aptitude test to uni-assist?
A: No, please find the correct email address for your documents above.
