Design and Interaction, M.A.*

Why choose Design and Interaction?

Whenever we want to communicate complex content, design interactive systems and scenarios or tell multi-layered digital stories, we need approaches far beyond established forms of communication and interaction. In addition, interfaces have become more and more present in everyday life. They enable us to communicate with each other, different objects and surroundings and their increasing importance calls for new scenarios and solutions that have to be developed and designed.

In the light of these challenges, our English-language master’s degree programme focuses on technologically supported forms of interaction and future communication scenarios. With a clear emphasis on the interface and translation competence of design as well as the design of (user) interfaces, we will support you in becoming a responsible, conceptually strong and content-oriented designer.

What you will study

This course is a three-semester follow-on master´s degree programme. At the beginning, there is a series of intensive workshops which will help you to assess and reflect on your individual level in the context of the degree programme and explore the spectrum of study content.

In each of your first two semesters you will be given the chance to carry out a project of your choosing. Here you will learn to precisely analyse the context and the specific requirements of your self-selected or given project tasks, to develop approaches, to communicate results in an understandable way and to realise them prototypically in terms of design and technology.

In additional modules, you will acquire the necessary design, methodological and technological skills. Furthermore, we will support and accompany you on your way to the master's thesis from the second semester onwards. You will also benefit from modules of other academic fields and disciplines by choosing two electives that will help you gain the additional expert knowledge you might need to realise your projects, to pursue a specific interest or to work towards your professional goal.

Your first two semesters will also include the modules

• Advanced Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Culture and Ethics
• Creative Computing
• Workshop Thesis Development
• Electives

Your third semester will be devoted to your master’s thesis which is going to be another self-developed project. It usually consists of a practical work with a focus on design and/or information technology and a written part. Scientific-theoretical theses will also be admitted.

Career prospects

Your future professional field will be subject to permanent change as the lines between scientific disciplines become increasingly blurred. Your working life will be strongly influenced by the changes that new media, tools and scenarios bring about and you can look forward to developing completely new products, services and forms of interaction. Our degree programme aims to equip you for a career that matches these current and future labour market trends. We produce versatilely qualified, confident and successful graduates who are able to apply and establish their skills and knowledge in various kinds of work environments - in the role of self-employed or employee, in business or research, on the agency or client side.

The methodological, conceptual, design and technological skills you acquire, will give you a competitive edge when it comes to addressing tasks that involve profound knowledge across specialisms in the fields of technology, computer sciences and design.

Entry requirements 

Admission to the degree programme is subject to an application process.

The formal entry requirements for the Design and Interaction M.A. programme are:

• Proof of a completed, relevant undergraduate degree (B.Sc., B.A. or equivalent) consisting of at least 210 points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), or at least seven (7) semesters of full-time study. The previous degree programme must be either a degree in a design field, or a degree in information technology or a related field, provided that the curriculum included design elements. Applicants with less than 210 ECTS points or 7 semesters of full-time study, but at least 180 points and 6 semesters of full-time study from an undergraduate programme must provide proof of additional academic training or may - on agreement - make up the missing credit points by passing suitable examinations in modules of other degree programmes during their master studies.
• If an undergraduate degree has not yet been issued, then a preliminary graduation certificate, a current transcript of records or similar official documents must be submitted instead.
• An IELTS or TOEFL language certificate which demonstrates English language proficiency equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Passing an aptitude test regarding artistic/creative capability.

Please also find detailed information in the Examination Regulations and the Aptitude Test Regulations.

When and how to apply

Our master degree programme starts in summer semester only. Please note that in order to be admitted you need to pass an aptitude test regarding your artistic/creative capability as well as applying online.

Application guidelines for international applicants

Application deadlines

During the application period you can submit your application online by using our application portal or uni-assist in case you do not have a German undergraduate degree.

Please contact us for more information and advice

Professor Ido Iugel (Head of the Degree Programme) will be happy to answer your questions regarding the curriculum and the admission process on January 17, 2024. 

Q&A Session 
December 17, 2024 | 1.00 pm - 1.45 pm
https://hsrw.webex.com/hsrw-de/j.php?MTID=mb0c70fdefe0c85a2e1afaa486579c12d
Meeting code: 2734 960 8009 
Meeting password: FMpebSpG332

Contact

Kamp-Lintfort Campus
Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 25, Germany
47475 Kamp-Lintfort
Tel.: +49 2842 90825-0
Email: info@hochschule-rhein-waal.de

Head of Degree Programme
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ido Iurgel

Degree programme related questions:
Email: MDI-FKU@hochschule-rhein-waal.de

For questions about the application process, admission requirements, and enrolment, please contact studienberatung@hochschule-rhein-waal.de

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

* The degree programme is suitable for part-time study in accordance with §62a HG NRW.