MA Interior Design

Overview

This MA is aimed at graduates from creative fields other than interior architecture or interior design — for example, architecture, spatial design, and similar disciplines. It builds on your existing creative training and adds specialised knowledge and methods to apply responsible, design-led solutions to interior-related challenges. The curriculum emphasises practical, creative problem-solving within the field of interior design.

Rooted in the vibrant cultural and professional landscape of Berlin, the programme is delivered entirely in English and encourages students to consider the social and ethical responsibilities of interior designers across different physical and cultural contexts, both locally and globally. On completion, graduates will be equipped to use their expanded interior design knowledge and skills to tackle complex, interdisciplinary creative tasks in their new area of specialisation.

The course is practice-driven and taught by an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors who support and challenge students to build on prior experience and broaden their professional perspectives. Note that architecture and interior architecture are protected professions in Germany; because this MA is not a consecutive follow-up to a related BA, it does not qualify graduates for registration with the regional Chamber of Architects.

Key points / requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a creative discipline other than interior architecture or interior design (examples: architecture, spatial design)
• Demonstrable creative foundations (prior study or relevant experience)
• Programme language: taught exclusively in English
• This MA is not a consecutive programme to a BA in architecture/interior architecture and does not qualify for registration with the Chamber of Architects in Germany
• For specific admission steps (portfolio, transcripts, language certificates, application deadlines), consult the university’s admissions information directly

This two-year MA programme begins by grounding students in the fundamental principles of interior design while introducing methods of design research and advanced techniques in interior visualisation. Early modules combine studio-based projects with technical and conceptual exercises, and a selection of design and technology electives lets you deepen expertise in a specific area of interest.

In the second year the emphasis shifts to more independent and applied work: additional design and research projects, the "Theory and Communication" elective, and two intensive, real-world design charrettes that simulate professional practice. These fast-paced workshops are intended to sharpen problem-solving, teamwork, client-facing and time-management skills essential to the profession.

The final semester is focused on synthesis and demonstration of mastery. You complete a written Master’s thesis alongside a self-directed Master’s design project on a topic you choose, applying the practical, visualisation and research skills developed earlier. Graduates leave with a professional portfolio, advanced visualisation capabilities, specialist technical knowledge from electives, and experience of collaborative, deadline-driven design work.

Key curriculum requirements and learning outcomes:

• Core foundation modules in interior design principles and studio practice (Year 1)
• Advanced interior visualisation training and associated practical skills
• Design and technology electives to build specialist knowledge in a chosen field
• "Theory and Communication" elective to strengthen critical thinking and presentation skills
• Two intensive, real-life design charrettes to develop professional competence (teamwork, client simulation, rapid concept development)
• Master’s thesis (research) and Master’s design project (practice-based) in the final semester, demonstrating independent research, project management and a professional-level portfolio of work

Graduates leave with applied skills in interior design, advanced visualisation and research-based design methods, enabling them to take on roles in interior and spatial design practices, exhibition and display design, retail and hospitality environments, or to work as freelance designers. The final project and thesis provide portfolio-ready work that supports professional entry or further academic study.

Note: Architecture and interior architecture are regulated professions in Germany. This MA is not a consecutive programme to a BA in those fields and therefore does not confer eligibility for registration with the Chamber of Architects.