Expanded Media

Overview

This MA explores the next generation of media formats and concepts, concentrating on how different platforms — internet, broadcast, social networks and real/virtual spaces — will merge and create new ways of telling stories, playing and learning. The programme grew out of a focus on leadership in the creative industries and now places particular emphasis on the social, participatory side of media consumption: audiences increasingly want to step inside narrative worlds and share those experiences with others, not just watch alone.

What you will learn and where it leads

You will be trained to design immersive, interactive and participatory entertainment and experience products for contexts such as trade shows, festivals, theatre and museums, with attention to augmented reality and emerging spatial interfaces (often discussed under the Metaverse). The course prioritises experience design and prepares students for above-the-line creative roles — writer, director, lead designer or creative director — while working in interdisciplinary teams. Practical implementation skills are expected on entry, and students can broaden their profile by complementing their specialisation with areas such as digital marketing, sound, film or XR. Taught in English, the programme is aimed at students seeking careers in new media and immersive-design agencies rather than traditional UX/UI roles for standard websites and apps.

Requirements (concise)

• Instruction language: English
• Prior technical ability to implement media concepts is required (practical production/implementation skills)
• Intended for applicants aiming for experience-design and above-the-line creative roles
• Not primarily suited for those seeking traditional website/app UX/UI training
• Opportunity to specialise further in digital marketing, sound, film or XR while working in interdisciplinary teams
• Former programme title: Leadership in the Creative Industries (MA)

Curriculum overview

The Expanded Media Master's is structured around three core semesters, with an additional internship required only for some entrants depending on their prior degree. Students who arrive with a seven‑semester undergraduate qualification or a graduate degree (210 ECTS) progress through the three semesters directly. Those holding a six‑semester Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) complete an internship before undertaking their Master's project. During the programme students select one of three specialist tracks when they apply.

Key areas of study

On application students must choose one focus: Expanded Storyworlds, Expanded Sound & Music, or Expanded Realities. The first semester builds a shared foundation in experience design, equipping everyone with common methods and perspectives for creating cross‑modal, audience‑centered media experiences. In the second semester and throughout the Master’s project, students concentrate on deepening practical and conceptual skills specific to their chosen area.

Learning outcomes and professional preparation

Graduates leave with advanced competencies in designing and realizing expanded media works: a solid grounding in experience design, specialized skills aligned to their track, and an independently produced Master’s project demonstrating creative and research-led practice. For those required to complete an internship, the placement adds applied industry experience, professional contacts and workplace skills that inform the Master’s project and future career paths.

Requirements (concise)

• Choose one focus area at application: Expanded Storyworlds, Expanded Sound & Music, or Expanded Realities
• Applicants with 210 ECTS (seven‑semester undergraduate or graduate degree): study three semesters (no internship required)
• Applicants with 180 ECTS (six‑semester Bachelor's degree): must complete an internship before the Master’s project
• Programme progression: foundational first semester; specialization in second semester and during the Master’s project

Graduates are prepared for roles in new-media agencies, creative studios and cultural institutions that design immersive, participatory experiences—examples include creative director, lead designer, narrative designer, XR developer, audio designer and experience producer for events, exhibitions, theatre, festivals and branded experiences. The programme trains students to lead above-the-line creative positions where concept, storytelling and experience design are central.

With its applied projects and (for many students) an 18-week placement, the MA supports transition to industry by building a professional portfolio and practical network. Note: the curriculum targets spatial and immersive experience design rather than conventional UX/UI for standard websites and apps.