Com­mu­ni­ca­ti­on & De­sign for Sustaina­bi­li­ty (MA)

Program overview

This master’s programme responds to the complex challenges of sustainable transformation by bringing together economics, design science, communication and social sciences in an inter- and transdisciplinary learning environment. It treats design not merely as an aesthetic practice but as a methodological tool to shape social and economic conditions—technically, socially and creatively—so graduates can contribute to systemic change.

Teaching blends conceptual study with hands-on practice: many modules are project-based and tied to laboratories, case studies and applied design work. Students develop practical skills in areas such as design thinking, storytelling, stakeholder management, facilitation of transformation processes, research through design and lifestyle research, preparing them to work on real-world sustainability transitions across sectors.

Requirements / key information

• The original description does not specify formal admission or application requirements.
• Language of instruction: English.
• Field: Interdisciplinary (combines economics, design science, communication, social sciences).
• Core topics and methods covered:
  • Design thinking
  • Storytelling for impact
  • Stakeholder management
  • Moderation/facilitation of transformation processes
  • Research through design
  • Lifestyle research
• Teaching approach: combination of theory with design and communication practice; most modules linked to projects, laboratories and case studies.

Overview This interdisciplinary MA combines design, communication and sustainability studies across three consecutive semesters (30 ECTS each). The programme mixes theoretical foundations with hands‑on production and project work, training you to research, plan and implement communication and design interventions that support sustainable and transformative initiatives.

Structure and learning journey

• Semester 1 establishes core knowledge: sustainable economic models, applied social research with a focus on target groups and lifestyles, sustainability communication, design science and media production (30 ECTS). You acquire both conceptual frameworks and practical media/production skills.
• Semester 2 emphasizes analysis and conceptualisation: students apply qualitative and quantitative research methods in design and communication, study international best practices and case studies of sustainable/transformative projects, and prepare a research project to be executed in semester 3 (30 ECTS).
• Semester 3 is project‑focused and research‑led: you develop strategic measures for a design project and a communication project, and complete the Master’s thesis alongside a concluding seminar (30 ECTS). This final phase ties research findings to concrete strategic outputs.

Key modules (concise)

• Fundamentals of sustainable economic models
• Applied social research (target groups, lifestyles)
• Sustainability communication
• Design science
• Media production
• Qualitative and quantitative research in design and communication
• Case studies and best practices of sustainable/transformative projects
• Research project development and execution
• Strategic design and communication projects
• Master’s thesis and seminar

Learning outcomes (what you will be able to do)

• Explain and apply core concepts of sustainable economic models in design and communication contexts
• Design and conduct applied social research to analyse target groups and lifestyle patterns
• Use qualitative and quantitative methods to frame and evaluate design/communication interventions
• Produce media and design outputs informed by sustainability principles and real‑world case studies
• Develop strategic measures for both design and communication projects that aim for transformational impact
• Plan, carry out and present a research‑based Master’s thesis integrating theoretical and practical work

ECTS summary

• 30 ECTS per semester, 90 ECTS total.

Graduates are equipped to work at the intersection of design, communication and sustainability — for example in sustainability communication roles, CSR teams, design and innovation consultancies, NGOs, public-sector transformation projects, or research and academic settings. The programme’s emphasis on applied research, stakeholder management, storytelling and project moderation prepares students to design, lead and evaluate transformative initiatives across sectors.

With practical project experience and methodological training in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, alumni can pursue roles that require translating sustainability objectives into communication strategies, design interventions and implementation plans.