Overview
This English‑taught master’s programme prepares you to lead and manage creative work. It is designed for designers, managers or anyone with a strong interest in design who wants to take on responsibility for design processes and creative teams. If you hold a Bachelor of Arts and aim to move into roles that steer design strategy and execution, this degree equips you with the qualifications to do so.
What you will gain
You will become an expert in design processes and in applying design thinking to solve complex problems. The curriculum blends design practice, management theory and research methods so you can guide creative teams and manage innovation across organisations. Through collaborations with businesses and design firms you will tackle real‑world challenges, develop communication and leadership skills, and learn to use scientific methods to design responsibly in a changing global context. Graduates are well suited to roles in design and media agencies, product and service companies, and can progress to senior positions such as Chief Design Officer.
Entry requirements and practical notes
This 90 ECTS master's curriculum is structured across three semesters and combines practical design practice with research-led and strategic management studies. The first semester establishes foundations in business administration, leadership, design research and theory, and introduces a practice-based research project. The second semester moves into marketing, decision-making, strategic aspects of design management, and systems thinking, capped by a research-focused project. The third semester is devoted to change management and completion of the master's thesis.
The programme emphasises transferable skills for leadership roles in design-driven organisations: applying scientific design concepts and methods, developing strategy and systems-level thinking for complex contexts, conducting practice- and research-based projects, and managing organisational change. Students leave with both applied project experience and an independent research thesis that consolidates their learning.
These are the entry criteria for the 90 ECTS version of the Master’s programme. Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate degree (or an equivalent qualification) and demonstrate a basic background in the selected study area. A short motivational interview is part of the selection process.
You will also need to show English language ability at CEFR level B1 and provide evidence of at least one year of professional work experience. If your previous degree uses a non‑ECTS system, equivalence to the stated minimum (180 ECTS) will be considered during assessment. For variant-specific details and documentation requirements, please check the programme website.
Winter Semester (International)
All Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes can be started on the first day of each month. Please allow two weeks for processing and submit your application for enrolment in a timely manner.
Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles that bridge creativity and business, such as creative team leader, design manager, or Chief Design Officer in design and media agencies, product and service companies, and other organisations that prioritise innovation. The combination of design thinking, management strategy and research skills also supports careers in consultancy, user experience and service design, and roles that require coordinating complex design systems.
Because the programme emphasizes both applied projects and scientific methods, alumni can pursue positions that demand practical problem-solving as well as roles that involve shaping organisational strategy and change. The degree equips you to manage multidisciplinary teams and to communicate effectively across creative and managerial stakeholders.