Master of Science (M. Sc.)
If you want to learn how design can shape not only products but also leadership, strategy, and organisational change, the Master’s programme in Design Leadership is the perfect choice. Taught entirely in English, the programme combines creative methodologies with business thinking and technological insight. You will explore design processes, leadership frameworks, and modern ways of working while collaborating on real-world projects with industry partners and creative agencies.
A strong interdisciplinary focus prepares you to apply design expertise in management roles, build high-performing teams, and lead creative processes effectively. Key topics include digital transformation, sustainability, international collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation culture. Through project-based learning and flexible digital learning formats, you will develop the skills needed to drive change and create value in complex organisations.
Graduates are well prepared for leadership positions in companies, design consultancies, agencies, and start-ups. Located in the heart of Europe, just one hour from Munich, the programme benefits from a strong network of leading creative agencies and globally recognised industrial companies. Career opportunities range from Design Manager, Creative Lead, and Innovation Consultant to Art Director, where you will shape brand identities, lead creative teams, and help organisations achieve lasting visibility and impact.
<p>This project-based module addresses complex innovation challenges at the intersection of design, technology, and business. Students work in teams to develop solutions using design and engineering methods while strengthening project management, communication, and collaboration skills.</p>
<p>Focuses on the development of innovative products through structured design processes. Students apply design theory, CAD tools, sketching techniques, and presentation methods to independently develop and communicate convincing design solutions.</p>
<p>Module presents basic elements of management. Introduces fundamental management theories, organizational structures, strategy development, and financial based decision-making. Students gain a solid understanding of management tools and learn to critically analyze and judge corporate strategies, business processes and KPIs.</p>
<p>Explores creativity techniques and innovation methods applied in business contexts. Students learn to select, adapt, and facilitate creativity methods for product, service, and organizational challenges, including the design and moderation of workshops.</p>
<p>This project module connects design practice with leadership and entrepreneurship. Students develop solutions for real-world challenges while taking leadership roles, managing teams, and integrating business, design, and innovation perspectives.</p>
<p>Focuses on translating design concepts into functional prototypes. Students apply prototyping methods, CAD, 3D printing, and finishing techniques to iteratively refine products and communicate design decisions effectively.</p>
<p>Provides methods and tools for leading innovation processes through design. Students analyze team structures, apply design leadership frameworks, and learn how to guide interdisciplinary teams toward effective and sustainable outcomes.</p>
<p>Explores cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of design and leadership. Students analyze cultural contexts, intercultural communication, sustainability, and business ethics to support responsible innovation and leadership practices.</p>
<p>Introduces scientific research methods in design and leadership. Students develop research questions, conduct qualitative and quantitative studies, and present results in academic formats while strengthening analytical and scientific writing skills.</p>
<p>The final academic project focuses on an independent research or practice-oriented topic in design leadership. Students apply scientific methods to complex problems at the interface of design, technology, and business and defend their results in a colloquium.</p>
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Note that all foreign applicants must submit their Bachelor's degree to uni-assist which verifies their eligibility and coverts their grades to the German grade system. Uni-Assist will issue a so called preliminary inspection documentation (VPD) which you have to upload to the application portal (similar to their other documents).
Admission restrictions may apply. Admission is based on the grade point average of your Bachelor's degree. The average mark required depends on the number of applicants and available capacity.
Please find further information on master applications here. For applications from abroad, see our master's from abroad-pages.
There is no requirement to formally prove German language skills for your admission. You may start with little or no German language proficiency. However, German is the official national language in Germany. The transition from your home country to the German university system and every day life will be made easier the more German you know. Furthermore, German skills will greatly increase your chances in finding a student job and or an internship at a German company.
Please take note of our Statutes for International Orientation and Selection Procedures
For applicants from third countries, the selection process includes an assessment based on the application documents submitted. Relevant selection criteria include the grade point average of your bachelor's degree, your curriculum, your practical experience, a work sample, and an internal test. In the second stage, a selection interview is conducted.
Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.
Programme Director Design Leadership (Master)
![[Translate to English:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/image-enhancer/52120/MVM_Header-06.JPG-2400x1600-crop-default-2-243-2971-1671.webp "[Translate to English:]")
Master of Arts (M. A.)
At the core of Marketing, Sales and Media are strategic marketing, brand management, media and sales. The curriculum connects consumer behaviour, digital channels and communication planning. Its specialist profile is shaped by market-oriented management combining creativity with data analysis. The programme combines rigorous analysis with application-oriented subject knowledge.
About the degree program
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
The Bachelor’s degree programme in User Experience Design combines computer science, design and psychology to provide a holistic understanding of digital products. The programme focuses on user-centred design, interaction design and the development of intuitive applications that combine functionality, aesthetics and user experience.
About the degree program
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
Technical Design combines creativity with real-world application. This bachelor's degree programme prepares students for creative careers in industry, where design, functionality and user experience come together. From automotive interiors and consumer products to precision-engineered components, students develop innovative solutions that stand out visually, ergonomically and technically. Hands-on projects, 3D modelling and prototyping, and plenty of room for creative exploration provide the ideal foundation for shaping the products of tomorrow, including within the region's strong automotive sector.
About the degree program
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Digital technologies require qualified specialists to design user-friendly and engaging interactive products. The Master’s programme in User Experience Design equips students with up-to-date knowledge in the fields of human-computer interaction, user-centred design and user research.
About the degree program