Design Management
WHY "DESIGN MANAGEMENT"?
SHAPING CREATIVITY
Do you want to understand how design and project management intersect and how to turn creative ideas into successful, future-oriented business strategies? If you are interested in innovative technologies, marketing strategies, and digital product development, the Design Management Master’s program at Mediadesign Hochschule is the perfect fit for you.
In this program, you will deepen your design expertise and combine it with solid management knowledge to shape the design processes of the future. You will optimize digital products, reinvent them entirely, or work on innovative solutions for future services. Start your Design Management studies now and pave the way to creative leadership positions in national and international companies!
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Your Degree Programm
In the NC-free Master’s program in Design Management, you’ll study to become the modern strategists and product developers, the future art or marketing directors. In small learning groups, you work with fellow students from around the world, identify new trends and technologies, and learn how to apply them in a problem-based way and tailor them to specific target audiences. You study in the heart of Berlin, a hub for outstanding design, innovative start-ups, and a vibrant student life.
With us, you don’t just acquire knowledge—you put it into practice through hands-on projects, making your learning results immediately tangible. At the same time, you build a valuable network for your professional future, connecting with ambitious peers and exciting industry contacts.
You can look forward to:
Welcome to Design Management in Berlin!
You will complete your Design Management studies at the state-of-the-art campus of Mediadesign Hochschule in Berlin! Here, creativity, innovative technologies, and collaboration are at the center of everything. Take advantage of fully equipped workshops and studios with cutting-edge technology—from computer labs to professional photography studios. The mdh gives you the tools to bring your creative visions to life and to develop your talents.
Located in the heart of Charlottenburg, the campus not only provides an inspiring learning environment but also places you close to the vibrant life of the capital. Discover countless cultural highlights, explore Berlin’s exciting nightlife, and experience the inspiring diversity of an international metropolis. We warmly welcome you to your Design Management studies in Berlin!
ADVANTAGES OF OUR MASTER'S PROGRAM: DESIGN MANAGEMENT
The Master’s program in Design Management at mdh gives you the opportunity to acquire specialized skills and broaden your horizons. You will deepen your existing knowledge while developing additional competencies that qualify you for leadership roles in design and project management.
Why study Design Management at mdh?
- Advanced Knowledge: Expand your expertise in your field while gaining a broader perspective. In addition to innovation and design, you will strengthen skills in areas such as resource management and team leadership.
- Qualification for Leadership Roles: Solid management knowledge and leadership skills open doors to responsible, executive positions.
- International Focus: A multicultural learning environment and courses offered in English prepare you for an international career.
- Career Advancement & Accelerated Entry: A Master’s degree gives you access to higher-paying and more challenging career opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: mdh maintains various partnerships and an active alumni community, allowing you to connect with industry professionals and build or expand your network during your studies.
- Confidence & Independence: Successfully completing a Master’s program boosts your confidence and independence, enabling you to tackle complex challenges with self-assurance.
Alumna Nancy Bernhardt
Senior Associate Consultant Public Sector, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
"It's always valuable to make contacts, also within mdh, to get to know people, also from the other degree programs, to talk to them. With the career service, with the lecturers. You always see each other twice in life and that has always been of use to me. All the jobs I've had, I've had them somehow through contacts."
Application & Admission
Individual time models make the master's program at mdh very flexible and can be tailored to your personal needs. Our student advisors will be happy to advise you and provide you with further information.
Enrollment Requirements
- English skills. Language proof: TOEFL IPT: 627, TOEFL IBT: 95, IELTS (Academic): 7, Cambridge FCE: C1, PTE Academic: 76, IB Diploma: English A or B at HL, BI 'English Language Proficiency Exam': PASS. We also accept Duolingo.
Your personality and talents are more important than top grades!
Please apply via e-Mail (or regular mail). This is what we need from you:
- A motivation letter (tell us what inspires you – ca. 1 page)
- Representative work samples (sketches, pictures, collages or early work, etc…)
- Relevant grade reports as well as a resume with your current photo
- You may apply during the school year (even before secondary school graduation)
Graduation diploma can be submitted after completion of your secondary school.
Information for applicants from abroad: You have the possibility to check your international certificates independently in advance via uni-assist and to inform yourself about the requirements for your admission: TO UNI-ASSIST
Personal Requirements
- Interest in innovative trends, technologies and designs
- Creativity and inspiration
- Being curious about human behavior and product innovations
- Being a team player, intuition and empathy
Tuition Fees:
- Campus Berlin: English language program: EU citizens: 4.110,00 EUR/Semester | Non-EU citizens: 6.300,00 EUR/Semester
For all courses we charge a one-time registration fee of 490,00 EUR and a one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR.
For non-EU citizens, the one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR is included in the tuition price.
In case of prepayment (semesterly, annually, completely) the tuition fees can be reduced by up to 5%. (This discount is not compatible with early registration discounts).
Your Curriculum
The Design Management program develops your skills in both creative and management areas, making you a professional in design thinking to create products that are innovative, economically viable, and meet people’s needs. This positions you to play a key role in managing creative processes professionally and to serve as the bridge between design and management. During the Master’s program, you will deepen your knowledge in Innovation & Design as well as in Marketing & Branding. Additionally, you will train in future-oriented leadership and team management, preparing you for executive roles.
Your courses include:
- Leadership
- Experience Design Thinking
- Brand Identity
- Culture
- Digital Product Development
- Strategic Innovation
- Future & Trend Research
- Marketing & Markets
- Academic Research
In hands-on courses, you will work on real-world challenges and develop creative solutions, learning to implement and coordinate complex design requirements across various industries. The Master’s program promotes innovative, solution-oriented thinking and prepares you intensively for a professional environment shaped by rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence. Specialize now with the Design Management Master’s program at Mediadesign Hochschule.
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Insights
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Your Career
Target Group „Design Management“
This program is suitable for all those who
- plan to assume a leadership position in the field of design
- are interested in innovative product development processes
- want to make brands and brand identities come to life
Graduates of the Master Program work as leaders in interface positions in the areas of design, innovation or project management. They have job opportunities in:
- international companies across various industries
- design and innovation agencies
- consulting companies
Typical Jobs:
- Design Manager
- Product Manager
- Strategic Planning Manager
- Innovation Manager
- Design Consultant
- Design Thinker
- Design Researcher
- Creative Director
- Art Director
- Strategic Designer
- Marketing Director
- Brand Manager
- Trend / Future Researcher
- ...
Your career prospects after graduating from Mediadesign University are promising, both creatively and financially. The successes of our graduates speak for themselves - including a former student who started as a design manager after his master's degree and immediately achieved an annual salary of 55,000 euros.
Invest in your creative passion and gain not only professional fulfillment, but also the opportunity to make a successful financial start! The Mediadesign Hochschule prepares you optimally.
FAQ
1. What is Design Management, and how does it differ from Design or Business Administration?
Design Management is the strategic interface between creativity and business. It ensures that design processes are purposefully applied to achieve business goals and drive innovation. While design focuses on operational creation and business administration (BWL) deals with the economic viability of products and processes, Design Management combines both aspects, integrates them harmoniously, and oversees the entire creative process.
2. What topics are covered in the Design Management program?
The program prepares you to serve as the link between design and management. You learn to strategically manage creative processes and develop innovations that are both user-centered and economically successful. The main focus areas include:
Innovation & Strategy: Strategic innovation, digital product development, and future & trend research.
Marketing & Brand: Deepening in brand identity as well as marketing and markets.
Leadership: Training in leadership skills and team responsibility for executive roles.
Methodology & Design: Experience design thinking, cultural studies, and academic research.
By working on real-world challenges, you develop solution-oriented strategies for complex design requirements, while also considering forward-looking technologies such as artificial intelligence.
3. How long does the program take?
The Design Management Master’s program lasts 3 semesters. You can start either in the summer or winter semester.
4. What are the admission requirements for the program?
To enroll in the Design Management Master’s program at Mediadesign Hochschule, you need a recognized Bachelor’s degree in management, humanities, or a creative field. You can also start the Design Management Master’s with a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline, provided you can demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge. Our student advisory team will be happy to assist you!
5. What are the advantages of studying at Mediadesign Hochschule?
At Mediadesign Hochschule, practical learning is at the forefront. We don’t believe in dry theory—instead, our students apply their new knowledge directly in hands-on projects. Our instructors bring years of professional experience and plenty of tips for the next generation of design managers. The best part: with your Design Management Master’s, you earn a nationally recognized degree.
6. How can I receive financial support during my studies?
Students at mdh can apply for the following types of financial support:
- BAföG (also available for international students)
- MDH Education Fund
- KfW Student Loan
7. Is the degree nationally recognized and accredited?
Yes. mdh is a state-recognized university (in accordance with § 123 para. 1 of the Berlin Higher Education Act in connection with § 70 para. 1 of the Higher Education Framework Act).
8. What are the career prospects and fields after graduation?
With a Master’s in Design Management, you can expect countless career opportunities, as strong design combined with effective management is in demand everywhere—from traditional products to services, and from media agencies to industry.
9. What support is offered for finding a job?
mdh’s extensive career network is a valuable resource for finding suitable positions. Additionally, our large alumni community provides direct industry contacts, helping you secure an easier entry into your professional career.