Overview
The Open Design M.Sc. program at Humboldt University of Berlin, conducted in collaboration with the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), is a distinctive and interdisciplinary course of study that spans four semesters. The first two semesters take place in Buenos Aires at UBA, followed by the third semester in Berlin at Humboldt University. For the fourth semester, students have the choice to work on their master’s thesis either in Buenos Aires or Berlin.
This program focuses on the “design turn” in research, where students acquire a wide range of interdisciplinary skills. These skills span across various domains, including cultural studies, humanities, natural sciences, and design disciplines. The course structure encourages students to engage in critical reflection, develop intercultural competencies, and enhance their linguistic skills in English, German, and Spanish. This approach is conducive to effective communication across different cultures of knowledge.
Course Details
University | Freie Universität Berlin & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin |
Program Name | Open Design |
Degree | M.A. (Master of Arts) |
ECTS Credits | 120 |
Duration | 2 years |
Semester Start | Winter |
Language Requirement | English and German |
English Proficiency | CEFR: min C2; Cambridge: min C2 Proficiency (CPE); IELTS: min 7.5; TOEFL CBT: min 243; TOEFL iBT: min 96; TOEFL pBT: min 590; Trinity: min 12 |
Study Mode | On-campus |
Admission Restriction | Local |
Application Method | uni-assist |
Subjects | Design & Cultural Studies |
Qualification Requirements | Bachelor’s degree |
Tuition Fees | Free per semester |
Application Fee | €75 (first application), €30 (each additional application) |
Admission Documents
- Application Form: Download the form, fill it out completely, and sign it.
- Curriculum Vitae: Prepare a concise CV in PDF format. It should include your full first and family names, postal address (including the name of the city/town), telephone number(s), and passport or ID card number from your country of origin.
- Portfolio (if applicable): If your field or the program requires it, include a portfolio or other relevant academic and professional documents (like texts, project descriptions, etc.). Ensure that the total file size does not exceed 10 MB and that it is in PDF format.
- Motivation Letter: Write a letter in English explaining your motivation for applying. This letter should not be longer than two pages.
- Certificate of Advanced English Knowledge: As part of the language requirements, submit a certificate that proves your advanced level of English.
- Proof of Basic Spanish Knowledge (for non-Spanish speakers): If Spanish is not your official language, you need to demonstrate basic knowledge of Spanish at an A2 level or equivalent.
Career opportunities
- Design Researcher: Conduct research in design principles, user experience, and emerging design trends, contributing to the field’s knowledge base.
- UX/UI Designer: Specialize in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, creating intuitive and visually appealing digital products and interfaces.
- Design Strategist: Develop design strategies that align with business objectives, helping organizations use design as a competitive advantage.
- Design Educator: Teach design principles and practices at schools, universities, or workshops, sharing knowledge with aspiring designers.
- Creative Director: Lead design teams, overseeing projects and ensuring creative excellence in design and branding initiatives.