The course teaches design as both a tool and an attitude. It deepens application or research-oriented knowledge from technology and science in practice, theory and history with cultural-technical methods of design. “The curriculum is structured as a project course,” explains Professor Hoffelner. In self-initiated projects and in dialog, students develop awareness and methodological skills with regard to sustainable and societal transformation processes.
The course also teaches a comprehensive conceptual and design methodology with regard to artistic and planning/design skills. The focus is on three vertical design studios, each lasting one semester, with interdisciplinary specializations. The studios focus on questioning ideas and concepts through reflection and research and finding answers in developed and formalized studies with well-founded results.
Study program opens up diverse career paths
“In the Master's degree, we work on a concept of design that is oriented towards an international professional profile that places design practice in an interdisciplinary way between technology and society, theory and practice, experiment and application, consumption and criticism, innovation and provocation as well as problem finding and problem solving,” says the course director. The Master's course enables students to work independently as designers and opens the door to leading positions, for example in design departments, product development, art direction or marketing. However, the course also provides a basis for an academic career in cultural or culture-promoting institutions.
Studies also possible with a Bachelor's degree in natural sciences
Applicants must have successfully completed a university degree in a relevant course of study, generally comprising at least 180 ECTS credits, and pass an aptitude test. Relevant fields of study are those that deal with design from the perspectives of various disciplines: Architecture, design, art and natural science courses such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering or computer science. “It is precisely the interdisciplinary interaction between design and technology at our university that makes this new course so appealing,” emphasizes Dean Professor Andreas Emminger from the Faculty of Architecture.
Further information on the course and how to apply can be found at https://www.oth-regensburg.de/studiengang/design-studieren
