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Folkwang University of the Arts
Master German + English Arts & Design

Design Futures (MA)

Master

Folkwang University of the Arts Essen · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

Working in product design increasingly means working at the intersection of design and other disciplines. Product design is moving into fields that differ significantly from the image of the designer of industrially manufactured goods, and designers sometimes deliberately distance themselves from this. A design degree programme must therefore prepare students for a job profile that can be highly heterogeneous. The "Design Futures" Master's programme approaches design as an inherently future-oriented activity. At the same time, the programme explores the future of design itself as a discipline that can be designed and challenged. The study programme is interdisciplinary and includes scientific discourse in the field of design, engagement with social developments, and the development of a design process that focuses on openness of results and the personal responsibility and approach of the designer. Design is understood as an attitude and as a tool that enables students to critically examine the complexities of our world and to intervene in them through design. More information can be found here: https://id.folkwang-uni.de/ and here: https://www.folkwang-uni.de/en/home/design/courses-of-studies/design-futures-master-of-arts.
▶ Show the original English text
Working in product design increasingly means working at the intersection of design and other disciplines. Product design is moving into fields that differ significantly from the image of the designer of industrially manufactured goods, and designers sometimes deliberately distance themselves from this. A design degree programme must therefore prepare students for a job profile that can be highly heterogeneous. The "Design Futures" Master's programme approaches design as an inherently future-oriented activity. At the same time, the programme explores the future of design itself as a discipline that can be designed and challenged. The study programme is interdisciplinary and includes scientific discourse in the field of design, engagement with social developments, and the development of a design process that focuses on openness of results and the personal responsibility and approach of the designer. Design is understood as an attitude and as a tool that enables students to critically examine the complexities of our world and to intervene in them through design. More information can be found here: https://id.folkwang-uni.de/ and here: https://www.folkwang-uni.de/en/home/design/courses-of-studies/design-futures-master-of-arts.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

Depending on your chosen track: German at C1 (DSH-2/TestDaF) or English (IELTS ~6.5 / TOEFL iBT ~90).

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Arts & Design professions "Industrial Design, Product Design"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Industrial Design, Product Design

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How do I apply to Design Futures (MA) at Folkwang University of the Arts?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Design Futures (MA) at Folkwang University of the Arts

Is Design Futures (MA) at Folkwang University of the Arts taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Design Futures (MA) programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Design Futures (MA) at Folkwang University of the Arts? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Design Futures (MA)? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Folkwang University of the Arts — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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