M.A. Social Design & Sustainable Innovation

• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Model: full-time
• Language: English
• ECTS: 120 ECTS
• Info: accredited , without NC
• Duration: 4 semesters/2 years
• Location: Berlin
• Portfolio: 2 - 3 creative works on the topic "Why change?" (films, texts, photos, illustrations, etc.)

The Master's program in Social Design and Sustainable Innovation challenges the existing system and thinks design from the perspective of social and global challenges. The aim is to educate a new generation of designers who can innovate and think critically. You will work with methods such as social design thinking, cooperation, co-creation and other qualitative research methods. Your overarching goals are fairness, transparency and sustainability. Social design, social campaigning, corporate design, interaction design, socially engaged art, digital innovation, exhibition and event design, design practice in the context of visual communication, editorial design, photography, film and UX/UI design as well as design thinking form the cornerstones of the program. Futurology, cultural participation and cultures of care are also integrated into the program.

Within the core areas, you will work with cooperation partners from the (creative) industry and other organizations on social innovations, campaigns and design solutions for a sustainable and just future. You will design visual identities for companies and organizations, from logo design to merchandising products. You will also design and organize events and panels on topics such as resilience or future trends. 

In the area of social campaigning, you will develop creative campaigns on socially relevant topics. The campaign ideas will be visually implemented with self-designed photos, posters, films and digital media formats to reach a broad public. In the area of editorial design, you will create books and texts on current topics such as diversity. 

In the area of social design thinking, you will work with project partners on complex topics in the digital or analog field and develop visual solutions and prototypes. In the area of experimental design, you will develop creative visual solutions to challenging topics such as urban space or cultural participation. 

Subjects such as Sustainable Business Innovation, Sociology, Branding, Critical Theory and a Portfolio Course round off the program. In the fourth semester, the focus is on the master's thesis on a topic of your choice, which, in addition to an academic part, also includes an independently developed design. 

Overall, the M.A. in Social Design and Sustainable Innovation qualifies you for a leading role in the design and communications industry in national or international agencies, companies, governmental organizations or NGOs. The interdisciplinary program is suitable for graduates of all bachelor's programs. Admission requirements are an interview and a creative portfolio that demonstrates your interest in design and design-related disciplines such as photography, film, illustration, etc. 

Social Design and Sustainable Innovation can significantly change cultural and business organisations, leading to more authentic and digital innovation. Professional skills are derived from mastering the respective design disciplines paired with combined methodologies of social change.

Graduates take up traditional and new design professions with an extended and scientifically sound design, thinking and action approach. 

They work as 

• art directors,
• designers,
• consultants,
• project managers,
• interaction Designer,
• change managers, and
• curators for companies and institutions. 

The Master of Arts degree also prepares students for a doctoral or PhD degree programme, which opens the way, in particular, to academic careers in teaching and research.

In the initial semesters of your Master's programme in Social Design & Sustainable Innovation, you will delve deeply into the fields of social design and design research. You will explore the connections between art, society, and change, as well as learn how to develop impactful social campaigns. Additionally, you will be introduced to marketing and branding strategies.

As you progress through your studies, the focus will shift towards design thinking, covering its various stages: research, synthesis, creation, realisation, and prototyping. Your programme will be complemented by several internships, culminating in your Master's thesis.

1st Semester

1. Social Design Science + Practices A – 5 ECTS
2. Design Research – 5 ECTS
3. Social Campaigning – 5 ECTS
4. Art, Society + Change – 5 ECTS
5. Marketing and Branding – 5 ECTS
6. Profession and Best Practice I – 5 ECTS

2nd Semester

1. Social Design Science + Practices B – 5 ECTS
2. Sustainable Innovation I – 5 ECTS
3. Sustainable Innovation II – 5 ECTS
4. Social Design Internship – 5 ECTS
5. Sociology and Branding – 5 ECTS
6. Profession and Best Practice II – 5 ECTS

3rd Semester

1. Design Thinking / Research – 5 ECTS
2. Design Thinking / Synthesis and Creation – 5 ECTS
3. Design Thinking / Realisation and Prototyping – 5 ECTS
4. Social Design Manifesto + Portfolio – 5 ECTS
5. Design Practices – 5 ECTS
6. Profession and Best Practice III – 5 ECTS

4th Semester

1. Master Thesis + Colloquium – 30 ECTS

Today, soft and social skills are crucial in addition to hard skills and expertise. That's why SRH University's innovative, successful, and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning so that you can apply your knowledge directly to projects and your future career—for a clear competitive advantage. 

To apply for the Master's programme in Social Design & Sustainable Innovation , you need

• Bachelor's degree. If you have not graduated yet, apply with existing transcripts.
• Creative and Technical Skills: Strong interest in aesthetics and visual communication; curiosity about people, their diversity, and the world, with the aim of using design and communication to inspire and connect; experience in layout, image editing, typography, concept development, or other creative practices is an advantage
• Portfolio Requirements: Submit work that reflects your interest in design and communication – this can range from posters, websites, and photography to illustration or branding concepts and may also include sketches, mood boards, visual concepts, or personal creative projects
• Letter of Motivation: A personal statement should show your motivation to engage in design and communication and openness toward people and ideas in all their variety
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of your identity card or passport 

English language requirements:

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required