Facts about the Master in Eco-Social Design

Facts

Degree

Master of Arts in Design with Specialisation in Eco-Social Design

Graduate profile

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Eco-Social Design:

• Explore the wickedly complex problems of living within the ecological limits of our planet.
• Recognize the ecological, social, and economic challenges of our time and derive future-oriented research questions.
• Understand and participate in the design of social transformation processes - from early adapters to change agents.
• Describe preferred realities.
• Plan, develop and cultivate independent design projects for solidary, resilient, and just communities.
• Analyze the requirements of a multitude of stakeholders and integrate them into the design process using systemic design methods.
• Know a variety of analysis and design methods and apply them appropriately within their project context.
• Engage in various levels of eco-social design interventions - from policy making to prototyping regulations, from community services to individual actions.
• Design, model, and test sustainable design solutions through co-creation, iterative prototyping, and impact assessment.
• Can weigh different approaches, justify, document, and communicate them plausibly.
• Cultivate a personal and critical attitude through the examination of state of the art in theory, practice, and research to substantiate their design decisions.
• Deepen their understanding of the crucial and essential role of communication in addressing climate change.
• Take political, eco-social and design responsibility - for themselves, our communities, and the planet.

Specialisation

• Specialisation in Eco Social Design

Field of activity

Thanks to their competencies in systems thinking, social and environmental policymaking, sustainability design and impact assessment, graduates can lead design processes in cross-sector innovation. 

In cooperation with clients from industry, research, public and culture sectors, they generate sustainable value for people and society.

 

Admission

Please refer to the page Admission Procedure and Admission Requirements for general admission requirements for the Master's programme.

Additional requirements for the Master of Arts in Eco-Social Design:

• Practical experience (desired).
• An original project idea or research question as the basis for the master's project.
• Curiosity and commitment as a designer to take responsibility for shaping society, technology and the economy in a future-oriented way.
• Passing an interview as part of the admission process.
• The ability to communicate in English, the language of instruction (passive understanding, active comprehension).

Entrance examinations

Application with portfolio, dossier, assessment

Detailed information can be found in the Information sheet on the admission procedure.

Application deadline

Academic year 2026/27: 1 March 2026

Commencement of studies

Academic year 2025/26: 15 September 2025 Academic year 2026/27: 14 September 2026

Semester dates

You can find the semester dates and our academic calendar here.