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Master of Science

Human-Centered Design

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People shape the future

A degree programme combining interactive formats, real projects and personal support − always with a strong practical focus. Thanks to the flexible blended learning concept, it can be individually designed, whether with a career, family responsibilities or a life abroad.

Practice-oriented projects are created in small groups, guided by teachers. Attendance phases in Aalen and Furtwangen offer opportunities for exchange, teamwork and prototyping, supplemented by digital tools and virtual learning spaces.

The course adapts to personal life realities and creates the ideal framework for individual development.

  • ECTS: 90 ECTS
  • Programme duration: 3 semesters
  • Campus: External
  • Faculty: Faculty IV: Business, Design & Media
  • Programme begins: winter semester (October)
  • Application deadline: See "Apply now" page
  • Entry requirements: University degree (bachelor's or Diplom) with a minimum of 210 ECTS and a minimum final grade of 2.5, participation in an aptitude test on 15 September 2025.
  • Teaching language: German
  • Accreditation: yes
  • Focus on people The master's degree programme in Human-Centered Design enables you to develop complex, user-centered solutions that combine scientific methods, creative design and ethical responsibility.
  • Flexible and workplace-oriented Our innovative blended learning format combines the advantages of online and face-to-face phases. You benefit from location-independent learning in virtual phases and interactive, practice-oriented modules on site.
  • Two locations, double the possibilities At both Aalen University and Furtwangen University, you can expect course-specific laboratories and modern research infrastructures. The dual location presence offers you access to cutting-edge technologies and creates ideal conditions for development.
  • Creative minds and digital visionaries Ideal for designers, developers, UX professionals and digital strategists looking to shape human-technology interaction responsibly. Thanks to its flexible structures, it adapts perfectly to your individual life situations - work, family or special challenges.

Details of the programme

Programme content and structure

Human-Centered Design is more than a degree - it's also a mindset

Human-centred Design - study at two universities (I24425)

Design changes the world − and starts with people. In the master's degree in Human-Centered Design, you will deepen your knowledge from your bachelor's degree and apply it specifically in new contexts: interdisciplinary, project-based and future-oriented.

The course is aimed at designers, developers, UX professionals, digital strategists and anyone who wants to play a responsible role in shaping human-technology interaction. The course is also particularly suitable for people who already work in projects, manage families or are in other special life situations.

Thanks to the blended learning format with digital learning phases and compact attendance dates, the course can be easily combined with different life and work models. The concept creates freedom and at the same time enables intensive, practical collaboration − both on site in Aalen and Furtwangen, and virtually.

Entry requirements
  • A university degree (bachelor's or Diplom) with minimum 210 ECTS and a minimum grade of 2.5
  • Minimum 90 ECTS in a design-related degree programme (e.g. information design, UX, media, communication, technology)
  • Excellent German (CEF C1 level)
  • Participation in an aptitude test
What's covered
Your career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Human-Centered Design degree programme are well-prepared to shape complex challenges at the interface of design, technology and society − strategically, creatively and responsibly in innovation-related professional fields such as:

  • UX Design & User-Centered Research
  • Product and Service Development
  • Strategic User Experience Management
  • Innovation and Transformation Consulting
  • Interdisciplinary Project and Team Leadership
  • Applied Research
  • Companies, Agencies & Public Organisations

Faculty IV: Business, Design & Media

Shape our digital future! At our HFU School of Design and Media, innovative ideas are brought to life – with curiosity and creativity. We question the tried and tested (preferably ourselves too). And we navigate you safely through the fast-moving world of media. Our bachelor's degree programmes provide you with a sound basic understanding and the ability to recognise trends early on and quickly familiarise yourself with new technologies. 

Internal link opens in the same window:More about the Faculty IV – HFU School of Design and Media

 

Furtwangen University is one of the strongest research universities in the country. We have a dedicated research focus on computer science and media.  We find solutions for forms of information and communication that are specially tailored to people and their intellectual, auditory, tactile and visual needs.

Internal link opens in the same window:Current research projects at HFU.

Your key contact

I'm happy to help with any questions about the degree programme!

Melanie Wittmann
Melanie Wittmann Head of THE BLÄNDED LEARNING office
+49 7723 920-2690 Mail info@theblaendedlearning.de
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