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Master of Science

Human-Centred Design

to the study programmes

People shape the future

A degree programme that combines interactive formats, real-world projects and personalised supervision – always with a strong degree of practical relevance. Thanks to the flexible blended-learning approach, the programme can be tailored to suit individual circumstances, whether you’re balancing work, family commitments or living abroad. 

In small groups, students undertake practice-oriented projects, supported by lecturers who work with them as equals. On-campus sessions in Aalen and Furtwangen provide opportunities for discussion, teamwork and prototyping, complemented by digital tools and virtual study spaces. 

The programme adapts to your personal circumstances 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 degree or Diplom) with min. 210 ECTS credits and min. final grade of 2.5; successful completion of an aptitude test
  • Teaching language: German
  • Accreditation: yes
  • Putting people first The master’s programme in Human-Centred Design equips you to develop complex, user-centred solutions that combine scientific methods, creative design and ethical responsibility.
  • Flexible and practical Our innovative blended learning format combines the benefits of online and face-to-face sessions. You’ll benefit from location-independent learning during the virtual sessions and interactive, practice-oriented modules delivered in person.
  • Two locations, twice the opportunities At the universities of Aalen and Furtwangen, you’ll find programme-specific laboratories and state-of-the-art research facilities. Having a presence at both locations gives you access to cutting-edge technology and creates the ideal conditions for your development.
  • Creative minds and digital visionaries Ideal for designers, developers, UX professionals and digital strategists who wish to shape human-technology interaction responsibly. Thanks to its flexible structure, it adapts perfectly to your individual circumstances – whether that is work, family or specific challenges.

Your key contact

I’m happy to help with any questions you have about the degree programme!

Prof. Dr. Gabriel Rausch
Prof. Dr. Gabriel Rausch Professor of Digital Media (focus Interface Design)
  Dean of Studies:
  Online Media (BSc) (OMB)
  Media Design (BA) (MKB)
+49 7723 920-2534 Mail gabriel.rausch(at)hs-furtwangen.de

Details of the programme

Course content and structure

Human-Centred Design is more than just a degree programme – it’s a mindset

Human-Centred Design – studying at two universities (I24425)

Design changes the world – and it starts with people. On the master's degree programme in Human-Centred Design, you will deepen the knowledge gained during your Bachelor’s degree and apply it in new contexts in a targeted manner − interdisciplinary, project-based and future-oriented.

The degree programme is aimed at designers, developers, UX professionals, digital strategists and anyone who wishes to play a responsible role in shaping human-technology interaction. The degree programme is particularly well-suited to those who are already working on projects, managing a family or facing other specific life circumstances. 

Thanks to the blended learning format, which combines digital learning phases with compact on-campus sessions, the programme can be easily reconciled with a variety of lifestyle and work arrangements. The programme offers flexibility whilst facilitating intensive, practical collaboration – both on-site in Aalen and Furtwangen, and virtually.

Entry requirements
  • A completed university degree (bachelor's degree or Diplom) comprising a minimum of 210 ECTS credits and a minimum grade of 2.5
  • A minimum of 90 ECTS in a design-related degree programme (e.g. Information Design, UX, Media, Communication, Technology)
  • Excellent German language proficiency (C1 level)
  • Participation in an aptitude test
What's covered
Your career prospects

Graduates of the master's degree programme in Human-Centered Design are exceptionally well equipped to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of design, technology and society – strategically, creatively and responsibly.

The following are examples of such innovation-oriented career fields:

  • UX design and user-centred research
  • Product and service development
  • Strategic user experience management
  • Innovation and transformation consultancy
  • Interdisciplinary project and team management
  • Applied research and science
  • Companies, agencies and 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 strongly research-oriented universities in the state. We have dedicated a specific research focus on the field of computer science and media. We develop solutions for forms of information and communication that are specifically tailored to people and their intellectual, auditory, tactile and visual needs. 

Click here to view the current Internal link opens in the same window:research projects at HFU.

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