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Design und Information

Start of studies: 15 March

Apply now for a Master's degree programme!

For most of our master's degree programmes, you can apply by 15 January 2026. For English-taught Master's degree programmes not subject to admission restrictions (NC), the deadline is 15 December 2025.

Facts and figures

Degree programme:
Design and Information

Degree:
Master of Arts (M.A.)

Admission:
No admission restrictions
Aptitude test

THWS location:
Würzburg, Campus Sanderheinrichsleitenweg

Faculty:
Design

Study mode:
Full-time degree programme

Duration:
3 semesters standard time to degree

Language:
German
partly English

Semester fees:
None (student services fee only (Studierendenwerksbeitrag); approx. EUR 150)

Start of studies:
Summer and Winter Semester (15 March and 1 October)

Application period:
Annually, 1 May till 15 July and 15. November till 15. January

Contact

Contact person
Prof. Erich Schöls
erich.schoels@thws.de

Academic Advisory Service
studienberatung@thws.de

Degree programme website
Degree programme Design & Information (former: Information Design)

Information about applying
Apply now
Information for internationals

Shape the future through visionary design and interdisciplinary research

Would you like to develop innovative design concepts by combining proven approaches and modern, research-based methodology? The master's degree programme Design and Information at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) provides you with the perfect framework. Interlinked practice-oriented design and academic reflection offer you the knowledge and skills required to turn creative ideas into future-oriented solutions.

Photo: THWS Archive

Reasons to study Design and Information at THWS

Taking a master's degree programme at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and prepare for demanding tasks in our dynamic world. Our degree programmes combine advanced theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented application and specialised research. We promote interdisciplinary thinking and offer you comprehensive education strengthening your analytical skills and innovative spirit. Thanks to the access to state-of-the-art technologies and the close cooperation with practice partners, you will be optimally prepared for leadership positions and specialist roles.

Advantages of the degree programme:

  • High interdisciplinary share of studies focussing on design in the context of new technologies, and cultural and social sciences
  • Individual project work throughout the entire master's programme: Develop your own practice-oriented project
  • Intensive personal exchange with experience lecturers
  • Theory and practice combined: Interlink creativity and academic methodology to realise innovative concepts
  • Transdisciplinary courses at renowned partner universities
  • Excellent infrastructure and global partner network
  • Optimal preparation for management positions and freelancing

Three good reasons

Independent project work: Develop and realise your own design project, from the first idea to the final implementation
Creativity meets higher education: Combine design competence and profound research to develop innovative and future-oriented concepts
Transdisciplinary exchange: Benefit from individual supervision and a strong network of experts from various disciplines

Study contents

The three-semesters master's programme Design and Information at THWS constitutes of interlinked conception and theory phases. Throughout all semesters, you will work intensively on your own transdisciplinary project topic, supported by accompanying courses in theory and practice. In the third semester, you will complete your studies with an independent master's thesis that combines theoretical foundations and practical design experience.

1: Conceptual design and project theory

Throughout your studies, you will pursue your project both theoretically and practically – from intensive research and theory development to creative implementation. Your work and findings will be complemented by transdisciplinary seminars at partner universities, which will specifically promote your individual thematic focus.

2: Master's thesis

In the third semester, you will finalise your master's thesis and complete your project in a conceptually and scientifically sound manner. All the knowledge you have acquired during your studies will flow into an innovative, independent thesis and a practice-oriented implementation that ideally illustrates the creative solution to your individual project topic.

You will benefit from personal exchanges with experienced professors and from transdisciplinary courses that open up access to a global network and diverse career prospects.

How are studies at THWS particularly practice-oriented?

  • Learn how to work and think in a transdisciplinary way
  • Practice-oriented project work
  • Professors with several years of professional experience
Photo: Lino Weber

Career and perspectives

We pursue an innovative, transdisciplinary approach in our master's programme. Our approach enables you to sharpen your design profile in a future-oriented way. Not only does your career path include the traditional fields in agencies and design offices but also academic institutions and research-related corporate fields. You might also start a career at a higher education institution.

The professional fields are diverse:

  • Design offices and agencies
  • Digital media companies
  • Advertisement and marketing
  • Consulting and strategy development
  • Cultural and event organisations
  • Freelancing
  • Teaching and research

Is Design and Information the right degree programme for you?

The master's degree programme in Design and Information is aimed at creative minds who want to develop skills that go beyond a traditional design education. It is ideal for you if you want to work in an independent and interdisciplinary manner, and if you have a strong interest in connecting design and research.

Important qualities for this programme include a high affinity for creative processes, an appreciation of various disciplines, and a willingness to tackle complex challenges with innovative design solutions. This programme is the right choice for you if you enjoy working independently and in a project-oriented manner, and if you have the ability to reflect philosophically and develop practical solutions.

In order to study Design and Information, you must hold a relevant bachelor's degree with a grade of 2.0 or better. We also conduct an aptitude assessment.

For more detailed information on the admission requirements of this master's degree programme, please see the website of the faculty in charge. Specific requirements are also indicated in the programme's Study and Examination Regulations.

Please also see the language entrance requirements.

  • Creativity and innovative spirit
  • Analytical and conceptual thinking
  • Interest in interdisciplinary approaches
  • Ability to work on projects independently
  • Research-orientation and curiosity
  • Strong communication skills and team spirit
  • Ability to self-reflect
  • Commitment to sustainable design solutions
Photo: THWS Archive
Start your studies
in the summer or winter semester

Application

Apply from 15 November to 15 January via our application portal to start your studies in the upcoming summer semester or from 1 May to 15 July to start your studies in the upcoming winter semester.
For some degree programmes, the deadline of the application period may be extended. This information will be made known at short notice.

You have already completed study achievements and thus want to apply for a higher semester? Contact our Department of Student Affairs.

Do you have unanswered questions?

You can contact the programme advisor, i.e. a professor of the field of study you are interested in and can ask them your questions.

To the programme advisors

If you are unsure which degree programme would suit you best, or in case of general questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Academic Advisory Service.

To the Academic Advisory Service

During the THWS Taster Sessions, you can attend a variety of lectures in the degree programme of your choice and get valuable first impressions of life on campus.

To the THWS Taster Sessions

During the Student Information Days in March, you can directly exchange with students and professors and gain information on the degree programmes you are interested in.

To the student information days