Integrated Design

The Department of Design in Dessau has established a progressive educational model reflecting the historical values of the Bauhaus.
This MAID programme (Master of Arts in Integrated Design) incorporates the essential design disciplines with the creative subjects communication design, product design, space, audiovisual and digital media. They are brought together through rigorous fundamental training and interdisciplinary problem solving. These integrative components form the contour of the Master's programme.
With the theme "creating relations", the emphasis of these three design disciplines will be freshly applied. This international programme focuses on the development of intercultural competences and the synergetic power of a working environment with students from various countries and cultural backgrounds. Knowledge and skills can be specialised in the Master's programme in the form of interdisciplinary projects. A high level of media competence is required in all semesters. Projects are based on both practical and experimental research. The systematic approach to problems and the creative development of individual solutions are emphasised.
Starting with the summer semester 2014, the programme of the MAID is being changed to suit a three-semester curriculum. Based on the idea to build a bridge between our Master Intermediales Design (language of instruction: German) and our international Master of Integrated Design (language of instruction: English), we will be able to offer even more interdisciplinary studies and more interactivity between the two programmes.
The curriculum is based on an interlinked structure which allows an education in essential design fields - creating comprehensive knowledge, methodic diversification, and creative specialisation. Throughout the course of study, product design, communication design and media design are the main fields, accompanied by supporting design disciplines.

Educational organisation

The programme consists of different kinds of courses.
Inter-linked studio project (main course): comprehensive project work related to progressive methods to achieve applied and strategic design solutions

The Studio Module is the centre of the MAID courses. Under a principal topic, progressive research and creative methods are applied to complex design projects in order to develop strategic and relevant design solutions.

The Elective Module offers complementary courses to the studio class and focuses on applied and advanced technologies, experimental approaches or fundamental skills.

The Expertise Module includes specialised workshops, excursions, synchronising classes to gain further qualifications or courses offering professional competences such as teaching and management skills, etc. Design Sciences introduce scientific and theoretical discourses and reflections corresponding with the design projects.

Forms of assessment

Each semester ends with a public presentation of all projects.
The programme is completed with a Master's thesis and a public presentation of the thesis.

Course objectives

The curriculum is based on a cross-linked structure of contents, which allows an education in all essential design fields: creating generalist knowledge, methodological diversification, and creative specialisation. Throughout the course of study product design, communication design and media design are the main fields, accompanied by supporting design disciplines.

Language requirements

English language minimum:
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT): 80 or
TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) 500 or
IELTS* 5.5 or
GERS = CEFR** level B2

and highly recommended:
elementary knowledge of German (level A1 or higher)

*IELTS - International English Language Testing System
**GERS - Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen
= CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

These are the basic requirements; it is, however, highly recommended that you have sufficient language skills to communicate in everyday situations as well as during the courses using design-related terminology.

Academic requirements

Minimum qualification:

• BA degree in Design or related disciplines (product, communication, media, interior, architecture, environmental design, etc.)
• Relevant experience in design or a related field is strongly recommended but not restrictively necessary
• A printed (!) portfolio showing design-related work is necessary for the application process

Enrolment fees

76 EUR semester fee (covering a contribution to the Student Services and Student Union, but no public transport semester ticket is included or available)

Costs of living

Approx. 670 EUR per month to cover living expenses (incl. accommodation, excl. health insurance costs). Cheap rail fares/student discount on trains available.

Job opportunities

The university itself is currently not able to offer jobs. There are, however, numerous options in the city to apply for small jobs. Language tutors are in high demand.

Arrival support

Students receive information before arrival concerning accommodation, schedules, and other relevant questions. The semester starts with a meeting of all students and staff.

The International Office/Akademisches Auslandsamt runs a student-to-student buddy programme for incoming international students on all three sites of Anhalt University. This includes pre- and post arrival support (pick-up support, local information on university and place of residence etc.). Interested international students should contact their future degree programme staff at Anhalt if they wish to have a buddy before and on arrival.

Anhalt University's sites at Köthen, Bernburg and Dessau run different formats of welcoming sessions/weeks for international students at the beginning of the semester.

For further information see: http://www.hs-anhalt.de/international/international-students.html

Services and support for international students

The students will be assisted by the MAID team.
Both programme co-ordinators and International Office/Akademisches Auslandsamt offer support services for international students during their entire stay at Anhalt University (social and study related).
For further information see: http://www.hs-anhalt.de/international/international-students.html

Accommodation

Accommodation near the campus is offered by the Studentenwerk Halle / Student Services. The Studentenwerk works together with the university but is an independent institution. In order to reserve a room, the application should be sent as soon as possible.

Student Services runs on online application portal for student housing. Only online applications are accepted and need to be submitted under: http://www.tl1host.de/SWHAL/?lang_id=2
Check: http://www.studentenwerk-halle.de

Apartment and room shares are also available, but it will take time and effort to find something appropriate, so please plan ahead. No guaranteed accommodation is available.

For further information see: http://www.hs-anhalt.de/international/international-students.html