StudyQA — Master: Lighting Design — Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences

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Lighting Design at Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences is a comprehensive and creative program that prepares students to become professional lighting designers capable of shaping environments through innovative illumination solutions. The curriculum combines artistic expression with technical expertise, providing students with a solid understanding of lighting technology, design principles, human perception, and environmental sustainability. Students engage in practical projects that mirror real-world challenges faced by lighting professionals in diverse sectors such as architecture, theater, events, urban spaces, and interior design. Through lectures, workshops, and hands-on training, learners develop skills in lighting calculation, computer-aided design (CAD), rendering, and project management. The program emphasizes sustainable practices and energy-efficient lighting solutions, reflecting current industry trends and ecological considerations. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, software tools, and industry partnerships that facilitate practical experience and networking opportunities. The degree fosters creative thinking, technical competence, and an understanding of aesthetic and functional aspects of lighting, preparing graduates for careers in design studios, production companies, architectural firms, and consulting agencies. Graduates of the program are equipped to influence the visual and experiential quality of countless spaces, enhancing safety, functionality, and ambiance through expertly crafted lighting solutions. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in complex projects. Overall, Lighting Design at Ostwestfalen-Lippe University offers an in-depth education that combines theory and practice, enabling students to become innovative and responsible lighting professionals shaping the environments of tomorrow.

Educational organisation

First semester:

Core Modules

Lighting Technologies, venue: Lüdenscheid
Inspection, Evaluation, Calculation, venue: Lüdenscheid
Lighting Design, venue: Lüdenscheid
Urban Lighting, venue: Detmold

Elective Module

Elective Module 1, venue: Detmold

Project Module:

Project Advanced Lighting Design, venue: Detmold

Second semester:

Elective Module

Elective Module 2, venue: Detmold

Project Module:

Project Best Practice, venue: Detmold/Lüdenscheid

Master's thesis and Colloquium

Elective Modules

Interiors - Exhibition Lighting
Public Space - Light Art
Product Development - Light fixtures
Select from Elective Modules from Master Integrated Architectural Design (MIAD)

Course objectives

The Master's in Lighting Design is offered to graduates with a Bachelor's, Master's, or comparable university degree in interior design or other design, planning, or engineering
disciplines (such as architecture, urban planning, electrical engineering, industrial design, art, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering) as well as relevant professional experience in building and interior design planning or lighting design and planning.

Students who do not meet the prerequisites outlined above may also sign up for course modules. They will be offered the opportunity to earn a "Graduate Diploma in Lighting Design".

The career prospects for graduates of this Master's degree course include professional architectural, engineering, and planning offices as well as companies in the
lighting industry, research institutions, and universities. There are also other technology fields in which this training would be useful, such as the investigation of current software
applications and simulation technologies in lighting planning, research into new production methods, design and material innovations for lighting design, the importance of visual comfort in interior and exterior spaces, and the energy-saving potential offered by lighting options.

Language requirements

Evidence of English proficiency documented by one of the following tests or certificates, with the indicated minimum score (for those who obtained their university entrance qualification at a non-English speaking institution):

at least seven years of English in school education with a minimum grade D (sufficient) in the last four semesters
TOEFL paper-based 550
TOEFL Internet-based (ibt) 79-80
TOEFL computer-based 213,
TOEIC 750
IELTS 6,5 - 7,0
Cambridge CPE/CAE pass or
proof of an equal standard

Academic requirements

Entry Requirements
Qualification for the Master of Lighting Design (MLD) shall be documented by:
1. University entrance qualification or an equal standard (e.g., secondary school graduation certificate)

2. a) A Bachelor's degree or German Diploma ("Diplom") in interior architecture with a minimum study duration of eight semesters (240 credits)

or

b) A Bachelor's degree or German Diploma ("Diplom") in a course of study with the substantial scientific or engineering content (for example Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Design, or Arts) with a focus interior and / or lighting design and / or planning and with a minimum study duration of eight semesters (240 credits) in combination with the evidence of three of the following courses from the Interior Architecture Bachelor's programme:

Lighting Design 1 or Lighting Design 2 (each 6 ECTS)
Advanced Visualisation or Advanced Design (each 6 ECTS)
Project Construction or Project Specialisation (each 10 ECTS)

At least one of the above courses must be achieved before starting the Master of Lighting Design (MLD). Two courses can be caught up in the first semester.

It is recommended to the applicants with a Bachelor's degree or German Diploma ("Diplom") according to b) to complete a eight weeks practical training or internship in the professional field of interior architecture and / or lighting design and / or planning.

3. Evidence of the specific, that is, professional and methodological suitability for the Master of Lighting Design (MLD)

4. Evidence of English proficiency documented by one of the following tests or certificates, with the indicated minimum score (for those who obtained their university entrance qualification at a non-English speaking institution):

- at least seven years of English in school education with a minimum grade D (sufficient) in the last four semesters
- TOEFL paper-based 550
- TOEFL Internet-based (ibt) 79-80
- TOEFL computer-based 213
- TOEIC 750
- IELTS 6,5 - 7,0
- Cambridge CPE/CAE pass or
- proof of an equal standard

5. Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes some of their most important and relevant works related to urban, architectural, building or façade design and/or construction.

Work samples according to the following should be submitted on a CD-ROM:

Three samples of work from the previous course of study or professional experience, one of which, if possible, is the Bachelor's or Master's thesis or comparable final examination
Two to three smaller work samples which demonstrate additional interests and specialised fields
Up to two samples can be parts of team projects if the contribution of the applicant is indicated and clearly recognisable. The work samples must be submitted in a DIN A4-sized portfolio in a suitable data format such as PDF.
A written explanation by the applicant describing the projects and the concepts behind each project. In the case of team work, the applicant should clearly indicate her/his role in the project. Limit your letter to one page.
A written declaration that the applicant has produced the work samples on her or his own

6. Motivation letter and a resume: Applicants must submit a motivation letter that should address their background as it relates to the requested specialisation (Architectural Design, Façade Design or Computational Design).

7. Evidence of relevant professional experience of at least one year in the area of architecture, interior architecture, building or engineering sector or lighting design and/or planning

Students that do not meet the prerequisites outlined above but with corresponding apprenticeship and professional experience may also sign up for course modules and may enrol in the modules. They will be offered the opportunity to earn a "Graduate Diploma in Lighting Design".

Applications are due by 30 October of the year before the start of the programme.
Send your application to:
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe,
International Office
Mrs Maryse Niemeier
Emilienstraße 45
32756 Detmold
Germany
+49 5231 769 6091

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees approx. 268 EUR

Costs of living

In addition to the tuition fee, secondary expenses will occur for lectures and courses that are not held on our campus in Detmold. Additional expenses for travelling, accommodation, and living will occur during the study programme. We always try to keep these expenses to a minimum.

Arrival support

Our International Office is responsible for service and support for international students. For more information, see:
http://www.hs-owl.de/en/international.html
or
http://www.hs-owl.de/fb1/international.html

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market.
Information can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.hs-owl.de/studium/wohnen-in-owl.html
or
http://www.hs-owl.de/fb1/international.html

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