SRH University is a state-recognised private university in Germany with multiple campuses, including Berlin. It offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s programmes, many of which are taught in English and designed with a practical, project-based (CORE) learning approach, aiming to prepare students for creative, technical, and leadership roles globally.

 

Why Study Master in Social Design (M.A.) in Germany at SRH University

The M.A. in Social Design & Sustainable Innovation at SRH University Berlin focuses on using design approaches to address social and global challenges like sustainability, cultural participation, fairness, and innovation. The programme equips you with both creative and strategic skills for designing impactful solutions, making it ideal if you want to work at the intersection of design, social change, communication, and innovation.

Programme Strengths

• Integrates design thinking, research, campaigning, and innovation.

• Combines art, society, marketing, sociology and prototyping in coursework.

• Strong emphasis on real-world projects, co-creation and social impact.

• Taught entirely in English, attractive to international students.

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

The curriculum is structured to combine theory, practice, and creative design portfolio development:

Sample Module Breakdown

1st Semester

• Social Design Science & Practices A

• Design Research

• Social Campaigning

• Art, Society & Change

• Marketing and Branding

• Professional & Best Practice I

2nd Semester

• Sustainable Innovation I & II

• Social Design Internship

• Sociology & Branding

• Professional & Best Practice II

3rd Semester

• Design Thinking (Research, Creation, Prototyping)

• Social Design Manifesto & Portfolio

• Design Practices

• Professional & Best Practice III

4th Semester

• Master’s Thesis + Colloquium (30 ECTS)

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

While this programme itself is interdisciplinary, key focus areas include:

• Social Design Thinking & Innovation

• Social Campaign & Communication Design

• Visual Communication & Branding

• Sustainable and Ethical Design Practices

• Interaction, UX/UI and Digital Media elements depending on modules chosen

 

Highlights & What Makes It Unique

• Focus on eco-social change and innovation.
• Project-based learning with real industry partners.
• Combines creative, social and strategic design fields.
• Internships and portfolio development embedded.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Art Director / Visual Designer

• Social Campaign & Communication Specialist

• Design Consultant / Project Manager

• Change Agent in NGOs or Public Sector

• Interaction/UX Designer

• Research & Academic pathways or PhD preparation

 

Visa Requirements (for International Students)

If you are a non-EU/EEA applicant, you will need:

Before Coming to Germany

• Student Visa (Type D) from the German embassy/consulate in your home country.

• Proof of funds (blocked account or sponsor letters, typically ~€11,208/year).

• Health insurance valid in Germany.

After Arrival

• Convert your visa to a German Residence Permit for study purposes at the local immigration office.

Work While Studying

• Non-EU students with a valid residence permit may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year during their studies.

 

Latest Updates & Tips

• Application Window: Apply early — e.g., for April intake, non-EU/EEA deadlines may be ~1 Feb and for October intake ~15 Aug.
• Prepare a creative portfolio showing your ability to think about change through design.
• Plan budget for living costs in Berlin (~€950–1,000/month) alongside tuition.