Design your
Future
Applications open
May 02.—
— 31.2025
Design your
Future
Applications open
May 02.—
— 31.2025
Interdisciplinary and Practical
The Design for Digital Futures (M.A.) program at Nuremberg Institute of Technology is designed for students who want to combine creativity with technology. This international master’s program is taught in English and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who are eager to explore the future of digital design.
In this program, you will develop a strong technical foundation while working on your own creative projects. You will gain practical experience in areas such as Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), generative design, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), allowing you to shape innovative digital experiences.
What makes this program unique is its interdisciplinary approach. You will work across different fields—including illustration, graphic design, typography, film, animation, interaction, and object design—while also developing skills in computer sciences, AI, physical interaction, and mathematical principles. This combination ensures that you graduate with both creative expertise and technical knowledge, preparing you for careers at the forefront of digital design.
M.A. Design for Digital Futures
Overview
Where
ECTS Credits
Language
Academic Period
Fees
Starts
Requirements
Where
Nuremberg, Germany
ECTS Credits
120 (4 Semesters) / Full Time program on site
Where
Nuremberg, Germany
Language
English
Academic Period
Oct. 1st — Feb. 15th and Mar. 15th — Jul. 15th
Fees
max. €600 / Semester
Starts
Each Winter Semester (Oct. 1st)
Requires
Bachelor‘s Degree and Design/Tech Aptitude
Nuremberg, Germany
120 (4 Sem.) / Full Time program on site
English
Oct. 1st—Feb. 15th + Mar. 15th—Jul. 15th
Non-EU students 500 € + 72 € / Sem
EU students 72 € Service fee / Sem
Each Winter Semester (Oct. 1st)
Find full list here (e.g. Bachelor‘s Degree, Design/Tech Aptitude, and more )
Objectives
① Developing Technical Literacy
In a fast-changing technological landscape, the ability to quickly grasp and apply emerging principles is crucial. Our graduates excel at transforming new technologies into innovative design solutions, ensuring they stay at the
forefront of the industry.
② Learning to Apply Design Research
A solid foundation in research and scientific methods enables our graduates to make informed, strategic decisions in technology-driven design. This skill is essential for working in technology-oriented design fields and developing innovative solutions.
③ Collaborating Internationally
Design and technology are global industries, driven by cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration. That’s why we encourage our students to broaden their horizons by spending a semester at a partner university abroad. This experience is invaluable for cultivating a global mindset, expanding professional networks, and gaining diverse perspectives that will shape and enrich their future careers.
Curriculum
1. Semester
Computer Science Foundation I
Applied Mathematical Method for Designers I
Applied Computer Science I
Design Project I
Project based learning
Design Research I
Design Research basics
Future perspectives
2. Semester
Computer Science Foundation I
Applied Mathematical Method for Designers I
Applied Computer Science I
Design Project II
Project based learning
Design Research I
Design Research basics
Future perspectives
MASTER DAYS
Project presentation
3. Semester
Semester Abroad
Gaining knowledge at our international partner universities
Monitoring
Reporting and Documentation of current projects to the Faculty of Design.
4. Semester
Master Thesis
Complex creative and technical problem solving using the technical, creative and scientific skills acquired.
Master Thesis Transfer
Make your work connectable for business, science or society in
the sense of scientific transfer.
Master Thesis Defense
Project presentation
“There’s a notable shortage of graduates
with the right mix of technical skills and
artistic skills, graduates from this course
will clearly fill that gap.”
Explore the World:
Study abroad opportunities at
our partner universities
International experience is a key part of our Design for Digital Futures (M.A.) program. To reinforce this, our students spend a mandatory semester abroad. This opportunity allows our students to collaborate with international teams, experience new cultures, and expand their creative and technical skills in a global setting.
Our partner universities, together with Nuremberg Tech’s International Office, provide support and guidance to help you make the most of your semester abroad. Below, you’ll find some of our international partners:
Coimbra, PORTUGAL
Master of Design and Multimedia
Universidade de Coimbra
Breda, THE NETHERLANDS
Master of
Game Technology
BUAS Breda
Poole, UNITED KINGDOM
Master of Computer Animation & Visual Effects
University of Bournemouth
New York City, USA
MFA
Computer Arts
School of Visual Arts
“Being able to break down an academic
paper, figure out its core messages and methodologies, and procedurally building a design that is true to those research
findings is a highly valued skill in our field,
and no doubt many others as well.”
Dr. Jeroen Claus, Phospho
Career Opportunities:
Shape the Future of Design
The future of design is driven by technology and innovation. With skills in generative design, AI-driven design and computational techniques, our students will be prepared for exciting career opportunities in a variety of industries. Whether in architecture, product design, fashion or interactive media, your expertise will be in high demand.
This master’s program not only provides you with the technical skills
you need but also encourages a mindset of continuous learning
and exploration. If you are passionate about combining creativity and technology, this degree program will allow you to push boundaries
and redefine digital design.
Below are just a few career paths you could pursue after graduation:
Technical Director
Tech Artist
Science Communicator
Multimedia Artist
Meet Our Team:
Experts in Design and Technology
By closely combining disciplines such as illustration, graphic design, typography, film, animation, interaction and object design with the technical depth of computer science, artificial intelligence, physical interaction and the fundamental principles of physics and mathematics, the Design for Digital Futures master’s program offers a unique and forward-looking educational experience.
Our teaching staff reflects the diversity of our students, with members drawn from both academia and industry. This blend of theoretical expertise and real-world experience ensures that our graduates acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a successful career in the field of computational design.
M.A. Design for Digital Futures
Masters program
Prof. Moritz Schwind
Professor
Computational Design
Prof. Manuel Casasola Merkle
Professor
Computer Generated Imaging
Prof. Walter Mehl
Professor
Cast
Prof. Dr. Max Ackermann
Professor
Verbal Communication
Dr. Michaela Honauer
Design
Research
Prof. Sybille Schenker
Head of MA program /
Professor Illustration
Prof. Christine Albert
Dean /
Professor Space and Event
Prof. Burkard Vetter
Dean of studies /
Professor Typography
Regina Wimmer
Administration
and Services
Monika Fuchs
Administration
and Finances
Project Consultants
Prof. Lucia Scharbatke
Professor
Film and animation
Prof. Markus Lange
Professor
Graphic Design
Prof. Dr. Max Ackermann
Professor
Verbal Communication
Prof. Tilman Zitzmann
Professor
Digital Experience
Team Assistants
Matthias Mühlhausen
Print and photography
Steve Wühr
Sound Design
Garri Steba
Laboratory engineer
Max Mamic
IT systems administrator
Apply now for WiSe 2025/26
Master’s Program (M.A.)
Design For Digital Futures
Applications open until May 31.2025