Future design
Innovation.entrepreneurship.design.
At a glance
Faculty
Academic degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Form of study
part-time (NO tuition fees)
Standard period of study
5 semesters, 90 ECTS
Place of study
Kronach, Lucas Cranach Campus & online teaching
Language of instruction
German
Start of studies
Summer semester: March 15
Winter semester: October 01
Admission requirements
- University degree or other equivalent qualification
- Generally 210 ECTS including a practical semester; for degrees with 180 ECTS, missing ECTS in theory or practice can be made up before the start of studies or within one year after the start of studies. Recognition is possible.
- You can find more information in the study and examination regulations
- For international applicants: all information about the application including an overview of the required language certificates here
Costs
Semester fee (incl. semester ticket)
Accreditation
accredited by the Accreditation Council
External homepage of the study program
Registration
from May 2 – September 30 (for the winter semester)
from November 15 – March 14 (for the summer semester)
Profile of the Master's program
The future does not come from waiting
The pressure is growing. New technologies, social change, disruption of business models – if you don't take action today, you will be left behind. But change is not an enemy. Change is a skill. And it can be learned.
This is exactly where our Master's program comes in. We create a space for people who want to do more than just accumulate knowledge. People who want to question their own attitudes, think outside the box and take responsibility – for themselves, their organizations and for society.
Our students work in interdisciplinary teams on real challenges. They develop ideas with substance. They learn how innovation really comes about: through curiosity, a variety of perspectives and a deep understanding of complex interrelationships.
Future skills? Sure.
Strategic thinking? Absolutely.
But above all: the ability to actively shape change.
Because we believe that the future does not write itself.
But it can be shaped – by people who are serious about it.
What we value
Innovation
The future needs new ways of thinking. We promote creative approaches to solutions, experimental work and systemic thinking. Our students learn how innovation is not just a buzzword, but a process – strategic, user-centered and effective. They question the status quo and develop bold visions for tomorrow. Interdisciplinary exchange gives rise to ideas that really make a difference.
Entrepreneurship
Good ideas deserve to be implemented. In the Master's in Future Design, students develop entrepreneurial thinking, plan their own projects and work on real projects – always with a view to social added value and sustainable impact. We encourage courage, responsibility and a can-do spirit.
Design
The future doesn't just happen – it is shaped. And by people like you. Your studies will give you the tools you need to solve complex challenges creatively. It's not just about new ideas, but also about the question of how to effectively implement change in a company. With know-how from the field of change management, you will learn how to plan change, take teams with you and lead organizations through transformation processes.
Make
ZukunftsDesign is not just an academic course – it is an invitation to take action. In real projects with partners from business, society and science, you apply your knowledge directly and gain real practical experience. Whether prototypes, business models or future scenarios – you develop tangible results that have an impact. The focus is on project-based learning: interdisciplinary, independent and practical. You will learn how to lead teams, implement ideas and support change processes. From day one, you will be encouraged to take action – with curiosity, courage and a sense of impact.
Insights
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More InformationWhat we value
No tuition fees
No tuition or examination fees are charged! There is only a semester fee to cover the costs of the student union and the semester ticket.
Networking and practice partners
During your studies, you will meet a dynamic community of passionate people who learn from and with each other, share their ideas and support each other in the semester projects across all years. The course thrives on an intensive exchange with companies and institutions in the region.
Here you can find the official LinkedIn group of our students. If you are looking for direct contact with our students, contact our course ambassador Lea Maaske.
Study on your own project
Bring your own idea and you can study on your own project.
Award for outstanding teaching
In 2018, Bavaria's Minister of Science Marion Kiechle awarded the teachers of the Master's degree course in Future Design with the "Prize for Outstanding Teaching". She stated: "Their special commitment to teaching deserves great recognition." Read more…
Study organization
The Master's program is designed as a part-time course. The semester comprises three block courses lasting several days (Kickoff, Triple and Final), which take place from Thursday to Saturday in person at the Lucas Cranach Campus in Kronach. In addition, there are 12 further time slots that take place online every Friday afternoon during the semester.
Students therefore work on their projects throughout the semester and largely organize themselves. The students primarily meet at the Lucas Cranach Campus in Kronach for the attendance phases, but also at the project partner's institutions and companies on site if required.
Course content
The degree course takes a holistic approach and initially combines the subject areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and design.
Overall, the Future Design degree course offers a project-based education that aims to prepare students for the challenges of the future and turn them into innovative designers in their field.
Compulsory elective subjects are aimed at an individualized and needs-oriented expansion of existing specialist expertise. The course is completed after 5 semesters with a Master's thesis.
Target group
For all those who not only want to observe change, but actively shape it! The Master's in Future Design is aimed at graduates from all disciplines.
Whether design, technology, business or social work – your professional background is not decisive. The important thing is that you are open to new perspectives, question the status quo and have the desire to really make a difference.
Study Ambassador
The study plan provides an overview of the structure of the degree program. The module handbook provides information on the content of the individual modules. Further information on the legal basis can be found in the study and examination regulations.
Job & Career
Our degree program is just right for doers, entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to make a difference – whether in management positions or on the way there. You will acquire specialist business knowledge, management know-how and futures skills – skills that are crucial in a complex, digital and networked world. These include innovation skills, critical thinking, interdisciplinary work, strong communication skills and a reflective approach to technology and sustainability. At the same time, you will expand your leadership skills and be prepared for the challenges of the future.
Voices from the field
Annemarie Treuner
"ZD has put much of my current everyday life (new challenges, finding solutions, crisis management, leadership tasks, etc.) into a protected framework in advance and allowed me to try things out."
Annemarie Treuner is the successor generation of Werner Heinz Feinmechanik-Kunststoffe GmbH & Co. KG & ZD graduate
Hans-Peter Langsch
"The interdisciplinary approach of the course helps you to expand your own thought patterns and find creative solutions, the methods taught are comprehensive and practice-oriented."
Hans-Peter Langsch is Managing Director of PM Kapital GmbH & Co KG Group Bad Staffelstein & ZD graduate
Dr. Larissa Hofmann
"At first I was skeptical as to whether working with ZD would actually benefit us as a company. But I was convinced and can recommend the open concept to all entrepreneurs who want to think outside the box."
Dr. Larissa Hofmann is Managing Partner at Hilmar Gundermann GmbH & Co. KG and project partner
Jürgen Gäbelein
"The collaboration with the students in our ZD project group is impressively effective and the results of the project work have absolutely exceeded our expectations!"
Jürgen Gäbelein is the first mayor of the municipality of Redwitz a. d. Rodach
Student ambassador
My name is Lea Maaske and I am a course ambassador for the Master's degree program FutureDesign – Innovation.Entrepreneurship.Design. at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. As an active student, I can answer all your questions directly! So if you want to know what the Master's program ZukunftsDesign Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Gestaltung. program or how the part-time degree program works, just send me an email at Lea.Maaske@stud.hs-coburg.de
Digital information evenings
Would you like to play an active role in shaping the future of your company and successfully manage innovations? Then we cordially invite you to take part in one of our digital information evenings! Course director Prof. Dr. Christian Zagel will show you how our part-time Master's degree course in Future Design will optimally prepare you for a career full of creative opportunities and sustainable ideas. Discover how you can set the course for an innovative future with us!
You will find the new information dates here shortly.
Further information
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You can find even more information on our website: Take a look now
