Creative-direction part-time: student develops UX flow on tablet in creative space

Creative Direction Master part-time Dresden: Students discuss design concept in the light-filled studio

Creative Direction (M.A.) – part-time

Select your study format:

Full-time part-time

Type of study: part-time
Start of programme: Summer semester
Duration of study: 5 semesters
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Course times: Monday and Wednesday evenings
Tuition fees: Information can be found in the information material

Apply here

Lead, design, research: achieve your dream career with the M.A. Creative Direction

Would you like to start your career straight after completing your bachelor's degree and do your master's degree while working? Or are you already in the middle of your career but would like to develop further, manage design projects or pursue an academic career? With a degree in Creative Direction, all doors are open to you.

The creative industry is in a state of constant change against the backdrop of a shortage of skilled workers, agile team structures and advancing digitalisation. Design research is becoming increasingly important and the job market demands professional designers with leadership skills. We have responded to these developments with the Master's programme in Creative Direction. The programme combines the fields of design, research, marketing, human resources and leadership. With your degree, you will be qualified for both management positions in the creative industries and a further academic career in research as part of a PhD programme.

Request information material here

Exciting course content: Discover your study schedule

Note: The standard period of study of 5 semesters applies to graduates of the FHD Bachelor's degree programmes in Graphic Design Screen and Print Media / Digital Media Design as well as to graduates of other universities with a Bachelor's degree comprising 210 credit points. Applicants who have a bachelor's degree comprising only 180 credit points must complete an additional semester in the Creative Direction programme and can therefore already begin in the preceding winter semester.

Why should you study Creative Direction at the FHD?

We have held numerous discussions with partner companies and agencies in order to analyse the specific requirements and needs of the creative sector job market. The course content of the Creative Director programme is specifically tailored to what is important in your future career field: in-depth specialist knowledge paired with practical methodological expertise and, of course, excellent leadership skills.

The Creative Director programme allows you to contribute your own ideas and projects. Do you already have a project idea? Then you can continue working on it during the Creative Director programme and tailor your exam work to it. Use the programme as an opportunity to try things out and let our experts support and guide you along the way.

The Creative Director Master's programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities in business as well as a career in academia: after graduation, you can continue your academic career, pursue a doctorate and advance design research.

Our university naturally offers you state-of-the-art technology and facilities for your part-time Creative Director degree programme: in addition to printing workshops and studios for film and photography, you also have access to a VR laboratory and our new biofeedback laboratory, enabling you to implement your projects in the best possible way.

Are you thinking about starting your own business, or perhaps you already have a business idea? When it comes to starting a business, our start-up advisory team is here to help, supporting you from the initial idea right through to setting up your own company.

The most important information about the part-time Creative Director programme at a glance

What to expect during your studies: Future-oriented programme profile

In the part-time Creative Direction programme, design is viewed as a process centred on people and their needs. Design is linked to current developments in research, business and society, enabling students to develop a wide range of skills.

Duration & Digital Learning in the Creative Director Master’s Programme

You will typically study for 5 semesters and be awarded the nationally and internationally recognised Master of Arts (M.A.). With this qualification, you will be able to develop and implement innovative design approaches based on the latest research. You will also be able to lead teams, make staffing decisions and take responsibility for the implementation of complex projects.
Alongside traditional teaching methods, you will benefit from the practical use of digital teaching and learning formats, such as virtual classrooms, learning platforms, e-portfolios, peer mentoring and blended learning. These enable you to pursue a flexible and personalised course of study that is therefore perfectly compatible with your working life.

Key areas of study in the part-time Art Director / Creative Direction programme

The consecutive Master’s programme in ‘Creative Direction (M.A.)’ offers three specialisations, through which we impart in-depth skills for professional creative practice: visual communication, personnel and project management, and applied research.
The programme primarily focuses on design training with an emphasis on communication design. You will gain in-depth knowledge in the following areas

Visual communication
Human-centred design
Design Thinking and
methods of functional and aesthetic analysis.

Building on this foundation, graduates are able to develop and implement innovative design approaches. As part of the programme, you will also acquire skills in the fields of applied design research, marketing and management. Graduates possess practical knowledge in the specialist areas of Human Resources and Leadership & Strategy within an agency context. This enables them to lead teams, make personnel decisions and manage the implementation of complex projects.

Main areas of study in the part-time Creative Director programme

The combination of technical and methodological skills and their application in real-life work situations is a central component of the programme. You can apply your theoretical knowledge in practice in your own projects – using the FHD's well-equipped studios, laboratories and workshops. You will also benefit from the FHD's numerous partnerships, which give you access to the latest technological developments and a high-calibre network through relevant events, guest lectures and internships.

What jobs are available to you: Career prospects

Upon successful completion of the consecutive Master's programme in Creative Direction (M.A.), graduates are awarded an academic Master's degree with the title Master of Arts (M.A.).

Successful completion of the Creative Director programme forms the basis for professional activities in management positions in the creative industries or for continuing an academic career within the framework of a PhD programme. Graduates of the Creative Direction programme work in management, project

and process management, mediation and consulting positions across the entire spectrum of graphic design and creative production. You will work in management positions in nationally or internationally operating companies, offices or agencies. In addition, graduates are prepared for the step into entrepreneurial self-employment. The Master's programme at the FHD will enable you to promote, establish and manage your own projects and ideas.

Why you should invest in education: fees and financing

As a private university, we offer you many advantages and services from the moment you first express interest in a place at our university until you graduate – and beyond. With us, you are not just an anonymous student number; we provide you with individual, targeted and supportive guidance throughout your studies. In order to offer you this high-quality education, we have to charge tuition fees.
The specific fees vary depending on the type of study programme, payment method and credit options. You can find the exact conditions for tuition fees in the information material for the respective study programme.

Of course, there are many different ways to finance your Creative Director studies. You can find an initial overview of financing options here. We would be happy to look at your individual situation with you and work together to find solutions for financing your dream studies!

Arrange a consultation appointment now

What you need to bring with you: Study requirements & application

To be admitted to the Creative Director master's programme, you need a first professionally qualifying university degree or a degree from a state or state-recognised vocational academy. Bachelor's or diploma degrees in design programmes such as graphic, communication, industrial, spatial, interface, UX and screen design or related programmes are considered relevant for the Master's programme in Creative Direction (M.A.). Admission to the programme also requires passing an aptitude assessment procedure, consisting of a meaningful portfolio, a letter of motivation, and a motivational interview.

Want to get started right away? You can apply here at any time.