Design and Creative Leadership
Master's degree, part-time
The Master’s degree programme in Design and Creative Leadership equips you with a unique skill set for driving innovation by combining design and technology. Using a wide range of methods, you will explore how businesses and society can benefit from actively shaping technological developments such as Extended Reality (AR, VR) and Artificial Intelligence, while creating new experiential spaces. By choosing from the specialisations in Systemic Design, Experience Design and Strategic Communication, you can tailor your profile to reflect your individual strengths and interests.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be ideally prepared for leadership roles in innovation-driven sectors within the design and technology industries, as well as the broader creative economy. As a design strategist, experience design lead or foresight consultant, you will work in innovation departments, agencies, think tanks or interdisciplinary project teams.
Design and Creative Leadership programme details
| Name | Design and Creative Leadership | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of qualification according to the national and European Qualifications Framework |
Master (2nd cycle) | ||
| Qualification awarded | Master of Arts in Arts and Design, MA | ||
| Field of study according to ISCED-F code | 0219 - Arts | ||
| Mode of study | Part-time studies | ||
| Length of programme (standard period of study) | 4 semesters | ||
| Semester dates | Thursday, Friday and Saturday: hourly to full day, five Wednesday evenings, 1-2 block weeks possible depending on elective module | ||
| Number of credits | 120 ECTS | ||
| Languages of instruction | German | ||
| Academic calendar | To academic calendar | ||
| Examination regulations and grading scale | To examination regulations and the grading scale | ||
| Final examination | Final master's examination | ||
| Cost |
Currently no tuition fees, obligatory ÖH fee |
||
| Specific admission requirements | Completed bachelor's degree (min. 180 ECTS) or equivalent See admission requirements |
Curriculum
The 120 ECTS credits are distributed as follows over the four semesters, including compulsory modules and the master's thesis.
Elective subject: in the 2nd and 3rd semester
2nd semester specialisation 1 | Allocation to one of the three courses (4 ECTS each) from the subject category Master's thesis and final examination:
- Interface and Experience Design
- Systemic Design
- International collaboration Project 1
3rd semester specialisation 2 | Allocation to two of the five courses (3 ECTS each) from the subject category Master's thesis and final examination:
- Cross-platform Content and Media Strategy
- Information Experience and AI-based Design
- Socio-spatial Design
- Biodesign
- International Collaboration Project 2
Contextual Studies: Selection of 1 or 2 modules totalling 6 ETCS each in the 2nd and 3rd semesters. More information here.
ECTS: Performance points according to the "European Credit Transfer System". According to international standards, 120 ECTS points must be earned over 4 semesters.
Course content in detail
E: Elective subjects
CS: Context Studies: Selection of 1 or 2 modules totaling 6 ETCS. General information can be found here.
ECTS: Credit points based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Consistent with international standarts, 30 ECTS points ca be earned each semester.
Career perspectives
With the Master's in Design and Creative Leadership, you open doors to forward-thinking roles in the design, technology, and innovation sectors. You will be well qualified to help shape organisations, agencies, or companies where creative strategies and visionary thinking are in demand. Typical career paths include positions such as Creative Director, Innovation Manager, Foresight Consultant or Experience Design Lead. As a Design Strategist, UX/UI Strategist or Researcher, you will contribute your expertise to interdisciplinary teams, working on solutions that centre both user needs and wider societal developments.
You won’t just generate ideas – you will actively shape the future with a systemic mindset, creative sensitivity, and a deep understanding of technological and social transformation.
The academic degree "Master of Arts in Arts and Design, MA" entitles you to doctoral or PhD studies at a university. A career in research is also open to you.
Design and Creative Leadership student stories
Why study Creative Design and Leadership at the FHV?
- Future-relevant, innovative content with a focus on AI, Mixed Reality, Biodesign, and strategic communication
- Top-class technical facilities, including the Interaction Design Lab, Mac Pools, Master Studio, and more
- Part-time study possible alongside employment
- Small groups ensure high practical relevance, intensive personal support, and plenty of interaction
- Short-term mobility opportunities at partner universities abroad
- FHV’s Master’s programmes offer an exceptionally interdisciplinary range of elective courses ▷ To Contextual Studies.
- A high proportion of external lecturers come from leading regional industry companies or renowned international institutions
- The programme structure is designed to balance work, study, and family life
- Our strong regional business and alumni network provides valuable opportunities for networking, insight, and growth
- Access to knowledge doesn’t have to be expensive: currently, no tuition fees are charged for this programme.
Access and application
The Master's degree programme Design and Creative Leadership is intended both as a continuation of and supplement to the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor's degree programme, and as an independent academic examination of previously unresolved design issues of economic, social and societal relevance. Access is therefore not only open to you with a Bachelor's degree in design, but also if you have dealt with design issues on a scientific level from other perspectives in your Bachelor's degree and can demonstrate a corresponding prior knowledge.
The master's degree in Design and Creative Leadership requires the following qualifications and skills:
- Completion of a Bachelor‘s degree or equivalent diploma degree programme* including High school diploma
*The degree programme must have been completed to the extent of at least six semesters and 180 ECTS at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution where admission is subject to the general university entrance qualification and which is recognised as a post-secondary educational institution under the legislation of the state in which it is located.
According to the programme director's specifications, additional achievements may be required depending on the bachelor's degree. Missing knowledge can be made up, for example, by attending corresponding courses of the bachelor's degree programme.
Personal requirements
- Interest in creative issues
- Willingness to think holistically, to work in teams and to question existing things
- Ability to work scientifically
These personal requirements will be reviewed during the admission process.
The application period starts 15th November via our online application form.
The application deadlines at the FHV are divided as follows:
Application deadline I 15th November - 1st March
By applying by March 1st, you will benefit from a faster confirmation of your study place
Application deadline II until 31st May
You can apply for all degree programmes until 31st May.
Application deadline III until 31st August
Some degree programmes still have a few places available until 31st August.
Important information: The ultimate application deadline for all applications sent from third countries (non EU or non-EEA, with the exception of Switzerland) is 1st March.
The following documents are required for your application:
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Cover letter
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Curriculum Vitae
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Evidence of general university entrance qualifications (High School diploma or equivalent)
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Bachelor‘s degree or equivalent (Diploma certificate), Transcript of Records including grades. High School diploma including grades
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Employment reference or contract, if available
- Evidence of proficiency in English at level B2 (according zu CEFR) - standardized tests or other proof
- Copy of your passport
- Recent portrait photo
If some certificates or exam results are not yet available at the time of your application, you may submit them later.
Two steps to your dream degree at:
Step 1:
Profound review of your application documents, in particular evaluation of your motivation letter as well as your Curriculum Vitae.
Step 2:
In a personal interview, we get to know more about you, your goals, and your motivation for your studies.
Proven academic achievements that have been completed in master's degree programmes at colleges and universities can be recognized on an individual basis for individual courses or modules. The decision on recognition lies with the programme director.
Do you still have questions about the study programme?
For a personal consultation, please contact us directly:
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Tuesday- Friday |
9:00 - 12:00 am |
or individual appointment
Information events are held at the FHV throughout the year. You are welcome to drop by and get advice. Here is an overview of upcoming events: