MAS graduation module

Participants who undertake the MAS thesis or the MAS final module plan, conduct, analyse and describe a topic or project in the context of Typography, Editorial Design, Type Design and/or UI/UX. Ideally, the MAS thesis should cover a wide range of topics, linking the CAS degree programmes completed to date with each another and clearly illustrating the connections or their significance in relation to the practical project and the participant’s professional career.

Besides the practice-oriented project, participants must also write a certificate paper, in which they consolidate and implement the questions from the practical project in research terms in order to successfully complete the MAS degree. This written paper establishes a connection between the practical project and theory. It analyses the topic field and reflects on, documents and expands on the practical project.

The MAS thesis is mentored and iscomprised of the following assessments:

  • Planning and implementation of a practice-oriented project
  • Written paper 20–30 A4 pages in length (excl. project documentation and annexes)
  • Semi-public presentation (external or internal expert, main supervisor/mentor, Head of Programme and invited guests)


Participants may write the certificate paper or conduct the presentation in German or English.

Number of participants
4–8 people per course

Duration
7 months

Description
In the MAS final module or in the MAS thesis, a topic, a question or a practical project relevant to the field of design direction in the context of editorial design, graphic design, typography, type design, brand design, UI/UX design or creative coding should be planned, carried out, analysed and described. Ideally, the MAS thesis should cover a range of topics that link the content of the CAS programmes completed so far and clearly demonstrate the connections and significance in relation to the professional activity.

Structure/organisation
The MAS final module always starts at the beginning of September and lasts until the beginning of May. In addition to project discussions and presentations in the group and inputs in the context of three MAS colloquia, the participants are supervised by a mentor at regular intervals. The 4th MAS colloquium consists of the defence of the MAS thesis.

MAS colloquium 1


beginning of September

MAS colloquium

 2
beginning of November

MAS colloquium 3
End of January

Submissions of  MAS Thesis
beginning of March

MAS colloquium 4 (presentation/defence)


beginning of April

Evaluation interviews
End of April

Graduation ceremony
mid-june
 

Assessments
The successful completion of the MAS programme and the MAS thesis requires a practice-oriented project as well as a written certificate paper in which the questions, the process and the insights gained from the practical project are explored in depth. This written paper establishes a link between the practical project and theory. It analyses the subject area and reflects, documents and supplements the practical project. The MAS thesis is mentored.

The MAS thesis consists of the following performance assessments:

  • Planning and implementation of a practice-oriented project
  • Written thesis of 20 to 30 pages in DIN A4 format (excluding appendices)
  • Final presentation/defence
  • A concept for the presentation of the MAS thesis at the diploma exhibition

Both the written certificate paper and the presentation can be written/given in German or English.