Structure

The MAS Design Direction is structured in five CAS programmes in the field of Design Direction, all of which are designed to be cross-media. This means that students can choose their own areas of focus in the MAS Design Direction. The portfolio includes the CAS Fundamentals of Typography, CAS UI/UX Design, CAS Visual Storytelling, CAS Type & Brand and CAS Motion Design degree programmes. The MAS culminates in the MAS thesis or MAS final module.

Prerequisite CAS-Programmes (45 ECTS credits)

Students may start the MAS final module or MAS thesis after they have successfully completed at least three CAS degree programmes. This means that they must achieve a total of 45 ECTS credits before they are admitted to the MAS module. This credits will be counted towards the MAS Design Direction.

At least 30 of these credits must come from the portfolio of CAS courses in the field of Design Direction.

The portfolio includes the following degree programmes:

CAS Fundamentals of Typography: A springboard into graphic design – deepen your knowledge and gain confidence
CAS UI/UX Design: User-centred design – translate design skills into digital applications
CAS Motion Design: Impactful animations that bring visual content to life
CAS Visual Storytelling: Hybrid Narratives – telling stories in new dimensions
CAS Type & Brand: Customized fonts – unmistakable brands with expressive types

In addition, students may credit 15 ECTS credits from another CAS degree in a related design or theoretical field, e.g. CAS Design Leadership, CAS Design Thinking, CAS Atmospheric Design, etc. It is possible to complete one of the three required CAS programmes at another university. The equivalence check is carried out by the head of the MAS Design Direction programme.

Individual path

Students are free to choose the sequence in which they complete the CAS degree programmes. However, a particular sequence will be recommended by the Head of Programme, depending on the participant’s disciplinary background and professional career. Participants do not at any stage have to commit themselves to taking the MAS degree. All the CAS degree programmes may be attended separately.

MAS final module (15 ECTS credits)

Students who can show proof of having achieved 45 ECTS credits may start the MAS final module or MAS thesis, which leatds to the MAS Design Direction degree.

MAS Design Direction degree

The MAS is completed with the Master of Advanced Studies Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Design Direction certificate. (60 ECTS credits)