Masters Degrees in Architecture, Building & Planning, Germany

Program Background

The concept of the German “Energiewende” – literally, energy transition – has gained international attention. It includes a variety of measures that aim at making Europe’s largest economy free of fossil fuels and nuclear energy. In order to attain this, all areas of energy production and consumption will have to go through a transition process. Besides mobility and industry, buildings are therefore one of the key factors for a successful Energiewende.

Most of all, this implies re-directing from a mainly fossil-fueled energy supply towards renewable energies and a much more energy-efficient use of energy in buildings and urban areas. This is one of the largest and most urgent challenges of current urban development and other social disciplines.

Finding solutions to such a complex challenge means that a multitude of actors from business, society, and public administration take part in the process and influence it with their differing and often conflicting interests. Resulting from this is the need for skilled workers who both understand all stakeholders and are able to work with them.

Building Sustainability

Strategic concepts for communication and cooperation in large-scale projects are crucial for their success. Whereas, “simply” building a house has become a manageable task, things become much more complicated when considering the urban environment and wider interests such as energy efficiency. The Master program, Building Sustainability focuses therefore, not only on technical and economic perspectives, but also aims at imparting relevant knowledge from other disciplines. This means that the scope of the program is both broad and specific at the same time. The combination of technology, management and sustainability-related topics is therefore a unique opportunity for young professionals to extend their skills.

The MBA program Building Sustainability – Management Methods for Energy Efficiency will teach students skills, methods and concepts to consider different approaches, to understand them and to align them for reaching sustainable solutions. Such competences are not only important in the context of the Energiewende but they are indispensable in every building, construction and real estate project that takes energy efficiency and other sustainability criteria into account.

The idea is that sustainable project results that consider economic, ecological and social aspects can only be achieved in extensive cooperation of all stakeholders. Managing and moderating such a cooperation is one of the major challenges of implementing sustainability in building projects of all scales. The program aims therefore on enabling students to understand the complexity of planning and management processes and to develop according solutions. This will happen in modules with different approaches: some will teach facts and numbers, others will facilitate connections between different fields and the softer skills of mediating between them and some are designed to apply these competences to practical projects.

The TU-Campus EUREF is located on the EUREF (European Energy Forum) campus in Berlin-Schöneberg. This former industrial area has been developed into a research hub for energy efficiency, renewable energies and smart grids. Students will gain insight into the numerous real-life examples of building sustainability without having to leave the campus.

Students and graduates

The program addresses a broad group of professionals with varying academic backgrounds, mostly in engineering and technology, management, economics, architecture and urban or environmental planning. However, applicants with other academic backgrounds coupled with working experience in a related field are also encouraged to apply, personal motivation plays an important role in the selection process. Class diversity is one of its greatest assets, as students will not only learn from lecturers with science and business backgrounds, but also from each other.
Graduates will be able to moderate and manage complex projects in the construction, real estate, and planning sector. They will be able to assess the project from technical, ecological and economic perspectives and find solutions which take all stakeholders into account.

Curriculum

The first semester focuses on the basis for successful and sustainable projects. Two comprehensive modules in the fields of building technology and project management will allow students to work on their first, closely guided group project. A lecture series about the sustainable reorganization of building and urban structures with special regard to energy management and the energy market accompanies these modules.

The second semester focuses on the interdisciplinary aspects of building sustainability. It addresses real estate economics and the issue of energy-efficient societies in a global context. Together with the knowledge and skills attained in the first semester, students will conduct a comprehensive and interdisciplinary group project. At the same time, specialization starts and students can choose between deepening their knowledge in either technology and innovation management or in Smart Buildings.

The specialization continues in the third semester, either by completing the technology and innovation module or the technical module with the follow-up course Integration of Renewable Energies. All students take a module in Life Cycle Analysis to complete the holistic approach of sustainability and write their Master thesis. Graduates will earn a degree awarded from the Technische Universität Berlin.

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The distance learning programme Master Green Architecture is offered by Wismar University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design.

The aim of the inter-university degree programme Master Green Architecture is to provide the complexity and the technical knowledge necessary for "ecological building" designing. The programme provides knowledge about ecosystems, sustainable technical cycles, urban and building ecology, in particular energy saving and building construction, planning and design aspects. This will teach you how to apply scientific methods to convey and develop your own ideas independently. Our professors and lecturers are themselves practicing architects, scientists and researchers from a variety of universities and research institutes who bring with them innovation and academic experience to accompany your projects.

The compulsary seminars will be held over one week each semester. Students that are attending will need to travel to the following locations: Wismar, Berlin, Herne and Freiburg.

After graduating in this programme the student will achieve the international accredited degree Master of Science (M.Sc.).

On this homepage you will find information regarding the organisation, procedures and the content of the degree programme. I am also very happy to speak with you individually by telephone or email. You can reach me by telephone on +49 (0) 3841 / 7537-582 or by email at [email protected]

Next course start: winter semester 2017/18
Application closing date: 15 June 2017

Career options

Intention and Goal

The theme building and environment has become on one of the most important topics regarding the future of building. It is deemed essential in the rapidly growing cities with large, mostly underdeveloped infrastructure, as well as in developed regions, which are often elaborately constructed, yet incorporate no sustainable concepts which value the environment. The goal, to establish and reinforce sustainable and holistically considered standards of practice, requires necessary changes to the whole planning and building process.

Conclusion

A "Master of Science" degree will present you with multiple career opportunities and promotion prospects, as an employee or as an independent practitioner.

Professional Fields of Work

Specialists are increasingly sought after in both the commercial and public environments, for the promotion of large building projects, as well as in the private sector, for smaller development requests. The areas of work range from master planning of cities and regional developments, to building design and the application of materials.

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INSTALLATIONS, SET DESIGN, PLAY PLACES

Our society is becoming more and more mobile; the meaning of terms such as “space” and “distance” is currently experiencing a complete overhaul due to digital media. That’s why an entire industry segment is now dedicated to the topic of the communication and staging of information, brands, and experiences in private and public, real and virtual spaces – in media spaces.

The English-language master’s degree program in Media Spaces consists of interdisciplinary project teams that research innovative communication solutions within the realm of where real and virtual spaces come together. Graduates of Media Spaces apply innovative design methods to transform communication within virtual and real spaces into inspiring and long-lasting experiences. The aim here is to satisfy the human need for aesthetics, social interaction, play, information, or knowledge – and to offer brands, corporations, or organizations a way to expand their communication strategy.

THE BTK PROGRAM

The state-accredited master’s degree program in Media Spaces at BTK is a project-based program for people who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in an artistic, design, or media-relevant study program*. The concept of our program is particularly based on interdisciplinary work, and deliberately targets applicants with various design competencies and backgrounds: communication designers, media designers, architects, computer scientists, set designers, design managers, or media theorists.

The first two semesters consist of interdisciplinary project-based studies, the theory of various media and process-based events, as well as a catalog of compulsory courses. You will work in a team throughout an entire semester on a joint challenge and go through the typical phases of a project, just as you would in your future career: from research, planning, and concept creation to realization, documentation, and presentation.

The entire 3rd semester is dedicated to your master’s thesis. This module includes the completion of your thesis, which consists of a design-in-practice part and an academic part.

The program at BTK offers an in-depth, hands-on approach, which creates unlimited opportunities for you to explore new, hybrid ideas and discover new career areas – above all within in the digital media realm.

*Students who are currently completing their bachelor’s degree can also apply. Please refer to our admission requirements for more information.

CAREERS

Graduates of the master’s degree program in Media Spaces are able to analyze and locate spatial, moving, and nonlinear forms of expression and then apply the results to create their own space concept. Thanks to solid competence in media, they are able to develop design-based and technically sophisticated solutions for complex, multidisciplinary challenges. Furthermore, they have excellent knowledge in methods for planning, organizing, and production technologies, and the means to successfully realize projects. These can range from installations, set design, play places, and moving 3D images to guidance systems, brand presentations, architecture, and interior design to exhibition and event design, the visualization of “data spaces”, and the generation of scientific visuals.

In addition, the master’s degree program in Media Spaces qualifies graduates to work in interdisciplinary, intercultural, and international project teams and to lead these, as well as to be an entrepreneur or freelancer in the artistic, design field. It also forms the ideal foundation for a high-caliber, leadership career in the media department at a company or for taking the path of an academic career.

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The part time master programme Architectural Lighting and Design Management will be offered by the Wismar University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design (Germany).

The aim of the professional studies course is to train lighting designers comprehensively. The highly regarded qualifications and skills gained through this degree, offer graduates the opportunity to work in many related fields. The central capability of a lighting designer, regardless of dealing with daylight or artificial light, is to design the interactions between architecture and light. Students are encouraged to investigate artistic, physical and psychological aspects of lighting, using creative and autonomous methods. This is to be done while keeping both human well-being and the standards of sustainable architecture in mind.

In the „Design Management" modules students will learn how to set up architectural lighting design working groups or units and they will understand how to organize the office as well as improve the performance of the project. Students will understand market analysis tools and the strategic management approach. They will develop marketing and business-plans. „Design Management" also includes the vision of design as part of the customer value chain.

The international master programme seminars and workshops comprises focussed lectures in Wismar, Berlin and Bangkok/Singapore. The lectures are in English, ensuring that the programme remains open to all those interested from around the world.

After a successful graduation the students will receive the degree international degree "Master of Arts (M.A.)".

On this homepage you will find explanations regarding the organisation, procedures and contents of the degree programme. I am also very happy to get in touch with you individually by telephone or email. You can reach me by telephone on +49 (0) 3841 / 7537-229 or by email at [email protected].

next intake: Autumn Semester 2017
closing date for applications: 30th August 2017
first seminar: beginning of January 2018

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The growing environmental impact of transport systems, as well as their energy voracity, require new approaches and new concepts. This MBA offers an integrative design across disciplines, addressing a range of different perspectives. The theory and practice-driven approach gives students both a conceptual understanding and the skills needed to tackle practical problems, covering the needs of strategy development, analysis and implementation, complex decision making and project management.
The theory and practice-driven approach gives students both a conceptual understanding and the skills needed to tackle practical problems, covering the needs of strategy development, analysis and implementation, complex decision-making and project management.

Graduates will be able to plan and to manage complex projects in the transport and mobility fields. The program provides the knowledge and skills for assessing projects from social, sustainability and economic perspectives and for creatively, in teams or independently, finding solutions that consider the varying stakeholders’ interests. Graduates will either be able to enter the labour market (private and public sector) or continue with postgraduate studies.

The master program is taught over a period of three semesters. The first two semesters include lectures, tutorials, seminars and excursions. The program will be completed in the 3rd semester by writing and defending a master thesis.
The first semester is dedicated to the fundamentals of mobility and sustainability, considering these issues from different perspectives such as economic factors, social and managerial elements, and naturally including technological drivers.
In the second semester, trends and the future of transport as well as the transition toward sustainable mobility will be the main focuses, which encompasses also the issue of governance and management of complex structures. A lecture series will provide world-based case studies.
The third semester is devoted to the Master Thesis.
Elective courses for specialization are offered.

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The rapid growth of urbanisation coupled with the rise of digital technologies has contributed to a huge transformation of city lives. While we are facing several challenges in different fronts such as transportation, energy and living spaces, advances in technology have opened up a range of new opportunities to innovate and design smart cities. Smart Cities go beyond offering a decent quality of life. Smart Cities are characterised by, among other things, efficient use of resources, intelligent mobility solutions, digitalised services, low emissions and smart infrastructures. 

Smart City Market is continually growing as cities and governments around the world acknowledge the urgency of urban innovation and transition. Therefore, we need smart concepts and vision for cities. This is where our graduates add value. 

We prepare our students to become experts who can create sustainable future solutions for our cities and mobility by applying innovative design management.

Course Content

The Master’s specialisation in Smart City Design is taught in English and is designed to provide you with sound competencies in business, management and design. You will be studying topics of architecture, ecology and sociology with an emphasis on digital services. You will learn to analyze requirements, opportunities and risks in order to develop realistic future scenarios for the urban environment.

Through project work and case studies, you will learn about the emerging trends such as autonomous driving, renewable energies and e-governance. The study course provides you with, among other things, expert knowledge about modern working methods such as agile project management and design thinking.

Interested? Contact us to learn more.

Practice-led Learning

With a large network of more than 500 partner companies, our students have unmatched proximity to the media and design industry. Through exciting practice-projects with our partners, students have the opportunity to gain real work experiences while studying. See what kind of exciting projects our students get to work on here: http://www.macromedia-university.com/projects.html 

The benefits of choosing the Macromedia University 

• Top position in CHE Ranking 2014/15, globally recognised degrees accredited by FIBAA 

• Small classes with intensive, individual supervision 

• Campuses in Berlin & Munich: two of the Top 10 “Best Student Cities 2017” worldwide 

• Authentic, practice oriented projects with over 500 well-known companies 

• Highly qualified professors and industry insiders as lecturers 

• International students from all continents 

• Career perspectives in Germany: 18 months visa after successful graduation 

• Master’s degree over three days a week (e.g. from Thursday to Saturday) 

• Pre-Semester course available online 

• Buddy network for international students 

• Campus locations situated in the very centre of Germany’s industrial locations 

• Worldwide network of Partner Universities 

Registration deadline

Summer term: Non-EU 15.12 / EU 15.02 

Pre-semester / Winter term: Non-EU 15.07 / EU 15.08 

The deadlines may be extended in exceptional cases.

Contact us

Our Student Advisors are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can use our online chat or contact us via WhatsApp to talk to us. You can also give us a call or use the information request form on our international website http://www.macromedia-university.com. 

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