BA Design & Management Studies

About the course

A degree taught in English in Hamburg that combines design know-how with management skills, aimed at careers in design management, creative agencies and strategic innovation. Classes are usually held Wednesday to Saturday, and the fifth semester can be spent on an internship or abroad.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• UE asks for a general higher education entrance qualification. Under German rules the Leaving Certificate counts only with the right subject mix: six subjects, at least two at Higher Level H5 or better, the other four at O6/H6 or better, including two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better. Arts courses need nothing extra, but this course mixes design with management, so ask admissions whether Higher Level Maths at H5 is expected. LCA and LCVP are not accepted.
• Portfolio: UE’s application guide says Art & Design applicants are assessed on a portfolio. The programme page lists an admission test for non-EU applicants only. Prepare a portfolio and confirm with admissions.
• English: UE accepts, for example, IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 60, Cambridge C1 Advanced 162 or Duolingo 100. No exemption for Leaving Cert English is listed, so ask admissions.

How to apply

1. Check your Leaving Cert subjectsConfirm your six subjects meet the German rule, and ask UE whether Higher Level Maths matters for this course.
2. Prepare documents and portfolioYou will need a CV, a copy of your passport or ID, your Leaving Cert results, a motivation letter of at least 500 words, proof of English and a design portfolio.
3. Apply on UE’s online portalApply by 1 September 2027 for a September 2027 start, or by 28 February for a March start. After the deadline you go on a waiting list.
4. Accept and pay the reservation feeIf you get an offer, pay the €1,500 reservation fee, sign the study contract and arrange housing in Hamburg.

Costs

• Private university. Tuition at the Hamburg campus is listed ‘from €6,662 per year’ (from €555 a month on the German page), marked as a current saving offer with terms and conditions, so the full undiscounted fee is not published. UE says tuition includes the enrolment, examination and thesis fees. EU applicants (except residents of Germany, Austria and Switzerland) pay a €1,500 reservation fee after acceptance, which is deducted from the programme cost. No application fee is listed. Budget separately for rent in Hamburg.

At a glance