Available in 8 languages
Arts & Humanities

Master's in Design & Multimedia in Europe

Explore 12+ programs from leading European universities — compare fees, duration, and entry requirements.

41
Master's programs in Design & Multimedia from 24 universities · updated for 2026
Jump to:

A Master's in Design & Multimedia in Europe is a 1–2 year postgraduate degree (90–120 ECTS credits) recognized worldwide under the Bologna framework. For international students, it also opens a direct path to the EU Blue Card — the residence permit that lets non-EU graduates work legally in Europe after completing a degree here — making a European master's in Design & Multimedia both an academic and a career decision.

Several major funding programs are available: Erasmus Mundus funds joint master's degrees across 2–3 European universities with full tuition and a living stipend; Germany's DAAD covers fees and monthly expenses for study in Germany; Campus France supports applicants to French institutions; and many Dutch and Swedish universities offer merit scholarships. English-taught Design & Multimedia programs are common and typically require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80+ for admission.

Compare Design & Multimedia master's programs below — fees, duration, language of instruction, and entry requirements side by side. Cards marked 'Accepting applications' let you request free information directly from the university.

Featured Master's Programs in Design & Multimedia

A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.

Creative Production (Film) MA

Creative Production (Film) MA

Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts & Technology Berlin, Germany

Master's English 1 year
EU: €6,528 Per semester Non-EU: €6,528
Tap to see program details

Creative Production (Film) MA Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts & Technology

This master's program is built around a flexible, self-directed framework that allows students to pursue a personally defined creative project in film, audiovisual art, or related storytelling practices. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, the program is structured around five iterative stages — proposal, contract, production, assessment, and feedback — meaning that the content of each student's experience is largely shaped by the project they bring to the program. The term "creative production" is understood broadly here, encompassing traditional filmmaking and cinematography as well as audiovisual art, multimedia works, narrative and world-building, and creative nonfiction. Students are supported throughout by seminars, workshops, individual and group supervision, and guest lectures, all designed to deepen conceptual thinking and sharpen research methodology rather than provide prescriptive answers.

The program is available as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with an expected commitment of between eight and twelve hours per week, and a significant portion of the work carried out independently. Students also have opportunities to collaborate with peers from acting, film, and music and sound programs, building cross-disciplinary connections alongside their individual practice. This program is particularly well suited to filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, editors, writers, producers, or audiovisual artists who are ready to challenge and expand their creative capabilities within a rigorous and internationally diverse academic environment.
To apply, students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a strong academic result — equivalent to an upper second-class honors degree or higher. Applicants who do not hold a formal qualification but can demonstrate relevant professional or life experience may also be considered through a non-standard admissions route. All applicants must submit personal and educational information, proof of prior education, a detailed project proposal, a sample of academic or research writing, and a portfolio. Since the program is taught in English, a minimum proficiency of IELTS 6.0 (or B2 level) is required, which can be demonstrated through a recognized language certificate or a free online test offered by the institution. Above all, applicants are expected to have a genuine passion for developing their craft as a filmmaking specialist, audiovisual artist, or storyteller.
Visit Program Website

Intermedia

Magdalena Abakanowicz – University of the Arts Poznań Poznań, Poland

Master's English 2 years
EU: €3,400 Per semester Non-EU: €3,400
Tap to see program details

Intermedia Magdalena Abakanowicz – University of the Arts Poznań

This is a two-year, full-time program designed for students who wish to deepen their interdisciplinary artistic practice through experimentation with various media, including film, performance, sound, photography, and digital technologies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creative expression, and the ability to navigate both traditional and emerging artistic contexts. Students work independently and collaboratively on complex audiovisual projects, often engaging with social and cultural issues. The curriculum includes studio work, theoretical studies, and opportunities for public exhibitions, preparing graduates for professional artistic careers or further creative research.
To apply, candidates must submit an application form with a photo, a cover letter, a copy of their BA diploma with transcript (both in English or with certified translation), a letter of recommendation, and a portfolio with a motivation letter. Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5+, TOEFL 60+, FCE, CAE) is required unless the applicant is from an English-speaking country or completed prior education in English (confirmed by diploma). Applicants must also provide proof of health insurance for the academic year in Poland or a declaration of intent to obtain it, along with confirmation of the enrollment fee payment.
Visit Program Website

Graphic Design

Polytechnic University of Leiria Leiria, Portugal

Master's English 2 years
EU: €1,140 Per year Non-EU: €3,000
Tap to see program details

Graphic Design Polytechnic University of Leiria

This master's program combines creative, technical, and theoretical courses such as Graphic Design Studios I & II, Typography, Branding, and Design for Contemporary Media. Students explore research, seminars, and internships, culminating in two major design projects. The program emphasizes contemporary practice, media integration, and research-driven design.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Multimedia Design, Fine Arts, or related fields. Foreign degrees recognized under the Bologna Process or by the school’s Scientific Council are accepted. Candidates with relevant academic, scientific, or professional experience may also apply. Final-year undergraduate students in the required field may submit a declaration of completion.
Visit Program Website

Interaction Design

Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, Estonia

Master's English 2 years
EU: €3,200 Per year Non-EU: €4,200
Tap to see program details

Interaction Design Estonian Academy of Arts

This master's degree focuses on how people interact with the world around them, centering on human experiences, digital products, and services. Students are trained to sit at the center of ongoing technological change, taking the lead in shaping a future built on human values, needs, and behaviors, as technology increasingly moves beyond being a mere tool and starts shaping the relationships people have with it.

The program takes a human-centered approach to design, treating people as the stable foundation on which designers build their methods and attitudes, even as the broader technological landscape shifts rapidly. At the same time, the curriculum pushes students to look beyond human-centered design alone, encouraging them to consider the needs of the planet alongside those of people when designing the objects and services of the future, recognizing designers' significant influence over how people perceive, value, and interact with their surroundings.

Rather than treating design as a fixed solution, the program frames designers as mediators who build the future by creating well-considered possibilities and options. The program draws on input from leading design practitioners both nationally and internationally, and welcomes students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, valuing the diverse perspectives that emerge from an interdisciplinary cohort working together through peer-to-peer learning.

Graduates go on to work in roles such as interaction designer, service designer, UX or UI designer, digital product designer, UX researcher, product owner, or innovation specialist, and the program places strong emphasis on helping students build an internationally competitive portfolio alongside the practical experience gained during their studies.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, though no prior background or professional experience in design is required, and demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 level. The application includes a bachelor's degree certificate and transcript, a CV detailing educational and work history, a display of previous experience consisting of illustrated samples of past work, whether design projects, creative pieces, writing, or other relevant work demonstrating the applicant's approach to problem-solving, and a motivational letter of up to two pages addressing the applicant's background, interest in interaction design, and goals for the program.

The display of previous experience is assessed primarily on the depth and content of the applicant's experience, along with presentation skills, while the motivational letter is evaluated mainly on its relevance to the program's content, along with the applicant's familiarity with the design field and their skills in analysis, argumentation, and spoken English. Eligible applicants then complete a timed admission assignment, in which they respond to a design brief within two hours and present their solution visually with supporting explanation, assessed on problem-solving, context analysis, logical thinking, creativity, and presentation skills. Applicants who complete this assignment successfully are invited to a final interview, conducted via video call, which explores the applicant's motivation, familiarity with the field of interaction design, and communication skills, forming the basis for the final admission decision.
Visit Program Website
Applied Creative Psychology MA

Applied Creative Psychology MA

Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts & Technology Berlin, Germany

Master's English 1 year
EU: €5,828 Per semester Non-EU: €5,828
Tap to see program details

Applied Creative Psychology MA Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts & Technology

This master's program is one of the first in Europe dedicated to the psychology of creativity, personal development, and wellbeing, responding to a growing global demand for practitioners who can bridge artistic practice and psychological insight. Structured across three semesters and built around five core modules, the program combines scientific research with hands-on creative practice to explore how creativity intersects with human development, mental health, and social connection. In the first semester, students engage with two foundational modules: one examining how creativity evolves across different life stages through key psychological frameworks, and another exploring the therapeutic and transformative potential of expressive arts — including music, movement, visual arts, and storytelling — as tools for emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
The program is designed for those who want to apply creative and psychological approaches in personal, professional, and community contexts, equipping graduates to work at the intersection of the arts, mental health, and lifelong learning. It is delivered entirely in English as a one-year, full-time course.
To apply, students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a strong academic result — equivalent to an upper second-class honors degree or higher. Applicants who do not hold a formal qualification but can demonstrate relevant professional or life experience may also be considered through a non-standard admissions route. All applicants must submit personal and educational information, proof of prior education, a detailed project proposal, a sample of academic or research writing, and a portfolio. Since the program is taught in English, a minimum proficiency of IELTS 6.0 (or B2 level) is required, which can be demonstrated through a recognized language certificate or a free online test offered by the institution. Above all, applicants are expected to have a genuine passion for developing their practice at the intersection of creativity and wellbeing.
Visit Program Website

Design

Bern University of Applied Sciences Zollikofen, Switzerland

Master's English 1,5 years
EU: €1,020 Per semester Non-EU: €1,020
Tap to see program details

Design Bern University of Applied Sciences

This master's program focuses on design as a tool for interdisciplinary social transformation, rather than purely aesthetic or functional solutions. Students explore sustainable development and social change by integrating perspectives from design, social sciences, economics, and technology. The curriculum emphasizes participatory approaches, encouraging collaboration and empathetic dialogue to tackle real-world challenges. Core topics include social design, healthcare design, environmental communication, knowledge visualization, and design history, supported by dynamic workshops, field trips, and collaborative festivals.

Students can choose between two specialization tracks. The “Entrepreneurship” track centers on developing a business concept for a socially beneficial venture, preparing students for startup funding and innovation. The “Research” track guides students in designing a research project aimed at expanding knowledge or proposing new approaches, with the possibility of pursuing a doctoral degree. With a flexible course structure and a strong focus on personal artistic and societal positioning, graduates are equipped to lead transformative design efforts across business, science, education, and politics.
This master's program trains students to develop socially relevant design, research, or service projects through an interdisciplinary and participatory approach. It blends theory with hands-on workshops to support creative and conceptual thinking aimed at social transformation. Applicants may choose a specialization in either “Design Entrepreneurship,” where they create sustainable business models for positive social impact, or “Design Research,” where they propose a research project with the potential to influence knowledge and practice in society. The curriculum includes courses in social design, entrepreneurship, research methods, and individualized coaching, along with a strong focus on dialogue, collaboration, and real-world application through festivals and fieldwork.

To apply, candidates need a bachelor's or equivalent degree, some professional experience (including internships), and a strong motivation for either entrepreneurial or research-oriented work. Admission is based on an aptitude exam. Fluency in German or English is required, along with basic knowledge of the other language.
Visit Program Website

Photography

Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Keszthely, Hungary

Master's English 2 years
EU: €2,600 Per semester Non-EU: €2,600
Tap to see program details

Photography Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

This master's program in photography emphasizes artistic expression, contemporary media, and individual project development. The curriculum blends theory and practice with courses such as Philosophy of Photography, Contemporary Art, and Creative Writing. Students develop their conceptual and technical skills through subjects like Design, Research and Context, Integrated Media and Media Production, and Studio Practice and Digital Studies.

The program supports a deep personal artistic journey through two semesters of Independent Photoproject Design, culminating in a thesis that includes both a master work and a written dissertation. Advanced topics also explore Contemporary Media and Social Tendencies, Interpretation Fields of Art Existence, and Trends in Contemporary Photography. Presentation Techniques and creative writing are integrated to refine communication skills. Optional subjects and extensive project work allow for individual artistic specialization.
This master's program requires applicants to submit a letter of motivation explaining their interest in the course, along with an official copy of their bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts. Applicants must also provide a brief Curriculum Vitae. Proficiency in English at the B2 level is mandatory. Accepted language certificates include TOEFL (minimum of 550 on PBT or 72 on iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.0), Cambridge First Certificate (grade “C” or at least 160), and Pearson PTE or Academic PTE (minimum 59), among others. English test results must be official and valid. Alternatively, applicants may submit proof that the entire bachelor's program was conducted in English through an official signed and stamped certificate. Degrees earned in English-speaking countries are also accepted. However, DUOLINGO and EF SET tests are not considered valid proof of English proficiency.
Visit Program Website

Product Design Engineering

Polytechnic University of Leiria Leiria, Portugal

Master's English 2 years
EU: €697 Per year Non-EU: €3,000
Tap to see program details

Product Design Engineering Polytechnic University of Leiria

This program combines engineering and design to develop innovative, functional, and sustainable products. Students gain advanced skills in product development, materials, digital modeling, user-centered design, and prototyping. The curriculum includes collaborative projects, industry-driven challenges, and a final thesis or internship to strengthen real-world application.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, or related fields. Degrees obtained abroad must follow the Bologna Process or be recognized by the school’s scientific board. Applicants with relevant academic, scientific, or professional experience may also be accepted.
Visit Program Website

Graphic Design

Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, Estonia

Master's English 2 years
EU: €3,000 Per year Non-EU: €3,000
Tap to see program details

Graphic Design Estonian Academy of Arts

This master's degree develops students' independent design practice, helping them define their position as graphic designers through an expanded view of the discipline as a form of knowledge production centered on making things public. Alongside traditional graphic design work, such as books, websites, posters, typefaces, and video, students explore publishing texts, organizing exhibitions, hosting lectures, teaching workshops, and creating other contexts for exchange throughout their studies.

The program places each student's individual interests and concerns at the center of their studies, guiding them toward a body of work that reflects their own relationship to form, content, production, and the distribution of information. While each student's practice takes its own shape, the program cultivates a shared approach that is self-reflective, process-oriented, rigorous, and intentional, encouraging students to question the medium as a whole, engage meaningfully with social and cultural contexts, and contribute to the ongoing development of the discipline.

Teaching is organized around a studio model, in which practice develops through formal investigations and applied projects that may originate from teacher prompts, commissioned work, or self-initiated ideas, always approached iteratively and critically under weekly supervision from staff or visiting critics. This studio work runs alongside a theory course, in which students engage with assigned readings, discussions, lectures, and screenings that help them contextualize their work, position themselves within the contemporary field, and build toward future thesis research; in the first year, these two components become increasingly integrated as students reflect on their projects and begin identifying connections that will shape their focus going forward.

In the second year, students define their own projects and research in preparation for a final thesis, supported by a dedicated thesis advisor, while also selecting elective coursework from across the architecture, design, fine arts, and art and culture faculties to support this work. The final semester is dedicated to completing the thesis, understood as a cohesive body of work developed over the two years of study and presented in book form, combining a formal written thesis with the supporting body of design work; the program concludes with a graduation exhibition.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 level; applicants from disciplines outside graphic design are welcome to apply but are expected to show an aptitude for critical inquiry and the ability to engage with design ideas at a high level. The application includes a bachelor's degree certificate and transcript, a CV of up to two pages, and a digital portfolio containing between ten and fifteen projects, each with a small selection of images and a brief description, which may include professional commissions, self-initiated work, undergraduate projects, unrealized or in-progress work, or projects from other fields where relevant.

Applicants must also answer a set of short written questions covering their background and experience with graphic design, the practitioners and works that have shaped their thinking, their reasons for applying to the program, their understanding of an expanded view of graphic design in relation to their own interests, and any research interests or projects they hope to pursue during their studies. Applications are reviewed by a jury, and selected candidates are invited to an interview, conducted via video call, which assesses the applicant's self-motivation, ability to articulate and defend their work, capacity for continued growth, potential to contribute positively to the program environment, and engagement with ideas beyond graphic design itself; the portfolio is further assessed for how well projects balance form and content, are executed with care and quality, reflect a mix of professional and personal work, and are clearly presented. Final admission decisions are based on the combined evaluation of the application materials, portfolio, and interview.
Visit Program Website

Eco-Social Design

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Bruneck-Brunico, Italy

Master's English 2 years
EU: €1,200 Per year Non-EU: €1,200
Tap to see program details

Eco-Social Design Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

This master's program focuses on developing sustainable solutions through design, combining creativity, research, and social impact. Students engage in three major projects across four semesters, supported by design theory and research courses such as sociological design, service and policy design, and visual storytelling. Elective seminars and interdisciplinary workshops in areas like media studies, political ecology, and environmental anthropology broaden their perspective. The program culminates in a thesis project that emphasizes research through design. Students also participate in free choice courses and practical workshops in various craft and digital disciplines.
To apply to this English-taught program, candidates must demonstrate at least B2 level proficiency in English. This can be proven through recognized language certificates, previous studies conducted in English, or a degree where English was the main language of instruction. A bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in design, architecture, urban planning, or related fields. If you have a different background, you must have at least 10 credits in specific design or technology-related subject areas. Applications are accepted before graduation, but your degree must be completed by the enrolment deadline to secure your place. Simultaneous enrolment in two programs is allowed under certain conditions.
Visit Program Website

Sound and Visual Technology

University of Tartu Viljandi, Estonia

Master's English 2 years
EU: €4,000 Per year Non-EU: €4,000
Tap to see program details

Sound and Visual Technology University of Tartu

This program combines theoretical and practical training in audiovisual media, cross-media technology, and project management. Students take general and specialized courses in areas such as interactive sound/visual design, sound for virtual reality, lighting design, and system design. The curriculum also includes hands-on project work, internships, and a master’s thesis or project. Students may specialize in either sound or visual technology, supported by optional modules in entrepreneurship and language skills.
To apply, candidates need a bachelor's degree (any field) and proof of English proficiency. Applications are evaluated based on a motivation letter (25%), a portfolio (25%), and an interview (50%). The motivation letter (max 4600 characters) should explain interest in the program, connection to past experience, and future plans. The portfolio must include a CV and previous sound/visual projects (via link). Only candidates who score at least 51 points on both the motivation letter and portfolio will be invited to the interview. A minimum total score of 66/100 is required for admission.
Visit Program Website

Graphic Design

Magdalena Abakanowicz – University of the Arts Poznań Poznań, Poland

Master's English 2 years
EU: €3,400 Per semester Non-EU: €3,400
Tap to see program details

Graphic Design Magdalena Abakanowicz – University of the Arts Poznań

This master's is a two-year, full-time program focused on developing advanced artistic and professional competencies through interdisciplinary studio practice. Students work across ten specialized studios, each with its own unique curriculum, allowing for the creation of original, often cross-disciplinary projects. The program emphasizes both traditional and forward-thinking approaches to design, encouraging innovation and collaboration. Students often engage with external partners, participate in competitions, and explore socially engaged or experimental projects. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, fostering strong creative and conceptual development.
To apply, candidates must submit an application form with a photo, a cover letter, a copy of their BA diploma with transcript (both in English or with certified translation), a letter of recommendation, and a portfolio with a motivation letter. Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5+, TOEFL 60+, FCE, CAE) is required unless the applicant is from an English-speaking country or completed prior education in English (confirmed by diploma). Applicants must also provide proof of health insurance for the academic year in Poland or a declaration of intent to obtain it, along with confirmation of the enrollment fee payment.
Visit Program Website

Design master's degrees in Europe split between practice-led programs (producing work, exhibiting, or delivering projects) and research-focused programs (investigating design questions through written and empirical methods). Both are valid, but they serve different career goals. One-year intensive programs (common in the UK) exist alongside two-year Bologna-structured programs. Industry connections, thesis projects with real clients, and studio culture vary significantly by school.

Master's in Design & Multimedia: year by year

Year 1

  • Advanced specialism modules
  • Research methods or advanced practice seminars
  • Studio or project development
  • First major project or proposal

Year 2

  • Thesis project or major design project
  • Industry collaboration or placement
  • Written dissertation or project documentation
  • Final exhibition or presentation

Why Europe for Design & Multimedia?

European design master's programs often include strong Erasmus+ networks, meaning you may study at two institutions across different countries — a significant advantage for building an international network in a globally competitive field.

Leonardo AI

Find Your Perfect Design & Multimedia Program

Tell Leonardo what you're looking for and get personalized program recommendations in seconds.

Try asking: