Interactive Media Systems (M.A.)
Design and Technology for the Jobs of the Future
Digitalization and convergence, as well as the interactivity and mobility of media, are visible manifestations of the process of change and, in a sense, the driving force behind the development of new growth markets with new products and services for consumers and users.
In times of major social and technological upheaval, the future of work, community life, mobility, and communication is changing.
Whether on the web, in the Internet of Things, in virtual realities, or in Industry 4.0: as our environment becomes increasingly digitized, we encounter media and technologies in a wide variety of ways.
The design of this master’s program is geared toward the growing need for young experts and future leaders at the intersection of interactive media design, information processing, and human-computer interaction.
Course Content
The programme is divided into four areas:
- Master’s project
- Core subjects
- Workshops and seminars
- General supporting subjects
The Master’s project forms the focal point of the programme. You may choose one of three focus areas:
- Human-Computer Interaction Design
- Game Development
- Mixed Reality
The ‘Core Subjects’ module offers five courses from the ‘Interactive Media Systems’ area, of which you must successfully complete two during the course of your studies:
- User Experience
- Virtual World Design
- Prototyping
- Introduction to VR/AR
- Applied Human-Computer Interaction
In addition, you will choose from a range of workshops and seminars in which experts provide practical insights into current topics. One general academic subject per semester rounds off the programme.
- Entrepreneurship and Management
- Ethics in Technology and Science
Project Techniques
In the third semester, your studies will focus on writing your Master’s thesis. You will choose the topic yourself.
Course of Study
| Semester / CP * | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master's Project - Concept 1 (15 CP) | Core Courses 2
(10 CP) | Workshops / Seminars
(10 CP) | Supporting Subjects 3
(15 CP) | 30 CP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Master’s Project – Production 1 (15 CP) | 30 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Master's Thesis 1 (25 CP) | 30 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* CP = Credit Points
1 in the specialization: Human-Computer Interaction Design, Game Development, or Mixed Reality
2 Choice of two core courses from User Experience, Virtual World Design, Prototyping, Introduction to VR/AR, or Applied Human-Computer Interaction
3 One course per semester: Business Start-up and Management, Project Techniques, and Ethics
Focus Areas of Study
Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCID) sees itself as a development laboratory for the entire spectrum of interactive media, as well as a research laboratory for new methods of interaction.
HCID experiments with artistic forms of expression over time; we design processes, not interfaces. The convergence of electronic media has transcended the traditional boundaries between genres and media types, offering us fascinating opportunities to develop new transmedia systems that go beyond established templates – we develop prototypes and pilot projects for the future of media.
We develop new methods of human–computer interaction that surpass conventional techniques in terms of efficiency, naturalness and ergonomics. To this end, we utilise modalities such as gestures, facial expressions, touch/haptics, gaze, posture and movement in space. Relevant technologies include interactive interfaces, a wide variety of sensors such as the Kinect or inertial sensors, and artificial intelligence.
For research-oriented graduates, we offer academic opportunities in the form of publications at HCI conferences or the chance to continue their studies towards a PhD.
We support practice-oriented graduates in setting up their own agencies or studios. Numerous graduates are already running highly successful companies: HCID makes you rich, famous and sexy.
In principle, anyone with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences is welcome to apply. Please contact us directly if you would like to find out more or propose a project.
Graduates of the HCID specialisation have in the past been awarded various prizes, including the Bavarian Culture Prize, the ADC Nagel in bronze and the lab30 Audience Award. Work from HCID is regularly featured at events such as lab30 or published at academic conferences.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
- May 2 – June 15 (program begins in October)
- December 1 – December 23 (program starts in March)
Admission Requirements
A relevant bachelor’s degree completed with above-average grades (minimum 210 CP; if you have at least 180 credits, you may be eligible for a supplementary qualification) and passing the entrance exam.
Relevant fields of study:
- Media and Communication Design
- Computer Science or Media Informatics
- UX Design
- Interactive Media
Applicants with college degrees in related fields (e.g., industrial design) or unrelated fields may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience in the field of interactive media.
Application and Admission
Steps
Time Period
Aptitude Test
During the aptitude test, you will complete an assignment related to your chosen area of focus. You will also be invited to a personal interview (online), which is part of the aptitude test. The aptitude test is usually held in January or July.
Contacts
Here you'll find the right person to answer your question.
Academic Advising
If you still have any specific questions,
please contact us by email.
Personal academic advice is available during the lecture terms, from
15 March to 30 June and from 1 October to 20 January.
FAQs
Applications & Admissions
The portfolio is intended to provide an insight into your professional background and experience. You decide which type of work samples (5 examples from the last 3 years) best demonstrate your skills.
The IMS Master’s programme accepts around 20+ students per semester. The most important thing is that you choose one of the specialisations on offer and tailor your application specifically to that. In particular, the examples of your work that you submit should clearly demonstrate the skills you possess.
No, a digital copy without certification is sufficient for your application. You will need a certified paper copy for enrolment.
Yes. For the application process itself, a provisional certificate is sufficient if there is no other option due to time constraints. The official Bachelor’s degree certificate must be submitted to the THA administration at the start of your degree programme.
Aptitude Test
In the aptitude test, you will complete a task in writing or by sketching, depending on your chosen specialisation. We also conduct an interview of approximately 20 minutes with all applicants. The purpose of this is to get to know you, to assess your practical prior knowledge and skills in relation to your intended degree programme, and to understand your career goals. There is little you can do to prepare for this. However, we do expect you to have kept up to date with current developments and trends in your professional field.
Passing the aptitude test entitles you to enrol for a period of two years. However, you must still formally reapply for the desired semester. When submitting your application documents, please state that you have already passed the aptitude test. You will then be admitted to the degree programme without having to sit the aptitude test again.
Course of study
In principle, you can earn the missing 30 CPs through most of the courses offered at THA, preferably in the Faculties of Design, Computer Science, or Humanities and Natural Sciences.
You can find further information on this on the intranet under the Interactive Media Systems degree programme.
The degree programme is designed as a full-time course. Any deviation from this structure is at your own discretion. We do not offer any set pathways for this.
Yes, that is possible. As a rule, the duration of your studies is extended by one semester. Alternatively, you can apply for a leave of absence for a semester abroad, which will not count towards the duration of your studies. However, you will not be able to sit any exams at the THA during your leave of absence.
The maximum duration of a Master’s degree programme is five semesters (three semesters of standard duration plus two semesters).
Applications from abroad
Please have your bachelor’s degree, obtained outside Germany, certified by UniAssist.
There, you will receive a Preliminary Review Document (VPD), which you must include with your application. This certification process usually takes six to eight weeks.
If it is likely that we will not receive the VPD until after the application deadline, you must still submit all other application documents via the application portal by the deadline and contact the academic adviser by email.
No, an official certificate is not required. To successfully complete the Master’s programme, we require a B2 level of proficiency in German or English. We assess this during a face-to-face interview as part of the aptitude test.