About Smart City Design (m.a.) in Macromedia University of Applied Sciences

Master's Degree in Design Management: Smart City Design Specialisation

By 2050, 80% of the world’s population will be living in cities. Soaring urban population is already putting a strain on the city infrastructures like transportation systems and public spaces. At the same time, the environmental impact of the cities is also rising by the day. Therefore, we stand at the critical juncture where we must reimagine the urban eco-systems and design innovative and sustainable solutions.

With the emergence of advanced digital technologies, endless opportunities to design smart city infrastructure and solutions have opened up in areas like mobility, urban governance or the built environment. As city dwellers, we are already using digital solutions to improve our daily lives and reduce costs. For instance, we are using ride-sharing apps and checking road congestion on our devices. Technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), self-driving vehicles, smart-grid and big data solutions will play a major role in transforming how we live in the cities. However, technologies are simply tools. Realising the vision of smart cities demands more than just harnessing the new technologies.

We need experts who can visualise the concepts for innovative solutions for future and mobilise interdisciplinary teams in designing and delivering those solutions. With the Smart City Design master's specialisation, the Macromedia University aims to fill the skill gap and train the urban innovators and planners of tomorrow. They will be proficient in agile design methods like design thinking. As they will be working at the intersection of architecture, design, public policy and mobility, it is imperative that they have a thorough understanding of the urban challenges, risks and the relevant tools and technologies. A positive attitude towards change and motivation to actively shape the changes will fuel them while dealing with challenging projects in mobility, urban governance or the built environment.

Content of the Smart City Design Specialisation

The Master’s study in Smart City Design is tailored to help you develop a strong understanding of both the strategic and operational facets of designing smart and sustainable cities. The curriculum combines a wide overview of design topics with specialised courses designed to give an in-depth expertise in smart city design.
 
Our highly qualified professors challenge you to think innovative from the very beginning and help you push your boundaries both for professional and personal development. The courses are taught using practice projects and case studies imparting hands-on skills which prepare you to swiftly take on challenging responsibilities in your future roles.
 
Here is an excerpt of the topics covered in this Master's specialisation:

• Design project management
• Framework of design management, design theories and strategy
• Leadership, strategy and innovation processes
• Applied HCD and User Experience principles
• Urban structures and concepts
• Applied smart cities design
• Design and management of urban services
• Focus project and master’s thesis

Career prospects after Smart City Design specialisation

By the time you graduate, you will have developed a clear overview of smart city design principles, urban services management, and the relevant tools and processes. Through practical examples and case studies, you will develop the confidence in applying design-thinking, transforming your ideas into actual solutions and leading projects in international settings.
 
You will have all the tools you need to envision future-oriented solutions and transform your idea into concrete testable solutions. Your versatility, expert knowledge and a demonstrated knack for innovative thinking make you an ideal candidate to plan and lead innovative projects within city governance, mobility companies, innovative start-ups and consulting companies. Some examples of potential roles are as follows:

• Design Manager
• City Marketing Manager
• Smart City Strategy Expert
• Manager in Business and Urban Solutions
• Manager in the Design and Urban Solutions
• Manager Smart City Mobility
• Coordinator Community Building

Academic qualification equivalents

• Bachelor's degree from a university or technical college

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :       (at least 6.0 out of 9)
• TOEFL    :       (at least 72 out of 120)
• PTE         :       59

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Highlights

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Average Tution Fees And Other Expenses

The students must have enough funds for living in Germany. The cost of travel and accommodation is also needed to be estimated beforehand. Here is the cost of attendance for B.A students:

Here is the cost of attendance for M.A students: