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Studying at the School of Design

the concept of design has become a regular topic of debate and an integral part of our daily culture. We explore the strategic, economic, scientific and creative implications as part of your studies at the school of design. ‘design’ as a term incorporates how things are made and how ideas are communica-ted. It shapes the everyday life of a society, influences the artefacts produced, and has an impact on sci-ence and politics. The primary objective of the School of Design is an education which allows graduates to pursue a professional career in an independent, successful and long-term way. At the School of Design, there are around 700 prospective designers studying and experiencing the wi-dest possible range of learning in the field of design in Germany. We place great value on Fundamentals in Art & Design (drawing, painting, mixed, media, sculpture, photography and audiovisual media) as well as Critical Studies in Art & Design. Also, practical experience is a vital issue for us, so we offer a variety of design projects each semester and cooperate with companies on a regular basis. our students recei-ved many renowned design awards for their work in the past and continue to do so.

Study programs

Bachelor of Arts in Accessory Design (starts summer semester only)Bachelor of Arts in industrial designBachelor of Arts in Fashion Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery (starts winter semester only)Bachelor of Arts in transportation designBachelor of Arts in visual Communications with digital designMaster of Arts in Creative DirectionMaster of Arts in transportation designMaster of Arts in Design & Future Making

Informative Events 2018

• Sun., July 15th 2018 (Werkschau*): Course guidance and portfolio consultation, 11 - 12 am,

*(Werkschau hours: Sunday 15th from 11am - 4pm)

• Wed., October 10th 2018: Study Information Day:

10am General course guidance; 1pm Portfolio consultation; 4pm Field related guidance

• Wed., November 21st 2018: Study Information Day

9.30am - 3.30pm Course guidance and portfolio consultation, details t.b.a.Details about the dates mentioned above can be found on our website.

Submission deadline for international applications

All application documents including the artistic portfolio must be received by the student Registration Office of the School of Design by September 30th (for following summer semester) or March 30th (for following winter semester) at the latest – one month before the regular deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

What does the admission procedure involve?

The admission process is divided into three steps: 1.) Pre-selection on the basis of work submitted (portfolio), 2.) Entrance exam, and 3.) Admission interview.

At the pre-selection stage, progression to further stages of the qualification test will be decided on the basis of the work submitted. Candidates who have obtained at least an average score of 6 points during pre-selection will be allowed to proceed. Those applicants who have been permitted to continue through the process will receive a written invitation to the practical examination and the interview within two weeks’ notice before their appointment. The practical excercise exam consists of design-related tasks which must be completed within a total of five hours. Part of the tasks refer to a general artistic questi-on, and the other part to the chosen program of study. The interview topics center around the works the applicant produced in the practical exam and/or the portfolio submitted, but can also include a discus-sion of central artistic and design-related questions or the applicants‘ creative influences. The duration of the interview is around ten minutes.

What should the portfolio consist of?

The portfolio should consist of a folder (maximum size of the artworks: DIN A1 = 61 x 86 cm; no roll or folder made of metal, wood or heavy plastic), with ten to fifteen original works of art (for example, drawings, paintings; however, no works based on photos or other templates). Additionally, five to seven specialist works related to the desired program of study must be submitted. No photographs or slides may be enclosed. Digital media such as CDs and videos etc. will not be accepted.

Is there a numerus clausus (NC)?

No. Admission to study will be exclusively assessed through the artistic qualification test. Of course, the other admission criteria such as evidence of upper secondary education and proof of language proficiency must be fulfilled.

When do I have to complete the pre-study internship and how long does it take?

The 6-month pre-study internship must be completed before beginning your studies. For the B.A. in Jewellery, a 12-month internship is required, which can also be completed as a two-semester course at the school for a fee (for additional information, please contact the academic staff responsible for the program). Depending on the specific program, certain vocational education courses of study are also recognized as pre-study internship – examination and recognition are possible through the School of Design Examination Office (pa.gestaltung@hs-pforzheim.de).

How are the Pforzheim School of Design BA programs structured?

The curriculum for each program of study is divided into two sections:1.) Interdisciplinary fields of study (e.g. Fundamentals in Art & Design, Critical Studies, Business-related subjects) and 2.) Program-specific fields of study (e.g. CAD, Engineering, Ergonomics, Animation...)The interdisciplinary fields of study are identical for all bachelor programs, whereas the program-specific fields differ for each program of study and convey specific knowledge about a particular area. in addition, all programs incorporate different practical projects which offer students the necessary hands-on experience.

Can I study abroad? Are there partner universities?

Pforzheim University maintains close contacts to various partner universities all over the world. Therefore, as an officially enrolled BA student, you will have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad – for example in Finland, South Africa, Canada, the USA or India.

What would my career prospects be?

Student career prospects after graduation vary according to the field of study chosen, but highly-educated and experienced designers are always in demand, even if the market is subject to occa-sional fluctuations. For a professional designer, opportunities range from running your own business to salaried employment.

Where can I find additional information?

Additional information about the various study options – officially enrolled BA student, exchange student, and guest student –, the respective admission procedures and qualification criteria (university entrance qualification, proof of language proficiency options, etc.), as well as information on tuition and fees can be found on our website: www.designpf.com > application.

Further questionsIf you have further questions please contact our Studi Center / Student Office:School of Design Studi Center, Room G1.107, Holzgarten Str. 36, 75175 Pforzheim, Germany.Telephone: +49 (0) 7231 28-6724, e-mail: gstudsek@hs-pforzheim.de