University Entrance Qualification (HZB)
To apply, you will need a university entrance qualification (HZB) valid in Hesse.
If you do not yet have an HZB, you must submit a school certificate and your last two school reports (annual report, half-yearly report). Even if you do not hold an HZB, you can still apply to us by submitting an application for recognition of outstanding artistic aptitude, provided you have the necessary talent.

An interest in how people, living beings and the environment interact with one another
You find the interaction between people, groups and living beings in general fascinating, and you wonder whether and how digital products and services can help foster better coexistence.

A curiosity about new technologies
You’re interested in the latest technologies and wonder how they can be put to good use. Even if you haven’t done any programming yet, you’re not overly daunted by the prospect of us introducing you, step by step, to the worlds of software and coding if necessary.

Ability to analyse, articulate and design
You can put your ideas down on paper through sketches or words, and you’re keen to design user-friendly digital products and systems.

Teamwork
You enjoy working as part of a team whilst still being able to develop inspiring individual ideas and take the initiative.

Ability to engage in discourse
You love exchanging ideas with others, questioning things and discussing new ideas. You don’t see criticism as an attack, but as an opportunity to improve – and you’re also able to give constructive feedback.

Creative brainstorming
You let your imagination run wild and aren’t afraid to come up with ideas that are a bit crazy or unusual.

Experimental mindset
You’re not afraid of the unknown and enjoy trying out new approaches. You’re open to making mistakes, as they’re an important part of learning and developing exciting solutions.

Not a professional artist? No problem!
It’s not about creating perfect works of art, but about visualising your ideas – whether through sketches, doodles or other creative means.

No technical expertise required:
You don’t need to be a programming expert or know all the technical details. We’ll teach you all the information you need, step by step.

Do you need to be an expert in programmes like Photoshop or Figma?
That’s not a must either. What’s far more important is your willingness to learn new things – and we’ll show you how to use the right tools for your projects.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel:
Big ideas often come from small changes 🙂

Application
To begin with, you should submit the following documents to apply:

• Your university entrance qualification (HZB) or your last two school reports (half-yearly report plus annual report)
• Alternatively, you may apply for recognition of ‘outstanding artistic aptitude’
• A statement explaining your reasons for wishing to study
• A tabular CV including your musical, artistic and academic interests, a description of any relevant experience and skills in the field of study, and a description of any social engagement.

Workshop and interview
Provided we have received your application documents in full and by the deadline, you will take part in the workshop and interview. You will receive an invitation approximately two weeks before the workshop date, which will also specify the topic so that you can prepare accordingly. During the workshop, you will work on a small project related to this topic, both individually and in a team. In the interview, you will answer subject-specific questions and questions about your motivation for studying.

What qualifications do I need to pass the aptitude test?
You should have a flair for language and analysis and, fundamentally, be able to conceive and articulate ideas and concepts. You can express your ideas creatively through words, images and/or sound. Thanks to your logical skills, you will be able to produce design mock-ups with the aid of code during the course of your study programme. Key areas of specialisation in one field or another will be taken into account during the aptitude test.

Do I need to be able to programme to be accepted?
No, but you should definitely be prepared to engage with coding during your study programme. As well as software, you’ll also learn how to work with hardware.

I have a Fachhochschulreife from a Fachoberschule for Design or Technology in Hesse. Can I submit applications to UXD with this qualification?
Yes, that is a valid qualification for university entry.

I’m torn between Communication Design and User Experience Design. I get the impression that the two study programmes aren’t very different from one another?
They are different. Communication Design deals with the visual communication of content. User Experience Design looks at areas and processes of daily life and proposes improvements to human interaction with the help of digital products, services and systems. User Experience Design adopts a broader concept of design that combines research, conception, design, technology and management to enable the development of holistically inspired concepts. On this study programme, you’ll acquire valuable cross-disciplinary skills that are in high demand among many employers and which open the door to entirely new career fields.

Is the aptitude test difficult?
Most applicants imagine the aptitude test to be worse than it actually is. We’re keen to get to know you and look forward to hearing about your ideas and talents. It’s best if you look forward to meeting us too. That’ll make things easier.

How long does the aptitude test take?
The aptitude test consists of a one-day workshop (on-site) and an online interview on a different day.

What will I be expected to do in the workshop?
During the workshop, you’ll carry out small individual tasks and a project, both on your own and as part of a team. We want to get to know your strengths through this.

What happens during the interview?
During the interview, we’d like to get to know you and your talents personally, and you’ll have the opportunity to explain your motivation for studying.

How will I be notified after the aptitude test to find out if I’ve been accepted?
You will receive this information around 14 days after the test.

What should I do if I fall ill on the day of the aptitude test?
Upon presentation of a doctor’s certificate, you will be given a fixed date for a resit.

What should I do if I’m on holiday on the day of the aptitude test?
Unfortunately, you must be present for the aptitude test. It would therefore be best if you could plan your holiday accordingly.

Who can I contact if I have any further questions about the aptitude test?
If you have any further questions about the aptitude test, please contact the Chair of the User Experience Design Aptitude Test Committee, Prof. Tsune Tanaka, by email.

To apply for the User Experience Design study programme, the first step is to register online and submit your application via the university portal my.h-da.de. The page containing the registration form will be available to you from 1 April. We’ve included a short explanatory video here showing you how to register.

At the end of the online registration process, you will receive an email containing a link to access your personal application area. This is where information such as your application status will be stored.

On the portal, you’ll enter your personal details for the aptitude test application and upload the following documents:

• Proof of university entrance qualification (A-level certificate or your last two half-yearly school reports)
• CV
• Letter of motivation

Once all the details and documents are in place, you can submit your application online.

The application deadline is 15 June at midnight

Download the application checklist here, which includes step-by-step instructions for the application portal.
You can find a great video on how to write a CV here. (Link to a YouTube video by funk).

If you have submitted a complete application by the deadline, you will receive an invitation from us stating the exact date and topic of your aptitude test. This will take place on our campus on the dates specified above. You will also be given a date for an online interview on a separate day.

For those with a certified medical condition, there is a fixed resit date in July for all applicants who submitted their applications by 15 June. You cannot choose this date yourself.

During the aptitude test, you will complete short design and conceptual tasks. We would like to use this opportunity to get to know your strengths.

During the interview, representatives of the selection panel will ask you questions about your application and your motivation for the UXD study programme. You may also be asked questions about your background and relevant specialist topics.

Based on the results of the tasks, the aptitude test committee will assess whether you are suitable for the study programme. You will receive written notification of the result. If you pass, you can enrol on the study programme by the specified deadline (approximately three weeks). If you fail the aptitude test, you may retake it once.

Please note: Applicants who are under 18 require the written consent of their parent or guardian to sit the aptitude test. If this applies to you, please send us this declaration of consent along with your application.