Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

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Darmstadt is the science and technology hub of the RheinMain metropolitan region and the birthplace of numerous products and technologies that have changed our daily lives. The clock radio, Plexiglas®, the first enzyme-based washing agent, and the liquid crystals found in our mobile phones and laptops are all examples of Darmstadt inventions. Even the German internet was born in Darmstadt.
Living, working, or doing research in Darmstadt gives you a head start – not only academically but also in the location. With an excellent transportation infrastructure and Frankfurt International Airport just 20 minutes away, Darmstadt is already there where others only claim to be: in the heart of Europe and globally connected. Become a part of our network!
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Germany with approx. Fifteen thousand students, 340 professors, and over 50-degree programs. The university's range of programs and research capacities extends from engineering sciences, mathematics, information science, computer science to management, social sciences, social work, architecture, media, and design. h_da has an excellent reputation for its practice-oriented approach to higher education. Graduates rate highly among German recruitment professionals, as surveys from the business and economics magazine Wirtschaftswoche have repeatedly shown. "Students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences gain high-level technical expertise grounded in practice, and they know how to work in a team," says Karl-Heinz Streibich, CEO of Software AG. "That is why we are happy to bring them on board as interns, student trainees, and later as full employees in our company."
IMSI emphasizes a systems perspective with an integrated approach to topics and processes, tasks, and projects. The orientation is international, with English as the language of instruction. Classroom projects are conducted in international and intercultural teams. Before the semester begins, various academic and intercultural activities/offerings help students acclimate to Germany's life. Internships and thesis research are conducted at international companies either in Germany or, if desired, in other countries worldwide. The program offers a transparent, step-by-step admissions process and a course of studies that can be completed within a set timeframe.
Our graduates find well-paid and challenging jobs on all levels and in all industry sectors, including at small and medium-sized technology companies, in the public sector, or as freelancers. An interdisciplinary emphasis – including instruction in economics and professional project management – helps prepare students for future leadership roles.
The four-semester program consists of two phases. The first phase – over the first two semesters – consists mainly of theoretical classroom work. This academic curriculum contains mandatory modules shared by all majors, such as programming techniques, project management, presentations, communication skills, and major-specific modules, which are then complemented by optional modules from any of the four majors. The second phase begins with the third semester and is dedicated to an industrial internship, i.e., professional experience at a German company. The program concludes with a thesis project (in a demanding research-related topic) completed over the final six months.
Research and development is a vital, very active component of academic life at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, as evidenced by the growing number of research projects across wide-ranging fields of research and the founding of new, mostly interdisciplinary research working groups and institutes. Research and development at h_da collaborate in numerous ways with industry, academia, research institutes, and local authorities. Furthermore, the university actively participates in research initiatives such as "Forschung für die Praxis" and "ForschungsCampus FC3".
With several funding and support measures in place and dedicated research institutions, h_da is committed to facilitating both innovative research and smooth execution of projects. The university's Service Center Research and Transfer (SFT) offers an administrative support for planning and conducting externally funded research and development projects. The Center for Research and Development (ZFE), founded in 2001 and one of h_da's core academic institutions, also provides ongoing research support. ZFE represents the interests of researchers and administers h_da's internal Central Research Funding. In 2012, h_da established its Graduate School to support young researchers and offer cooperative doctorate programs.
The Student Service Center (SSC) provides information to prospective and enrolled international students about degree programs, the application and admission process, and getting started at h_da. The Student Advisory Service (in German) offers counsel on various issues related to studying and living in Darmstadt.
Graduates of the program work in many different areas of the international media and entertainment industry. The innovative combination of Animation and Game disciplines gives students the skills they need to establish themselves in a dynamic field. An interdisciplinary team of teaching staff with successful industry backgrounds helps qualify students for careers as animation artists, art directors, technical artists, game designers, game programmers, or animation/game producers. Alternatively, students can go straight on to do a master's degree, which qualifies them for management roles in the creative industries and careers in research and development.

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