Protected: Emerging Media in Art and Design

In a nutshell:

• Field of study: Bachelor’s degree program in Design, Art, and Media (B.A.)
• Teaching approach: Not just applying technology, but critically questioning and actively shaping it.
• Goal: Developing an emancipated and creative approach to digital technologies.
• 7 semesters including a practical semester (210 ECTS)
• Start of studies in the summer and winter semesters
• Focus on one field of study or combination with specializations from other departments
• International teaching staff
• Semester abroad
• Practical orientation
• Small groups
• Career paths for graduates in media production, as consultants, teachers, freelancers

The field of study provides a deep understanding of past, present, and possible future digital technologies and their role in society. Students develop practical skills and critical knowledge to design their own projects, critically examine social and media structures, and convincingly present their work within this context.

Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities. They work in graphic design, media production, or as artists—for example in studios, at festivals, or in online media projects. Careers as consultants, educators, or freelancers are also possible, supporting organizations in developing a critical approach to digital systems. What unites all these career paths is the ability to reflect on technology critically and use it creatively.

What is Emerging Media about?

In this field of study, students explore the history, present, and possible futures of digital technologies. The starting point is the internet as a cultural, political, and social space -from its early, often politically motivated origins, through experimental and utopian phases, to today’s global platform structures.

Together, students examine how current digital ecosystems came into being, how their structures function, what social, material, and political conditions shape them, and what societal impacts are associated with them. The program incorporates artistic and creative work as well as contemporary debates on topics such as platform economics, cloud infrastructures, and artificial intelligence.

In their own projects, students develop new interfaces, explore fictional platforms, and design games that critically question today’s online culture. The aim is to support students in developing a reflective, responsible, and creative relationship with technology – beyond purely technical application to critical judgment, cultural competence, and creative openness.

Danja Vasiliev is professor for Emerging Media in Art and Design since winter semester 2025/26. He is working as an artist in the field of media, internet and computer arts. His own practice touches on multiple aspects of technology, such as engineering, aesthetics, ethics and most importantly the place of technology in our society.

Teaching profile and approach

• Not only applying technology, but critically questioning and actively shaping it.
• Strong focus on experimental work and creative practice.
• Analysis of interfaces, platforms, and digital infrastructures.
• Combination of theory, technology, and artistic experimentation.
• Development of a reflective relationship with technology that fosters critical thinking, cultural competence, and creative openness.