Merz Akademie, University of Applied Arts, Design and Media, Stuttgart

Mission Statement

Merz Akademie is a nationally accredited, non-profit University of Applied Arts, Design and Media. Its history dates back to 1918 when it was established as a “Free Academy for Cognition and Design” by Albrecht Leo Merz, an unconventional pedagogue and educator. It roots lie in the emancipatory reformist movement of the early 20th century and rest on Merz’s educational theory that sought to integrate intellectual and physical work into a holistic process. What the founder conceived as a kind of “general study of design” for the industrial age is being set forth today within the changing cultural, aesthetic, and technological conditions of the so-called information or media age, in the higher education of designers and authors of print media, moving image media, and electronic media.

With a strong interest in the disciplines of the humanities, social and cultural studies, design, art, and technology, Merz Akademie positions itself as an innovative place of learning and research between a traditional art academy, a college for applied arts, and a department of humanities. It aims to facilitate the professional and academic education of design-authors who are prepared not only to fulfil but to define the requirements of an ever-changing professional field.

International Role

Our focus is on expanding and strengthening the international dimension of learning and research. Merz Akademie has a strong program to regularly include international guest lecturers and guest professors for intensive, short workshops and for regular semester-long offerings. Each semester at least 4-8 guest teachers from abroad enrich the teaching, learning and research activities. Merz Akademie is a respected partner in international projects, be it EU-funded or in a wider context. Many of our full-time professors have an international practice as artists, designers and academics in their field. We regularly accept international students, as exchange students or on a full-time basis. Members of the senior management team (the rectorate) are members of international networks and organization such as ELIA or the quality assurance agency EQ-Arts and our work is regularly called upon to consult as experts in quality audits, stakeholder meetings and political agenda setting.

National Role

Merz Akademie is one of only a handful German non-state, non-profit universities in the area of art and design. Since its full state accreditation in 1985, it has received national stature and acclaim, particularly for its innovative approach to teaching and learning and its strong focus on theory and research and its openness to technological developments. It has a strong department for New Media since more than 20 years, with a focus on web design and art and VR/AR. It is well connected locally and nationally with strong bonds to like-minded partner institutions to enhance the offerings to its students as well as its research activities.

Main Focus

The goal of the Bachelor of Arts program is to develop competence in design, art and media as basis for a professional career in the field or further studies. Students combine the practices of design and art with theory and technology in novel ways and learn to apply their knowledge in innovative, self-directed creative projects. After an in-depth introduction to the subjects and methods of Film and Video, New Media, and Visual Communication students select one of the three fields of study as their major. The core study program includes in-depth creative projects based on research, context and production. Subject specific and general theory classes accompany the project work. Practical seminars and workshops supplement the program. The combination of a design curriculum with a rigorous interest in media culture and cultural theory is one of the most important features of the studies at the Merz Akademie. Collaboration beyond the boundaries of the individual study areas is made possible through elective and international workshops as well as interdisciplinary projects. 

The Master of Arts program Research in Design, Art and Media – Designing the Future offers vast freedom in study structure and media choice, bridging experimental world building and documentary practice. In an era marked by wars, authoritarianism, global crises, and climate change, alongside the evolution of AI and media, this M.A. program champions art and design as vital for crafting new collaborative frameworks for life and work and equips students to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient future society. The practice-oriented and interdisciplinary approach of the study program allows students to choose modules from Film and Video, to New Media and Visual Communication, engage in interdisciplinary project weeks and benefit from the practical insights of international lecturers and speakers, making the studies directly relevant to professional life. Students develop a unique long-term, comprehensive project throughout their studies and engage in course offerings that emphasize the integration of art, design, and media within theoretical and social contexts. Project-based learning with constant lab access allows students to enhance their technical skills and utilize comprehensive media techniques from storytelling and scrollytelling to advanced use of generative AI and interactive simulations. Regular colloquia with peers, artists, and theorists foster a community of collective reflection and individual practice, honing students’ ability to contextualize, critique, and network effectively.