About this programme
Master in Design for Play is a Master's Degree programme at Kolding School of Design in Kolding, taught in English. It runs for 2 years. The register gives Kolding as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master (2 years). Kolding School of Design is an arts academy in Southern Denmark.
How it compares
Master in Design for Play is one of 12 English-taught Industrial Design programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 10 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 6,700 to EUR 9,000; this programme lists EUR 8,000 a year. 10 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
Design for Play is a two-year international Master's degree at Kolding School of Design, taught in English. The programme was established with the LEGO Foundation and the LEGO Group and is described by the school as the world's first exclusive two-year Master's within Design for Play. It is based on Scandinavian design with an international outlook.
What you study
The programme introduces you to the concept of play in relation to design. You will learn to analyse, identify and design specific play experiences, use play to support development, learning and experiences, and design play from a children's and user perspective. You will also work with different play cultures, develop and intervene in processes using a playful approach, and work systematically with play through research and theory.
Courses you will meet include Design Play Fundamentals, Child-centered Design for Play, Playing with Futures, Exploring Design Profession, Empowering Change, Design Methodology, Design Practice and Prototyping, and Exploring Design Perspectives. The curriculum is qualified with help from international institutions such as Stanford, MIT and Cambridge.
How the programme is organised
Teaching comprises class teaching, lectures, group work, workshop instruction, supervision and project work. You will learn alongside fellow students of different design backgrounds, languages, cultures and nationalities. Courses are completed in close relation with organisations and companies, including The LEGO Foundation and The LEGO Group, in various forms of collaboration. The programme regularly invites national and international researchers, play heroes and design practitioners to teach.
Who it suits
The programme is for students who like to explore new paths and challenge themselves and others through playful experiences. Students from all of the school's own bachelor programmes as well as students from other disciplines are accepted provided they meet the admission criteria by showing design understanding and technical and creative design skills equivalent to the level of a bachelor's degree in design.
Admission, language and next steps
The instruction language is English. The semester starts in August or September. The deadline for admission is 1 March at 12.00 PM (CET). The programme is 120 ECTS over two years and leads to the title Master of Arts. Applications go directly to the institution. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Play designer in children's products (e.g. LEGO, HABA, Kompan, Ikea, Toca Boca)
- Designer of playful experiences in museums, experience parks, schools and hospitals
- Designer in design companies and design agencies at product, process and strategy levels
- Ambassador for play in NGOs such as The LEGO Foundation and UNICEF
- Academic career in universities and design schools
- Facilitator, teacher or communicator in design and play
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to Kolding School of Design, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Denmark register, the official portal of the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. Fees are in euros as the institution lists them. "Not recorded" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Design for Play taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Denmark register lists it as an English-taught programme at Kolding School of Design. Only English-taught degree programmes are in the register.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study. Confirm the study load in ECTS credits with Kolding School of Design.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Kolding as the campus town for this programme at Kolding School of Design.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through optagelse.dk. Kolding School of Design sets its own deadline.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay EUR 8,000 a year, as Kolding School of Design lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in euros as the institution lists them.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Denmark register, the official portal of the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science at studyindenmark.dk. The programme page at Kolding School of Design is linked from this page so you can compare.
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