1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Bern Academy of the Arts
  3. Studies
  4. Bachelor's degree programmes
  5. Transformation Design
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Transformation Design

In the Bachelor of Arts in Transformation Design your creative passion contributes to shaping processes of social and organisational change.

As a student in this practice-oriented programme, you will work in interdisciplinary teams on projects with our partner organisations, and combine design with sustainability, economics and ethics. You will develop the skills to overcome outdated structures by applying innovative approaches and interdisciplinary thinking. Your practice will therefore have an impact on creating sustainable social change.

Close-up of a table surface with various writing and drawing utensils. In the middle, a cup with a pair of sunglasses.
Our students critically examine how we live and work.

This is a new degree programme.

Begin your studies on 14. September 2026 (subject to final approval by the Canton of Bern).

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Mode of study Full-time (6 semesters)
  • Start date 14 September 2026
  • Application deadline 3 March 2026
  • ECTS credits 180 ECTS
  • Teaching language German / English
  • Location Bern
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts

Contact

Focus areas

Transformation Design supports sustainable social change. In the Bachelor's programme in Transformation Design, you will focus on systems thinking, social innovation, and sustainability. This is a practice-oriented degree programme that equips students for careers in this emerging field.

What you will gain with your degree

As a graduate of the Bachelor's programme in Transformation Design, your innovative solutions will contribute to sustainable development and drive social change.

While traditional design disciplines focus on the aesthetics and function of products, Transformation Design is concerned with shaping and implementing deep structural change in society and organisations.

Partners + exchanges

HKB maintains close ties to a number of partner universities, both in Switzerland and abroad, and collaborates with international partners on numerous projects. HKB is also a member of several international networks.

The Bachelor's programme in Transformation Design profits from this network by integrating an exchange semester at an international partner university or an internship with a project partner organisation in Switzerland or abroad. The HKB has cooperation agreements with the following universities that teach transformation design or comparable design approaches:

Programme overview

In addition, the BA Transformation Design has a network of partners from business, society, administration and culture (selection):

Within HKB, this programme cooperates closely with the Master of Arts in Design and the Institute of Design Research (IDR).

Combining theory and practice in research projects

We emphasise close links between teaching, practice and research. Throughout your time at HKB, you will gain both valuable work experience and the opportunity to engage with current research in art and design.
​​​​​​​Our close affiliation with the Master of Arts in Design and the Institute of Design Research ensures that you will also profit from their teaching and research:

Career prospects

Our Bachelor’s degree in Transformation Design prepares you for careers focused on shaping change and fostering innovation. In the course of your studies you will acquire a diverse set of skills and competences while gaining access to a wide range of professional fields.

Your expertise as a Transformation Designer is in demand in sectors such as:

  • Public administration
  • Education
  • NGOs
  • Finance and management
  • Healthcare 
  • Media
  • Industry
  • Banking and insurance
  • Research

Are You Ready for Challenging Roles?

Our interdisciplinary degree programme equips you for professions in fields that engage with social and organisational innovation. The unique profile you build while studying for your degree will qualify you to take on a variety of roles in companies and organisations, including but not limited to:

  • Service Designer
  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • Innovation Manager
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Sustainability Designer
  • Innovation Strategist
  • Organisational Developer
  • Researcher in the field of social innovation

Further study options

With a Bachelor of Arts in Transformation Design, you will be eligible to continue your studies by enrolling in a Master of Arts at the BFH. These advanced programmes allow you to further develop your practice, apply your creative problem-solving skills and enhance your research qualifications:

View the Master of Arts Design

Duration + Content

Do you need advice on planning your studies? We are happy to help.

Full-time

Full-time Degree

The Bachelor’s Programme takes three years and 180 ECTS credits to complete.
You will finish your studies after six semesters with the submission of your BA thesis.

Working and Studying

You can work while you complete your degree. However, to ensure that you have enough time for studying, lectures, projects and exam preparation, we recommend working a maximum of 8 hours per week.

Study plan

In the BA Transformation Design you will acquire progressively advanced skills in a variety of interlinked teaching and learning formats. The curriculum is structured around three core module clusters:

Das didaktisches Modell des BA Transformation Design nach Modulgruppen. Enlarge image

Understand – Knowledge and Comprehension

In this module cluster, you will acquire knowledge and skills and apply these to live cases, the so-called ‘Projects’. Over the course of four semesters, you will attend various modules in this cluster (basic courses and advanced courses).

Implement – Application, Analysis, Evaluation

In this module you will work in teams on live cases – real world challenges faced by companies or organisations – for the first four semesters. Each case will take up an entire semester, allowing your team to explore the challenges in-depth.

Develop – Reflection and Expansion

This module cluster encourages you to reflect on the skills you have acquired to support your self-directed learning and personal development. You will apply your acquired knowledge in different cultural and regional contexts. In the fifth semester, you will complete an internship or a semester abroad to put your skills to the test in a professional environment.

Module groups

The details of this innovative new BA programme are still being finalized. In the first two semesters, you will acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in the field of transformation design in the basic courses of the module cluster ‘Understand’.
In the third and fourth semesters, you will acquire additional specialist knowledge and deepen your understanding of the topics covered in the basic courses by attending elective advanced courses. This will enable you to build your personal specialisation. The detailed course content will be available here at a later date.

Please sign up here to receive updates on the development of the programme.

The basic courses cover the following fundamental building blocks of transformation design:

This module covers:

  • Methods of design research and their applications
  • Handling and contextualizing of data sources
  • Fundamentals of research design
  • Identifying problems, specifying research questions, objectives, and theoretical frameworks
  • Methodology, procedure, and timeline

This module covers:

  • Fundamentals of Human-centred design (user research, empathy, creativity, participation)
  • Applying the principles of Human-centred design in various contexts
  • Implementing design methods and tools (persona creation, user journeys, prototyping)
  • Analysis of different communities (needs, perspectives, motivations, behaviours)
  • Effective use of prototypes (wireframes, experience design) to refine and communicate design concepts
  • Expanding and applying Human-centred design principles to non-human entities

This module covers:

  • Digital tools and their areas of application: AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, IoT, Blockchain
  • Analysing the potentials and risks of digital technologies
  • Critical awareness of ethical, social, and economic implications 
  • Design principles for digital contexts
  • Usability, accessibility, and aesthetics
  • Independent research: how to stay up to date  
  • Continuously improving how we use and apply digital technologies

This module covers:

  • Holistic systems analysis
  • Considering the interrelationships between different elements of a system
  • Identifying patterns and dynamics within complex issues (so-called ‘wicked problems’)
  • Exploring structure, dynamics, and complex interactions   
  • Identifying the root causes of problems
  • Understanding the potential impact of proposed interventions and solutions on the entire system
  • Applying systemic principles to design practice

This module covers:

  • Identifying social and ecological challenges
  • Critically examining existing structures and norms
  • Recommending potential action based on analyses
  • Ethics, sustainability, human rights, and social responsibility
  • Reflecting on the environmental, social and economic impact of your actions 

This module covers:

  • Analysing the causes, dynamics, and impacts of social change on various levels
  • Examining social challenges
  • Developing design concepts based on ethical principles, interdisciplinary approaches, and   participatory methods
  • Reflecting on the impact of your actions on different stakeholders and communities
  • Methods of futures research and forecasting

This module covers:

  • Comparing exemplary campaigns from politics, society, and business, evaluating their influence, and analysing media strategies
  • Tailoring (digital and analogue) presentation formats to specific target groups 
  • Designing and implementing an impactful campaign
  • Managing both online and offline publishing platforms 
  • Considering ethical aspects in publishing content
  • Targeted communication
  • Monitoring and evaluating campaign results for adaptive adjustments
  • Effective collaboration with team members, departments and experts

Admission requirements

The number of places available on our programme is limited (‘numerus clausus’). We administer an entrance examination to review your aptitude for our programme. We look for motivation, stamina, resilience and independence in our students as well as a readiness to participate actively in university-level projects.

Your academic requirements

You will be admitted to the degree programme with:

  • a federal vocational baccalaureate
  • a gymnasial baccalaureate
  • a specialised baccalaureate
  • an equivalent degree

In exceptional cases, the HKB may waive these specific academic requirements for candidates with exceptional creative or artistic talent.

The Bachelor’s programme in Transformation Design aims to attract applicants from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. This commitment to diversity encourages a variety of life experiences, cultural perspectives and social contexts in order to promote a broad spectrum of viewpoints and approaches within the programme.

Supplementary information on admission

  • Creativity
  • Capacity for analytical and complex thinking
  • Analytical skills and systemic thinking 
  • Communication skills
  • Social competence
  • Digital competence

German and English, at least Level B1

The individual assessment may result in a conditional requirement to obtain the necessary language certificates.

International applicants will require authentic and valid identification recognized by Switzerland; a visa may often be required. Successful international applicants must apply for a residence permit, and submit proof of sufficient funds. Prior to starting their studies, they will be required to obtain health insurance cover. Applicants should make sure they are fully informed about and compliant with their specific entry requirements for Switzerland.

Read more

The available places are allocated on the basis of an assessment, which consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Assessment of Application Documents and Portfolios

The entry assessment committee evaluates the submitted documents, including CV, degrees/certificates, any references and the letter of motivation, as well as the portfolio. Based on this review, you will either be invited to the Assessment Day or receive a rejection.

Stage 2: Assessment Day

On this occasion, candidates take part in a group practice session, during which they work on a specific task. The individual assessment of your performance at this stage determines the final decision: your rejection or acceptance to the programme.

Application

So, you have decided to study at the Bern University of the Arts?
Then do not hesitate and apply right now!

Application deadlines

Application deadline: 3 March 2026
Start date: 14 September 2026

Start your studies in autumn 2026.

You can only register for your studies online.

Application documents

Please submit the following documents in electronic format (passport photo: JPG, other documents: PDF).

  • ID or passport
  • Passport photo according to international passport requirements (JPG)
  • Diplomas and leaving certificates (e.g. vocational baccalaureate/specialised baccalaureate with grades, university entrance qualification, Abitur or upper secondary level qualification)
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • A personal statement about your motivation for these studies and for your professional aspirations
  • Copies of all relevant certificates
  • Employer references (internship certificates)

For foreigners, in addition

  • Residence permit (if available)
  • Language certificates (if available)

If you were already matriculated at another university

  • Confirmation of your exmatriculation
  • Transcript of records of current and/or terminated studies

If you do not yet have one or more of the required documents, please state why in the Comments section.

Transgender Identities

Would you prefer us to address you differently to the details recorded your official documents?

Please register the first name you go by and your gender (if binary) at the application stage, to ensure that we address you correctly during the application process. The relevant form is available on the BFH website. Please upload the completed form together with your application.

Further information and application form

The costs for the study program consist of registration, tuition and examination fees as well as contributions for teaching materials and excursions.

The costs for the study program consist of registration, tuition and examination fees as well as contributions for teaching materials and excursions.

Application (per application) and aptitude assessment*  

CHF 250

Matriculation**  

CHF 100

Tuition fees (per semester) 

CHF 750

Tuition fees for international students*** (per semester)

CHF 950

Examination fee (per semester)  

CHF 80

Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester)  

CHF 24

Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester)

CHF 15

Leave of absence fee (per semester) 

CHF 100

* The application fee can be paid by credit card or by deposit slip / paper invoice (+ CHF 10.– processing fee). There are no waivers or refunds for withdrawn or abandoned applications. The application is processed after payment has been received.
** If the application leads to matriculation, the matriculation fee is covered by the application fee.
*** International students are defined as persons of foreign citizenship who at the time of obtaining their university entrance qualification were domiciled under civil law neither in Switzerland nor the Principality of Liechtenstein.

There is also a fixed fee for materials whose amount depends on the degree programme as well as additional costs for teaching materials, specialist literature, supplies, etc.

Fees information sheet (PDF, 63 KB)

General information about scholarships

If you have any questions regarding scholarships and loans please contact the Secretariat HKB Design and Fine Arts.

Advice + information

Advice

Choosing a degree programme is an important decision. We will be happy to arrange a face-to-face chat to answer your questions and advise you on the requirements for your chosen programme.

Secretariat HKB Design and Fine Arts

  • +41 31 848 38 48
  • Show e-mail

The Bern University of Applied Sciences offers students a wide range of opportunities at its locations in Bern, Biel, Burgdorf and Basel to make life attractive and enjoyable during their studies.

See ‘Studies + Life’

Location + facilities

Location

Bern Fellerstrasse 11

Facilities

The workshop promotes the sensitisation of the perception of materials and their processing according to creative-artistic aspects. The team conducts learning opportunities and accompanies projects by students and lecturers. Assistance and support in the realisation of works and ideas as well as advice on the purchase of materials are offered. A professional and generous infrastructure including wood, metal, plastics, ceramics and textiles is available. The range is supplemented by the material pool, an extensive collection of samples of various materials and processing methods.

The MediaLab is the competence centre of the HKB for audiovisual design and photography. Its staff hold courses, offer photography and AV training and advise students and lecturers at the HKB on content and technical issues. The workplaces and studios are equipped with an extensive production infrastructure and are available around the clock. Students at the HKB have the opportunity to use equipment outside of the MediaLab for the implementation and presentation of audiovisual and photographic projects.

In the printing studio you will find the HKB expertise for manual printing techniques. Its staff not only offer various courses in screen printing, gravure printing and letterpress printing, but also support students in their projects, if required. After attending an introductory course and after consultation with the responsible lecturers, students can also work independently in the printing studio outside opening hours.

The Media Library is the library of the departments of Design and Art, Conservation and Restoration, the Y Institute (Institute for Transdisciplinarity) and Research. It is open to members of the HKB as well as external users. 35,000 media are directly available in the open access library, including approximately 300 periodicals. As a member of the NEBIS network (Network of Libraries and Information Centres in Switzerland), it provides access to more than seven million titles in more than 300 libraries. These titles can be accessed online.