• Programme Duration: Two years
• Language: English
• Locations: Wismar (Germany), Riga (Latvia), Lahti (Finland)
• Form of study: Full-time, on-site study
• Total ECTS Credits:
  • 120 ECTS credits
  • 90 ECTS credits for coursework
  • 30 ECTS credits for the Master’s thesis
• Degree Awarded: A Joint Master’s Degree, conferred by all three partner universities, irrespective of the individual study path. This integrates and unifies three nationally conferred degrees:
  • Master of Arts in Design – University of Applied Sciences, Germany
  • Master of Culture and Arts – Lab University of Applied Sciences, Finland
  • Master of Design in the Humanities – Art Academy of Latvia, Latvia.
• Application Deadline: February 15th (23:59 closure time of the admission platform) for the annual start of the Nordic Green each Winter semester. Late applications will not be considered.

The Nordic Green curriculum is developed based on extensive research and best practices in circular design, participatory methodologies, and behavioural change strategies. It aims to address existing skill gaps and drive sustainability innovation. Drawing insights from current approaches on circular economies, participatory urban planning, and green entrepreneurship, the program ensures an evidence-based, future-oriented approach that bridges academic knowledge with industry needs. The curriculum prepares students with interdisciplinary and collaborative skills needed to address complex environmental, social, and economic challenges.

The transition to a circular and transformative economy demands a holistic understanding of the interdependencies between social, economic, and environmental systems. Nordic Green prioritises real-world applications, particularly through its Reality Studios, Joint Summer Schools and Boost Camps. By integrating systemic change methodologies, place-based sustainability approaches, and speculative design, the curriculum equips students with critical tools to develop innovative, actionable design interventions.

Nordic Green expects and welcomes students from around the world. Candidates should have an educational and professional background comprising at least 60% from the fields of Design, Architecture, or Fine Arts, while up to 40% may come from Engineering, Economics, or Social Sciences. Regardless of their field, all candidates must demonstrate a strong, documented interest in sustainability issues.

The program seeks individuals of academic excellence based on their previous educational and professional achievements. Applicants must have at least two years of professional or practical experience following the completion of their Bachelor’s degree in their respective field.

Ideal candidates possess:

• A holistic mindset and capability for systemic thinking
• Creativity and adeptness at synthesizing solutions
• A genuine commitment to environmental sustainability, reflected in previous work
• A desire to instigate positive change
• Skills in both micro- and macro-level problem-solving
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach, embracing creative project work and constructive criticism
• Experience in co-design and co-creation processes
• Interest in developing leadership capacities, strong organizational skills, and the ability to facilitate and coordinate initiatives
• Keen societal awareness, understanding community, culture, context, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives and needs