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Deutsch Is the dual Communication Design degree right for you?
The dual Communication Design degree at SRH University in Berlin or Heidelberg is aimed at creative school leavers and career changers with a talent for design who not only want to learn concepts and design but also gain practical work experience. It is suitable for those aspiring to a career in design agencies, media companies, or creative departments of large companies, who enjoy actively shaping visual communication.
What formal criteria must you meet for admission?
To apply for the dual Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, you must meet the following requirements:
- University Entrance Qualification: General higher education entrance qualification (A-levels), technical college entrance qualification, or an equivalent university entrance qualification. Admission is also possible through university access for qualified professionals with the appropriate qualification.
- Artistic Portfolio: A portfolio of about 10–15 of your own design works (e.g. drawings, graphics, photos, or digital works) is part of the application and can be submitted digitally or in person.
- Practical Partner: Before starting your studies, you need a signed employment contract with a company in the field of design, communication design, or media design (e.g. agencies, editorial offices, cultural institutions).
- Curriculum vitae (including a current passport photo) and copy of identification (National Identity Card for foreign applicants).
- Proof of Sufficient German Language Skills if you obtained your university entrance qualification abroad.
After a positive review of the documents, you will be invited to a personal or online selection interview. The focus will be on your technical skills, motivation, and creativity.
Furthermore, for academic success, you should also have the following personal prerequisites:
- Creativity and interest in design (e.g. enthusiasm for graphics, photography, typography, digital media).
- Initiative and openness to new media, methods, and techniques; willingness to work experimentally.
- Ability to work in a team and strong communication skills, as many projects are interdisciplinary and practice-oriented.
- Self-organization and time management to balance between work placement (two days/week) and studies (three days/week), as well as independent project work.
- Basic knowledge of common design software is helpful but not a mandatory requirement.
What content does the dual Bachelor's degree programme in Communication Design convey in detail?
In the dual Bachelor's degree programme in Communication Design, you will acquire comprehensive competencies in visual communication and media design. The main focus is on graphic design, photography, film, illustration, and interactive design. The central areas of learning include:
- Foundations of Design: Theory and practice of design, colour theory, typography, visual language
- Communication Science: Analysis and strategic development of communication concepts
- Media Production: Application of state-of-the-art software tools in the field of print, moving image, and digital media
- Corporate Design & Editorial Design: Development of visual identities, layout, brand and media design
- Interdisciplinary Projects: Collaboration with students from other disciplines, implementation of practice-oriented tasks
- Practical Projects and Writing Workshop: Direct application of study content in real projects at your practice partner
- Academic Work: Preparation for the bachelor's thesis and academic colloquium
Upon successful completion, you will be able to independently or collaboratively conceptualise, plan, and implement design projects – including cross-media work in print, digital, and motion graphics.
How is the structure and sequence of the dual study programme designed?
The practice-integrated dual study programme spans seven semesters (a total of 3.5 years) with 210 ECTS points. The weekly breakdown is as follows:
- 3 days a week of study at one of the locations (Berlin or Heidelberg), in person or with project-based learning phases
- 2 days a week of practical training at a partner company in the design or communications industry
- Each semester lasts 18 weeks, followed by a lecture-free examination and self-study period
- Regular practical reports document your experiences in the company
- Individual supervision by lecturers and study advisors
- The CORE principle places special emphasis on independent, project-oriented learning and immediate application of theory in everyday work
The close practical relevance is guaranteed from the start through the mandatory internship and collaboration with practice partners. If you don't have a practice partner yet, the university actively supports in the placement process.
What career opportunities and fields open up after graduation?
With a dual Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, many career fields in the creative industry and media sector are open to you. Typical positions include:
- Communication designer
- Art director or creative director
- Graphic designers
- 3D artists in animation, advertising, or games
- Multimedia, screen, interaction, and animation designers
- Editorial designers (e.g. magazine or newspaper design)
- Designers for brand, trade fair, and event communication
- Professionals in film and photo production
The practical experience during the programme qualifies you for a seamless entry as a Junior Art Director in agencies, companies, media houses, or the cultural sector. Additionally, the degree provides the academic foundation for advanced Master's programmes, such as Social Design, Strategic Design, or Media Management.
What are the tuition fees and what financing options are available?
The tuition fees are 690 euros per month for students from EU/EEA countries, including Switzerland and certain partner countries (4,140 euros per semester for non-EU/EEA countries). There is also a one-time registration fee of 750 euros (EU/EEA) or 1,000 euros (non-EU/EEA).
- Important: In most cases, your practice company (practice partner) covers the tuition fees and may also pay you a salary.
- Other financing options include educational loans, government funding (e.g. BAföG or scholarships), and tax deductibility of certain expenses.
- The tuition fees remain constant throughout the entire duration of studies, and there are no additional examination fees or hidden costs.
- Living expenses (rent, meals, etc.) must be self-funded, but many practice partners also support with salary payments in this area.
The dual model offers a financially manageable entry into the design programme while creating close connections between practice and career.
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