Communication Design, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Design (B.A.) aimed at?

The degree programme in Communication Design (B.A.) at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences is aimed at creative individuals who are interested in visually implementing complex content and designing communication processes. It is particularly addressed to school leavers with the Abitur qualification as well as international applicants who wish to further develop their design skills. The programme targets everyone who wants to acquire a broad range of knowledge in the fields of Brand Design, Advertising, UX/UI, Editorial Design and cross-media campaigns and who enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative media.

Admission requirements for the Communication Design programme

• Fully completed online application: Registration and submission of all relevant application data via the university’s online portal are required.
• Higher education entrance qualification: Proof of a school leaving certificate that qualifies for university admission (usually Abitur or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification; for international applicants an equivalent certificate).
• Language skills: Proof of English language skills (the language of instruction is English). More detailed requirements can be found in the university’s specifics; official English certificates are often required, for example.
• Curriculum vitae and copy of passport: A tabular CV and proof of identity are part of the application.
• Artistic portfolio: An application portfolio with own creative works is required. Design skills and creative potential are assessed therein.
• Admission test: Applicants who are not citizens of an EU country must take an additional admission test.

The detailed requirements for the portfolio (e.g. number and type of works) as well as accepted proofs of language skills are usually documented in the admissions section of the university.

Personal requirements for the Communication Design course

• Creativity and design interest: A pronounced interest in design, visual communication and developing new ideas is fundamental.
• Initiative and openness to new things: Willingness to engage with current trends, digital and analogue techniques as well as social issues.
• Ability to work in a team: Many projects during the course are completed in groups. Communication skills and collaboration are therefore important competencies.
• English skills: Since the programme is offered in English, good English language skills are necessary.
• Basic media handling skills: Initial experience with graphic software or the willingness to systematically familiarise oneself with digital tools is helpful.
• Structured, reflective working: Those who enjoy analytical consideration, planning processes and independent work already bring an important prerequisite with them.

The course is open to career changers as well as international applicants, provided that all formal and subject-specific requirements are met.

Study Content in Detail: What Will You Learn in the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Design?

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Communication Design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, you will be prepared to translate complex content into convincing visual concepts. The programme imparts fundamental and specialised skills in the following areas:

• Design Fundamentals: Art, design and cultural studies, design theory, language and typography
• Digital and Analogue Media: Digital and analogue techniques, workflows and design methods
• Design Processes and User Experience: Design processes, user experience design, interaction and design storytelling
• Practice-Oriented Applications: Poster design, branding, advertising, exhibition and trade fair design, editorial design, interface, app and web design, information design
• Theory and Innovation: Media and cultural theory, aesthetics, ethics, innovation, design critique, discourses on sustainability, economy, society and politics
• Business and Entrepreneurship: Fundamentals of business start-ups
• Interdisciplinarity: Insights into photography, illustration, film & motion design, game design and economic aspects
• Final Projects: B.A. proposal, B.A. thesis as well as documentation and presentation

During your studies, you will have access to modern workshops, libraries, studios and laboratories, including analogue book printing, screen printing, risograph, darkroom, photo studio, print and scan laboratories as well as MacPools.

Course Structure: How is the Communication Design Degree Organised?

The Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design is designed as a 6-semester full-time programme and comprises a total of 210 ECTS credits. You can choose to study at the Berlin or Hamburg campus. The programme starts in both the winter and summer semesters.

• Courses are offered in both German and English (information varies by location; please check the university’s current details).
• From the first semester, you will develop practical projects and benefit from the close integration of theory and practice.
• In the 5th semester, you complete either a practical semester (internship) or a study abroad semester, where you further develop your design skills in practice and an international environment.
• The programme concludes with the bachelor’s thesis including documentation and presentation.
• Regular exchanges with teaching staff and external projects with partner companies ensure professional relevance and insights into the working world.

Career Opportunities and Professional Prospects: Where Can You Work After Your Studies?

As a graduate of the B.A. Communication Design programme, you will possess a broad spectrum of design and conceptual skills. Possible fields of activity include:

• Advertising and communication agencies
• Design studios
• Publishers and media companies
• Cultural and educational institutions
• Companies, NGOs, start-ups
• Self-employed activity as a designer

Typical job profiles include art director, graphic designer, UX designer, digital consultant, 3D artist, and exhibition or trade fair designer.

The starting salary varies depending on industry and position, ranging between 1,500 and 2,500 euros gross per month. With professional experience, earnings up to approximately 5,000 euros are possible. Freelancers usually charge average hourly rates of about 60 to 70 euros.

Place of Study: Where Do You Study Communication Design?

You will complete your studies at the Berlin or Hamburg campus of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. Berlin is regarded as a European centre for design and creativity with over 2,500 design agencies, numerous galleries, and a dynamic start-up scene. The interdisciplinary and international environment offers many opportunities for networking and practical experience.

• Modernly equipped workshops, studios and laboratories on site
• Contact with companies and cultural institutions through university cooperations
• Diverse excursions, workshops and study trips complement the curriculum

Costs and Financing of the Studies

The following tuition fees apply for the Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences:

• EU applicants: 708 euros per month or 4,248 euros per semester (see course information)
• Total costs over 6 semesters: 25,488 euros
• Non-EU applicants: differing fees according to the current price list (e.g. 12,700 euros per year)

Fees may vary depending on the year of enrolment. Various options are available for financing, such as BAföG, scholarship programmes, student loans or part-time jobs. The university provides information and advice on suitable funding opportunities.