Media Design, Bachelor of Arts

Studying Media Design: Who is the Bachelor's degree at Rheinische Hochschule Köln suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Media Design at Rheinische Hochschule Köln is aimed at everyone who wants to deepen their creativity and interest in design, media, and communication through a practice-oriented university course. The target group includes both school leavers with a creative curiosity and people with an already acquired (professional) qualification who want to establish themselves in the fields of graphic design, audiovisual media, cross-media campaigns or user experience. Those who enjoy creative problem-solving, innovative handling of media – whether analogue or digital – as well as teamwork will find a solid education with diverse development opportunities in this bachelor's programme. The course is also suitable for applicants who desire a broad foundational education in design and want to qualify for work in agencies, media companies, or for future self-employment in the design sector.

What are the admission requirements for the Bachelor's degree in Media Design?

Admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Media Design at Rheinische Hochschule Köln is subject to the following conditions:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or university of applied sciences entrance qualification.
• Or: a relevant professional qualification in connection with the valid vocational training higher education entrance regulation.
• Or: an equivalent recognised educational qualification according to the guidelines of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.
• Proof of German language skills: Those who obtained their higher education entrance qualification abroad must provide sufficient German language proficiency.
• Special artistic aptitude: An artistic-creative portfolio containing original creative works and a conceptual statement must be submitted with the application. The selection procedure places considerably more emphasis on the quality of ideas, design execution, and conceptual depth than on the quantity of works.

The portfolio submission is possible in both digital and physical form. Details such as the current topic, desired scope, and instructions for explanation can be found on the university’s website. Portfolios that have already passed aptitude assessments at other universities may be recognised if applicable.

Personal prerequisites that facilitate studying are:

• Interest in visual communication and various media forms (print, digital, moving image, web, cross-media).
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing unconventional solutions and original ideas.
• Ability to work conceptually and willingness to reflect on topics in a social or scientific context.
• Precision, craftsmanship skills, and willingness to try out new design techniques – from screen printing to typography.
• Team spirit, communication skills, and self-initiative in practical projects.
• Curiosity about technological innovations, especially in the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in design.

What do you learn in the Bachelor's degree in Media Design?

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Media Design at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln, you engage comprehensively with the central aspects of modern media design. The course combines practical projects with theoretical foundations from the fields of print, audiovisual media, web and digitalisation. Typical subjects include typography, photography, video, user experience, media theory, conception methodology and communication management. Artificial intelligence is an integral part of all semesters. This way, you are optimally prepared for the current and future demands of the media industry.

• Design fundamentals: print design, typography, editorial design
• Creative media work: photography, video, design of audiovisual media
• Digital thinking: web production, user experience, coding
• Concepts & brands: brand development, corporate design, crossmedia campaigns
• Project management: methods, communication management, practical projects
• Creativity techniques and design sciences
• Media psychology, media didactics

You apply what you have learned in practical projects from the very beginning – for example in the print workshop in the first semester or in the cross-media team project in the fourth semester.

How is the course structured?

The Bachelor's degree in Media Design comprises 180 ECTS and is usually divided into 6 to 7 semesters, depending on the study model. You can complete the course as a full-time programme (6 semesters), in the evening programme or as a daytime programme (each 7 semesters). All variants are offered as on-campus studies or in hybrid format.

• 1st semester: Basics of print, typography, printing, academic work
• 2nd semester: Practical film project, photography, image design, corporate design
• 3rd semester: Focus on web/app, interface design, coding, storytelling
• 4th semester: Cross-media campaigns, design sciences, responsible communication management
• 5th semester: Elective courses (e.g. brand development, creative leadership), editorial design, lab
• 6th semester: Further electives, media psychology, bachelor's thesis

The entire course is practice-oriented. You work on projects that come directly from companies, agencies or non-profit organisations. This way, you gain insight into the working world and collect professional experience already during your studies. In the last two semesters, you can specifically choose individual specialisations, for example in the areas of brand development, innovation, creative leadership or art direction.

In which professions do you work after graduation?

With a Bachelor's degree in Media Design, you become an expert in visual communication and design. Your skills are in demand in many sectors:

• Graphic design, media design and communication design
• Art direction, creative direction
• Brand strategy, corporate design, branding
• User experience design, interface design
• Content creation, storytelling, editorial design
• Photography, videography, audio production
• Advertising, cross-media campaigns, PR, corporate communications

The career path as a freelancer, founder of a design studio or as an entry into the Master’s programme in User Experience Design is also open to you. Thanks to the focus on digital skills and dealing with artificial intelligence, you are also excellently prepared for the dynamic development of the media market.

Where do you study Media Design?

The Media Design programme is offered on the campus of the Rheinische Hochschule Köln. The university is located in the centre of Cologne. Small study groups, modern facilities including a print workshop, photo studio, media labs and up-to-date technologies enable intensive, practice-oriented learning and teamwork.

How much does the course cost and how can you finance it?

• Full-time study (6 semesters): from 549 euros per month (according to course info), currently 569 euros/month on the website
• Evening or daytime study (7 semesters): each 399 euros per month
• Total costs: approx. 19,764 euros (with 6 semesters at 549 euros according to course info)

Various financing options are available to you, including BAföG, scholarships, funding programmes or part-time jobs. The university’s student advisory service supports you individually with all questions about financing your studies.