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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor Graphic Design & Visual Communication suitable for?
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Graphic Design & Visual Communication is aimed at creative people who want to professionally learn design processes from the initial idea to implementation. It is intended for school leavers with a general university entrance qualification as well as international applicants with an equivalent school certificate who have a strong interest in visual communication, new media and design solutions. The programme is particularly suitable for those who want to work later in internationally oriented design professions – for example in agencies, media companies, start-ups or as freelancers in areas such as branding, editorial and web design, motion graphics or communication design.
What formal admission requirements apply?
To gain admission, you need one of the following qualifications:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification
- An internationally recognised equivalent certificate (e.g. US High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate, GCE A-Levels), verified by the ZAB or according to the Anabin/DAAD database
- If a direct university entrance qualification is missing, successful participation in a Studienkolleg or a recognised first year of study in the same subject area may be required
In addition, you must submit the following documents:
- Portfolio folder with at least 10 own creative works (PDF, according to specific course requirements)
- English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (e.g. IELTS from 6.0, TOEFL iBT 74, Cambridge FCE B2 or equivalent certificate, not older than two years)
All documents submitted in another language require a certified translation into German or English. Selection is subject to available study places and a positive assessment of your portfolio by the faculty.
You should have a pronounced visual imagination, curiosity about new media forms of expression and a high level of self-motivation. Openness to constructive feedback, ability to work in a team and willingness to learn design in an international and interdisciplinary environment are important. Initial practical experience through school projects, competitions or independent work in the fields of graphics, illustration or digital media is helpful. The willingness to actively use English during your studies and in exchange with international lecturers and students is a prerequisite for your study success.
What content does the Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design & Visual Communication convey?
In the Bachelor's degree programme Graphic Design & Visual Communication at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, you develop comprehensive skills in communication design. You learn to conceptualise and implement creative and future-oriented design solutions. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented projects and imparts competencies in the following areas:
- Design skills and fundamental principles: Introduction to design theory, typography, colour and form theory
- Photography and editorial design: Design of print and online media, publications, books and magazines
- Interaction design, new media, animation: Development of user interfaces, websites, apps, animations, working with augmented and virtual reality
- Branding and brand identity: Development of brand strategies, logos, corporate design, campaign and communication concepts
- Project management and research: Structured project development from idea generation to implementation
- Interdisciplinary project work: Collaboration with fellow students from other disciplines
In addition, you acquire knowledge in the areas of presentation and professional communication and continuously present your creative solutions to audiences and real clients.
How is the degree programme Graphic Design & Visual Communication structured?
The Bachelor's degree typically lasts six semesters (three years) and is offered as a full-time on-campus course. The language of instruction is English. The course progression is organised as follows:
- 1st year: Fundamentals in design, typography, photography, editorial design, interaction design and theoretical core subjects
- 2nd year: Deepening of strategic, creative and intercultural skills, handling complex project tasks and design systems, focus on socially relevant issues
- 3rd year: Implementation of an interdisciplinary team project for real clients, completion of a mandatory internship, research, Bachelor's thesis including own design project and preparation for entering the profession
Teaching is project-based – you work both independently and in teams. Semester-based modules alternate between theory, practice and reflection. Regular presentations, interactive seminars and direct contact with lecturers and the Berlin creative scene are key components.
What career opportunities does the degree open up?
Graduates of the degree programme take on diverse roles in the design and communication industry after completion. Typical fields of work include in particular:
- Graphic design in studios and agencies
- Branding and brand development
- Interaction design, UX and UI design for digital products
- Information design and data visualisation
- Editorial design (book, magazine and newspaper design)
- Motion graphics for moving images, film and television
- Advertising and strategic communications consultancy
- Design departments in medium-sized and large companies
- Work in start-ups, especially in the area of app and game design
- Freelance work as a designer
With the internationally recognised Bachelor's degree, you are qualified to enter the labour market directly or to pursue a further Master’s degree.
Where does the Bachelor's degree Graphic Design & Visual Communication take place?
The programme is held at the centrally located campus of Berlin International University of Applied Sciences in Berlin-Charlottenburg. The university is characterised by an international community and offers modern studios, workshops and coworking spaces for practical design work.
Thanks to its location in the creative hotspot Berlin, you benefit from proximity to the design and start-up scene as well as cooperations with companies, agencies and international partners.
What are the costs and what financing options are available?
The tuition fees for the on-campus programme amount to a total of €26,820 for the standard study period of six semesters. Payment can be made as follows:
- EU citizens:
Monthly instalments of €745 or €4,470 per semester - Non-EU citizens:
Semester-based payment of €4,640
Any additional expenses, for example for study materials and excursions, should be planned for. The university provides information on financing options, such as scholarship programmes or education loans. In addition, German nationals are generally entitled to BAföG support.
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