Who Benefits from the Bachelor in Graphic Design and Visual Communication?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Graphic Design and Visual Communication at the Media University of Applied Sciences is aimed at creative, media-interested individuals seeking a professionally sound and practice-oriented education in the field of design. It targets both school graduates with a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification as well as career changers with professional qualifications who wish to further develop their skills in graphic design and visual communication. The course is also suitable for anyone who values interdisciplinary work, international perspectives, and close practical contacts.
Admission Requirements: What You Should Bring
- School Leaving Certificate: For admission, a general university entrance qualification (Abitur), a university of applied sciences entrance qualification, or an equivalent recognised qualification is usually required.
- Professional Qualification: A professional qualification, such as a completed vocational training of at least two years plus several years of professional experience, can also qualify you for the degree. The exact equivalence is examined by the university.
- Language Skills: For the programme offered in German, good German language skills are required; if the programme is taken in English, corresponding English skills are necessary (e.g. through a certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS). The university's student advisory service can provide information on this.
- Application Process: Admission is via the university’s application procedure. This usually requires a letter of motivation and, if applicable, artistic work samples (portfolio).
- Dual Study Programme: For the dual study programme, you also need a cooperating company. The Media University supports you in finding a suitable company.
Personal Requirements – What Helps You Settle into Your Studies:
- Interest in creative processes and design issues
- Design and visual imagination skills
- Basic knowledge of graphic software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) is helpful but not mandatory
- Initiative, self-organisation, and openness to new experiences
- Ability to work in a team and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary exchange – for example, with students from journalism, psychology, or marketing
- Communication skills and willingness to accept and implement constructive feedback
- Enjoyment of practical project work and pleasure in making your own ideas visible
The dual or work-integrated study programme also requires good time management and the ability to apply theoretical content directly in practice. Regardless of the mode, all students benefit from high self-motivation and readiness to actively engage in projects and the university network.
B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication: All Content, Structure and Perspectives Explained Concisely
What do you learn in the Graphic Design and Visual Communication degree programme?
In the Bachelor's degree programme Graphic Design and Visual Communication at the Media University of Applied Sciences, you receive a comprehensive, practice-oriented and interdisciplinary education. You develop creative and technical skills as well as theoretical know-how to implement visual communication concepts for print and digital media.
- Design fundamentals: Typography, colour theory, form and composition, logo design, poster design
- Digital media: Web and app design, motion design, basics of interface and interaction design, interactive media
- Visual language: Photography, illustration, film and post-production, editorial design
- Concepts and theory: Art and design history, media and communication studies, creativity processes
- Interdisciplinary skills: Empirical methods, economics, social sciences, media law, foreign languages (e.g. English, Spanish, Chinese)
- Project work: Practical projects in teams, interdisciplinary cooperation with fellow students from journalism, psychology and event management
How is the degree structured?
The programme consists of six semesters in the full-time model (classic) or seven semesters in the dual practice-integrated model. It includes the following elements:
- Classic or dual: You can complete the programme classically or dual, where you work simultaneously in a partner company and gain additional practical experience.
- Start dates: The programme starts in April (summer semester) and October (winter semester).
- Modules: The modules cover the breadth of graphic design – from design processes to media production to digital applications.
- Mandatory internship: In the classical programme you complete a six-month mandatory internship, for example in agencies, publishers or companies (e.g. at fischerAppelt, Zalando, Dangerous. Werbeagentur, Green Me Filmfestival).
- Language: In Berlin, the degree programme is also offered in English.
What career opportunities do you have after graduating?
With a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communication, a variety of career opportunities open up in the creative sector. Alumni of this degree programme work in positions such as:
- Junior Art Director in agencies
- Screen designer, app designer, UX designer
- Communication designer, graphic designer
- Project manager in marketing and advertising departments
- Freelance designers or founding your own studio
The practice-oriented education, the university’s industry network and real projects facilitate entry into the creative industries.
Where can you study Graphic Design and Visual Communication?
The Media University of Applied Sciences offers this degree programme at three locations:
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Frankfurt am Main
The university focuses on small learning groups, intensive supervision and a strong international network (Erasmus+, PROMOS programme). A semester abroad is possible, for example in Ireland, Mexico, China or Australia.
What costs will you incur and how can you finance your studies?
Tuition fees vary depending on the model:
- Classical study: 790 EUR per month (as of 2025)
- Dual study: no tuition fees for you – the costs are covered by your partner company
The Media University also informs you about funding opportunities and scholarship programmes such as Erasmus+ and PROMOS.
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