Communication Design, Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

The basic requirement is proof of a general higher education entrance qualification, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or a university of applied sciences entrance qualification. Alternatively, access is also possible through a professional qualification if this is combined with at least three years of relevant professional experience and if the artistic aptitude has been determined through an aptitude test.

Artistic Aptitude

The artistic aptitude is assessed in an admission procedure. This consists of an aptitude interview and an entrance examination or a multi-day seminar. Applicants also submit a portfolio of ten independently created artistic works that demonstrate their creative expression and technical understanding.

Exemption from the Entrance Examination

Applicants who have successfully completed a three-year vocational college program in the field of graphic design or fashion design are exempt from the entrance examination. Their artistic aptitude is accepted as a whole.

Accelerated Studies after Vocational College

Individuals with a degree from a vocational college for graphic design can enter directly into the third semester. The prerequisite for this is an average grade of at least 3.0 in the university of applied sciences entrance qualification. Missing content from the first year of study, such as academic work, must be made up during the semester break. The decision on admission to the accelerated program is made by the program management.

Special Features for Dual Studies

In addition to participating in the dual study format, an apprenticeship contract with a suitable company is required. This can also be submitted during the first semester. The partner company should be oriented towards design, for example in the advertising, media, or design industry.

Core Contents of the Study Programme

The Bachelor's degree programme in Communication Design at the University of Communication and Design provides comprehensive expertise in design, media practice, and theory. The aim is to enable students to professionally plan, design, and implement visual communication processes. The programme is designed to be practical and closely linked to the requirements of the creative industries.

The curriculum includes modules in design basics, typography and layout, drawing fundamentals, digital media, as well as photography and media technology. In addition, the programme offers content on art and design sciences, media law, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Students learn the entire process of visual communication – from the idea through to the realization – in various analog and digital media formats.

Types of Studies: Classic and Dual

The programme can be completed either as a traditional full-time study or in a dual form. In the classic model, the study takes place entirely at the university and includes an integrated practical semester in the fourth semester. In the dual study form, theory phases at the university alternate with practical phases in a company. Both forms of study follow the same content structure, but differ in practical implementation. The dual form allows students to continuously gain practical experience in the company.

Specializations from the Third Semester

From the third semester onwards, students choose two out of three profiles for specialization. From the fifth semester, one of these profiles will be continued:

• Crossmedia: Design across different media, e.g. editorial design, advertising, corporate design, or poster design.
• Interactive: Focus on user experience, interface design, animation, VR/AR, and interactive media solutions.
• 3D: Focus on spatial design, trade fair and exhibition design, packaging design, and digital spatial staging.

Methodological and Social Skills

The programme also integrates modules for developing methodological and social competences. This includes scientific work, project management, foreign language skills (English, French, or Spanish), as well as teamwork and presentation techniques. Interdisciplinarity and communication are specifically promoted.

Career Prospects

Graduates are qualified for a variety of roles in the creative industries, such as in advertising and design agencies, publishers, media companies, or in marketing and communications departments of companies. Freelance work as a communication designer is also possible. The programme enables graduates to take on responsibilities and advance in their careers.