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Deutsch Who is the Brand & Communication Design programme suitable for?
The Bachelor’s degree in Brand & Communication Design is aimed at creative individuals who have a passion for design, graphic and communication design. It primarily targets school leavers with the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or the advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur) who want to professionalise themselves in the field of design. Applicants with a pronounced artistic talent without a classical university entrance qualification may also be admitted under certain conditions. The course is ideal for anyone who wants to translate innovative ideas into visual communication and brand-oriented projects and shows an interest in both traditional and digital design technologies.
What admission requirements apply for Brand & Communication Design?
You need a university entrance qualification, which means:
- general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
- alternatively: special artistic aptitude may in individual cases allow access even without (advanced) qualification
Additionally required are:
- a design portfolio (portfolio with 10–15 own works showing various techniques and topics, including documentation of the design process)
- complete application documents (including a completed online form, CV, certificates, letter of motivation)
- participation in an admission interview with university representatives, in which your design aptitude and motivation will be assessed
After successful selection, you will receive admission to the programme.
You should bring creativity, a strong interest in design and openness to both traditional and digital design processes. Important are self-initiative, willingness to work interdisciplinarily in teams, and the ability to use feedback constructively. Initial practical experience – for example through school projects, independent creative work or internships – is advantageous. Your willingness to actively use new technologies such as AI tools will promote your learning success. Communication skills, structured working methods and high self-motivation will facilitate your entry and perseverance in the full-time on-campus programme.
Which topics do you study in the Bachelor Brand & Communication Design?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme Brand & Communication Design at the Brand University of Applied Sciences, you acquire practice-oriented skills in communication and digital design. You learn how to transfer creative ideas into professional communication concepts using classical design techniques and modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). The programme combines design fundamentals with brand-strategic expertise and provides you with specialist knowledge in brand development, branding, and visual communication.
- Design subjects: From “Design Essentials” to “Photography” and “Motion Design” – you get to know all the important aspects of visual design.
- Use of AI tools: Application of Leonardo, Canva, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, Stable Diffusion as well as Custom GPTs and other AI-based tools for text and image production.
- Shared modules with Brand & Marketing Management: Interdisciplinary work on brand strategy and communication.
- Electives: Set individual focuses in communication design or digital design.
- Practical projects: Collaboration with international companies, development of real solutions for current challenges.
- Internationality: Optional semester abroad – for example in China – broadens your perspective.
The elective modules from the third semester onwards allow specialisation in areas such as illustration, 3D design, UX strategy, media technology & media production, data science & AI, marketing, advertising psychology or customer experience management.
After your studies, you will possess skills in brand development, creative concept work, professional implementation of multimedia communication projects and targeted use of AI in the design process.
How is the course structure organised in the on-campus Brand & Communication Design programme?
The programme is designed as a six-semester full-time on-campus study at the Brand University Hamburg. Over 36 months, you will be trained in didactically consecutive modules that combine theory, creative practice and the application of the latest technologies.
- 1st to 3rd semester: Teaching basics in brand thinking, design techniques, AI-supported tools, photography, 3D design, UX design, social media, content creation and creative technologies.
- 4th and 5th semester: Deepening in corporate design, storytelling, brand campaigns, agile branding, art direction, digital product design, sustainable brands, practical projects with corporate partners and electives according to interest.
- 6th semester: Completion through practical transfer project, bachelor thesis and colloquium.
Regular practical projects with companies and open 24/7 co-working studios ensure a strong connection to professional practice. AI tools are not only taught but actively used in everyday study life. A semester abroad is optionally integrated in the fifth semester.
What are your career prospects after completing the degree programme?
With a Bachelor of Arts in Brand & Communication Design, you qualify for diverse, future-proof roles in the creative industries. Graduates can work at the intersection of communication design, brand development and digital design. Typical professions include:
- Art Director or Creative Director: Development and management of creative brand communication as well as leadership of design teams.
- Brand Designer and Communication Designer: Designing brand experiences, logos, corporate design and content for various channels.
- UX/UI Designer: Design and optimisation of interactive, user-centred interfaces for digital products and applications.
- Concept Developer for Campaigns: Development of strategic-conceptual solutions for communication and advertising projects.
- Consultant for Brand Communication: Advising companies on positioning and staging brands in various markets.
Your degree opens up fields of work in agencies, companies of all sectors, media houses and in self-employment. Due to the application-oriented training and international focus, you are also well prepared for management roles or a subsequent master’s degree.
How is the Hamburg location integrated into your studies?
The programme takes place entirely in on-campus mode at the Brand University of Applied Sciences at the Hamburg location. You learn and work in the creative environment of a vibrant metropolis, one of the most important centres of the European design and media landscape.
- Campus: Rainvilleterrasse 4, 22765 Hamburg – modern, multimedia-equipped teaching and working rooms.
- 24/7 co-working studios: Permanent access to creative workspaces included in the course.
- Networking: Close cooperation with companies and access to the local creative scene.
Experiences on the campus are complemented by optional international modules, such as a semester abroad in China. The spatial organisation enables intensive practical learning and direct contact with lecturers and practical partners.
What costs should you expect for the Brand & Communication Design degree and how can it be financed?
The Bachelor’s degree in Brand & Communication Design at the Brand University of Applied Sciences incurs monthly tuition fees of €495, which corresponds to a total amount of €18,910 over the six-semester duration. Additionally, there is a registration fee of €890 and an examination fee of €200. The acquisition of the discounted Germany ticket is included in the semester fee.
- Included: Access to professional design tools (e.g. Adobe Cloud, MidJourney), use of the co-working studios on campus around the clock.
- Financing options: Support such as BAföG (if eligible), scholarships, assistance from foundations, financing via regional and nationwide study and education loans (e.g. KfW study loan).
The Brand University offers individual advice on all questions concerning financing, scholarships and payment modalities for studying in Hamburg.
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