Graphic Design and Visual Communication, Bachelor of Arts

Who Benefits from the Degree Programme 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 anyone seeking a solid, practice-oriented education in the fields of design and media communication. The course is ideal for creative minds who want to express themselves visually and have an interest in modern communication methods, digital and analogue media, as well as interdisciplinary projects. The target group includes both traditional school graduates and career changers with a design ambition and technical interest. As the programme is also offered in English, it is explicitly suitable for international prospective students.

Admission Requirements for the Course

The following requirements apply for entry to the bachelor's degree programme in Graphic Design and Visual Communication at the Media University of Applied Sciences:

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification: Proof of general university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the state. For foreign qualifications, equivalence must be demonstrated.
• Application Procedure: Generally, an application form, a CV and certificates must be submitted. Participation in an application or selection interview is also required.
• Artistic Aptitude: Basic design and creative aptitude is expected, usually demonstrated by a meaningful creative portfolio or folder with own works. Details on scope and format will be announced by the university.
• Language Skills: For the English-taught programme in Berlin, solid English skills must be proven (e.g. through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent language certificates). For the German-language campuses, a correspondingly high level of German proficiency is expected.

Additional Notes:

• For the dual study model, a contract of employment with a partner company is also required. The university supports finding a suitable practical partner.
• The classic bachelor's programme includes a compulsory internship of six months.

Personal Requirements and Recommendations:

• Creativity and Desire to Design: Enjoyment of drafting, drawing or visualising, openness to new ideas and courage for creative problem solving.
• Interest in Visual Communication: Motivation to implement design ideas in print and digital media.
• Technical Affinity: Willingness to engage with digital design tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, web design tools).
• Teamwork Skills: Enjoyment of collaboration in group projects or interdisciplinary teams, as is common in the creative profession.
• Independence and Perseverance: Development of an individual design signature and perseverance in implementing demanding design solutions are expressly desired.

Thus, the course is perfectly tailored for all those who do not only want to learn design technically, but wish to actively create with their own signature and perspective.

B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication: Content and Focus Areas

The bachelor's degree programme Graphic Design and Visual Communication (B.A.) at the Media University of Applied Sciences provides you with broad and practice-oriented knowledge of modern design and visual communication.

• Content from theory and practice: You will learn to professionally design print and digital media. Central areas include typography, logo and corporate design, poster design, illustration, photography, film, motion design, editorial design as well as web and app design.
• Methodological and professional competence: Scientific work, media and communication studies, intercultural skills, empirical methods and social skills are part of the curriculum.
• Subject-specific modules: Colour and form theory, composition theory, history of art and design, photography and film, layout, prepress/press, graphics in space, motion design, interface and interaction design, interactive media, self-presentation and project workshops.
• General education elective modules: You can specialise, among others, in media law, social psychology, media technology, digital economy, business English or another foreign language (e.g. Spanish, Chinese).

The teaching is interdisciplinary. Exchange with other departments – such as journalism, psychology or event management – promotes a variety of perspectives in projects and group work.

Course structure: Classical or dual study

• Duration of study: The classical full-time study lasts 6 semesters. The dual study programme lasts 7 semesters and integrates occupational practical phases.
• Practical elements: A six-month compulsory internship is part of the curriculum. Practical projects with renowned companies and agencies are firmly established.
• Dual option: In the practice-integrated dual study programme, you work in parallel at the cooperating company. The university arranges this via its internal network.
• Starting dates: You can begin your studies in the summer semester (April) and winter semester (October).
• Language: In Berlin, you can also complete the degree programme in English.

Support is provided in small groups with close contact to the lecturers. Project-oriented work is the main focus and promotes practical experience.

Career prospects & employment opportunities after the Bachelor’s degree

The B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication opens up a wide range of professional entry and development opportunities:

• Design agencies and advertising agencies: Typical entry-level positions include junior art director, screen designer, app designer, UX designer or communication designer.
• Companies/start-ups: Areas of activity include marketing departments, corporate communications or creative labs.
• Self-employment: Many graduates work as freelancers or start their own design studios.
• Project management: Roles in project management, for example as a project manager focusing on visual communication.

The university reports alumni who work successfully at renowned agencies like MetaDesign or on brand projects for Armani and Facebook, or who have implemented their own projects and final theses with practical relevance.

Study locations: Berlin, Cologne or Frankfurt am Main

• Locations: You can choose between the locations Berlin, Cologne or Frankfurt am Main.
• Internationalisation: A semester abroad or international practical experience is explicitly promoted through the Erasmus+ and PROMOS programmes.

The university places great value on interdisciplinarity, internationality and diversity. The option to complete the degree programme in English is available in Berlin.

Costs and financing: Your options at a glance

• Tuition fees: In the classical model, the monthly fee is 790 euros.
• Dual study: In the dual study programme, the cooperating company covers the tuition fees in full. Information on remuneration or additional benefits is provided in study counselling.
• Internship and funding: Internships at home or abroad are supported by Erasmus+ or PROMOS. Additionally, support is offered during the application process and career planning through the Career Service.

In total, the tuition fees amount to 23,040 euros over the entire duration of the classical study programme. The university offers advice on financing options and scholarships.