Dual studies Media Design (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The Dual Studies Programme in Media Design (B.A.) at IU is aimed at creative and tech-savvy individuals who want to professionally design print and digital media. Prerequisites include a university entrance qualification and a practical partner from the media industry; the study starts on April 1st or October 1st. The seven semesters provide fundamental and design basics, training in graphic software, as well as knowledge in business administration and cross-media strategies. The programme includes around 20 hours of practical training in the company each week, with the study fees covered by the practical partner. Graduates work, for example, as media designers, UX/UI designers, or interaction designers in media agencies, publishing houses, or as freelancers.

At a Glance

🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
Practical relevance, international orientation or maximum flexibility: IU International University (IU) prepares over 100,000 students for the global job market. It brings together under its umbrella more than 100 study programs offered in twi independent university areas: the IU Dual Study Program and the IU Distance Learning Program. IU offers students a network of renowned practical partners in the business world: more than 15,000 companies have already successfully cooperated with IU, including ZURICH Versicherungen or Motel One. IU, which was founded in 2000, is now represented in over 40 cities in Germany.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study Media SciencesMedia Design
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to scientific work for architecture and design, design basics: seeing and understanding, design - form and variation, design theory, typography: discovering type, typography: applying type, representation: photography and video, visual staging, data visualization, basics of animation, 3D design fundamentals - space, design and ergonomics of user interfaces, human-computer interaction, interaction design, microelectronics for designers, mobile app design, collaborative work, intercultural and ethical competencies, seminar: society and digital media, storytelling, practical project: graphic design, practical project: digital composition, practical project: design audio-visual media, practical project: web design, practical project: cross-media web design, practical project: mobile design, project: free design work I, project: free design work II, practical reflection 1: design, architecture & construction, practical reflection 2: design, architecture & construction, practical reflection 3: design, architecture & construction, practical reflection 4: design, architecture & construction, practical reflection 5: design, architecture & construction, practical reflection 6: design, architecture & construction, bachelor thesis, colloquium.
📚 Electives Management and Design of Cross-media Applications I, Management and Design of Cross-media Applications II, User Experience and Multimedia, Augmented Reality, Interactive and Multimedia Spatial Design, Service Design and Smart Service, Generative Interactive Design
📍 Location Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Virtual Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who is the Dual Study Media Design suitable for?

The Dual Study Media Design (B.A.) is aimed at people with a passion for creative design who want to actively shape both analog and digital media worlds. The course is appealing to those who enjoy working with state-of-the-art graphic software, developing innovative ideas, and want to work on design solutions both as part of a team and independently. Whether you are a beginner in the field or looking for a practical alternative to traditional courses after completing school - the Dual Media Design study program specifically prepares you for challenging tasks in media agencies, companies, and publishing houses. The course is particularly suitable for those who want to combine a desire for design, a love of technology, and organizational skills. Even as a career changer with a talent for design, you will find a targeted path to a recognized degree.

Admission Requirements

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification: To apply, you need either the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (A-levels), the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or a comparable recognized qualification.
  • Master Craftsman's Certificate or Equivalent Advanced Training according to § 56 (6) of the NRW Higher Education Act, e.g. Business Specialist, Business Administrator, State-certified Technician.
  • Professional Qualification with at least two years of relevant vocational training and three years of professional experience
  • Practical Experience: A practical partner is required. During the Dual Study, you will work around 20 hours per week in a company in the media, design, or advertising industry. The search for a suitable practical partner is supported by the university, and self-initiatives are also possible.
  • Application deadline and start of studies: There are two study start dates per year (April 1 and October 1). The application must be submitted up to one month before the desired start date.
  • Consultation: If necessary, a personal consultation may be offered during the application process to assess your motivation and prior knowledge.

Design Aptitude: To start the Dual Study in Media Design at IU, you will also take an aptitude test - showing that this design-oriented study is right for you. After applying, you will work on a design task that must be submitted no later than 28 days before the start of your studies. IU will be happy to advise you and provide helpful tips for the exam in the further application process.

Personal Requirements

  • Creativity: Enjoyment of creating print and digital media is essential. Developing your innovative design ideas is key.
  • Interest in Technology: Interest in using current graphic programs, web and app design, as well as video editing and animation is beneficial.
  • Organizational Skills: Independent time management is required as you link studies and practical assignments together.
  • Communication Skills: Communication skills and teamwork are helpful for collaborative work in the study and projects with practical partners.
  • Design Knowledge: Personal experiences in the creative field (e.g. school projects, internships, hobbies, voluntary work) are helpful but not mandatory.

What do you learn in the Dual Study Programme in Media Design?

In the Dual Study Programme in Media Design, you will intensively engage in the creative communication of information and messages – in analog and digital media. You will learn how to design, prepare, and effectively communicate content across various channels. The central study contents include:

  • Design & Design: Conveyance of scientific, technical, and design basics for print, online, and mobile media
  • Technology & Tools: Competent use of current software tools (e.g. for web design, video editing, app development, typography, and printing technologies)
  • Cross-Media Strategies: Learning methods to conceptualize and implement content across different media
  • Creative Project Work: From the first semester onwards, you will intentionally build your own design portfolio
  • Focus & Specialization: Specialization e.g. in cross-media design or interaction design
  • Business Administration: Strengthening your profile through knowledge in business management, innovation management, and intercultural skills

You will further develop your knowledge in an interdisciplinary manner, for example through elective modules from other disciplines (a total of 10 ECTS points in the distance learning model).

How is the Dual Study Programme in Media Design structured?

At IU, in the dual study programme, you study in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Programme, classes take place on campus two days per week – occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Subsequently, the learned material is deepened with the help of learning materials. The Dual myStudy programme combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. Via myCampus, you independently acquire the theory – supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual companion events and use other interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.

The Dual Study Programme in Media Design usually lasts 7 semesters. Depending on the study location, you choose one of the two models:

  • Dual Study Programme: Presence events two days a week on campus or virtually. Deepening of content independently using provided learning materials. Graduation: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 180 ECTS.
  • Dual myStudy Programme: Flexible self-study with digital learning materials and modern learning AI. Exchange and deepening in regular virtual companion events. Graduation: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 210 ECTS.
  • Internship Phase: In both models, you spend 20 hours per week at a practical placement of your choice. This way, you closely link theory and practice from the beginning.

Start of studies is possible on April 1st or October 1st. The contents are structured in such a way that you are competently prepared from both a media technology and business perspective.

What jobs and career opportunities do you have after graduation?

The Dual Study Programme in Media Design opens up diverse perspectives in various media industries. Typical professional profiles include:

  • Media Designer: You develop analogue and digital designs, work on posters, magazines, brochures, websites, and more. Typical work fields are advertising agencies, publishers, graphic design studios.
  • Interaction Designer: You design and optimize digital user interactions (e.g. in app, web, or social media design). Interaction designers are employed in digital agencies, IT companies, or in-house design teams of large and small companies.
  • UX/UI Designer: Your expertise lies at the interface between traditional design fields and new technologies like Augmented Reality. You are responsible for user experience and the design of digital interfaces – for example in design studios, startups, or in large companies.

Many graduates also opt for self-employment or start their own agencies. Your job prospects are further enhanced by a strong professional network and many contacts with practice partners – according to the provider, two out of three students are taken over by the practice partner.

Where can you study Media Design in a dual format?

The Dual Study Programme in Media Design at IU is offered at numerous locations in Germany – as well as completely virtual:

On-Site Locations for the Dual Study Programme: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Dual myStudy: Online study via myCampus with accompanying virtual live events

  • Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge – weekly via live video conference
  • All courses at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning programmes
  • Your theory takes place 100% virtually – flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
  • You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
  • Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students

How much does the study cost and how can you finance it?

The Dual Study Programme in Media Design at IU is usually free of charge for you. The tuition fees (usually several thousand euros per semester at private universities) are covered by your respective practice partner. Therefore, there are no direct study costs for you.

  • Fee Model: The tuition fees are covered by your practice company.
  • Possible Exceptions: Any additional costs (materials, travel, accommodation) must be borne by yourself.
  • Advice on Financing: The Study Service Team supports you in finding the right practice partner and financing options.

This way, you can complete a state-recognised, practice-integrated course of study – without having to pay your own tuition fees.

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