BA Communication Design

Program Overview

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BA Communication Design

Change the world with your ideas. Learn more about our well-rounded, creative bachelor’s in communication design.

Visualise the future

The Communication Design programme at UE empowers you to turn complex ideas into bold visual stories across all kinds of media. You’ll build hands-on skills in poster design, branding, advertising, exhibitions, trade fair experiences, editorial design, UX/UI, and information design. Your creative work will connect with real-world topics – from business and economics to culture, society, sustainability, and politics. Get ready to thrive in a fast-moving creative industry, with a future-focused skillset that grows with your career.

While studying this bachelor’s degree, you will learn from experienced professors and lecturers from the creative industries, using our extensive infrastructure of workshops, libraries, studios, and laboratories. You’ll also have access to an analogue letterpress/lead typesetting, screen-printing, risograph, darkroom, photo studio, print and scan lab, MacPools and a game lab.

Curriculum | Communication Design

Be aware of the strength of your concepts, show design sureness, and showcase your ability to deal with process management. Across six semesters, the communication design curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of the industries that shape communication design. From language and typography to design and innovation, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of skills and gain good knowledge in the field by choosing to study communication design at UE.

Key facts BA Communication Design

Admission Requirements

• Completed admission form
• Transcript & language proficiency
• CV & Copy of passport
• A portfolio is required
• Admissions test (for non-EU applicants only).

Semesters & Credits

• 6 semesters
• 180 ECTS (Credits)
• Teaching language: English
• The programme starts in both the winter and summer terms.
• Examination and Study Regulations

In your 5th semester, you can do internships or study abroad.

Fees

• EU applicants standard: € 744 monthly
• Non-EU applicants standard: € 12,700 yearly

Prospective Career Paths in Communication Design

This programme sets you up for a wide range of creative careers – including Art Director, Exhibition Designer, UX/UI Designer, and Creative Director. Graduates go on to work in design and advertising agencies, cultural and political institutions, magazines, corporate design departments, or in fast-growing design-related start-ups. Freelance pathways are equally supported and encouraged.

Graduates are prepared for roles in advertising agencies, digital media studios, UX/UI firms, publishing houses, architecture practices, museums, and in-house agencies of global brands. Many also pursue careers as freelance designers, consultants, or launch their own creative ventures.

Preferred Student Profile

• Creativity-Driven – Passionate about art and design, always curious to explore more
• Problem-Solver – Motivated to find innovative visual solutions to diverse challenges
• Tech-Aware – Attuned to current and emerging technologies in design

Fields of Study

• Narrative Design – Developing design solutions through visual storytelling
• Corporate Identity – Building brand identities and implementing them across media
• Digital Media – Mastering creative software and developing interfaces, apps, and websites
• Advertising – Creating both traditional and integrated product advertising campaigns
• Editorial Design – Conceptualising and designing editorial projects for print and digital
• Information Design – Analysing and visualising data and complex information
• UX/UI Design – Gaining foundational skills in user experience and user interface design
• Space Design – Designing exhibition and commercial fair environments

Study in Berlin, center of creativity and opportunities

Berlin is the great place to study Communication Design BA because of the vibrant creative scene that surrounds it. With over 2,500 design agencies and numerous art galleries, you have access to a wide range of opportunities to showcase your work and network with industry professionals. The city's startup culture encourages collaboration and innovation, giving you hands-on experience through internships. Berlin's mix of rich cultural heritage and its role as a hub for modern design makes it a strong environment for developing communication and design skills.

Industry Collaborations: Building Bridges to Success

Students benefit from the university’s collaborations with a range of leading companies and cultural institutions.

Learn from our Experts

Here you will find further valuable information about our professors and their career.

• Prof. Christoph Büch
• Prof. Volker Pook
• Prof. Yang Liu
• Prof. Dr. Till Julian Huss

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

As a graduate, you will be able to:

• Develop creative solutions:
• Initiate and moderate methodical processes.
• Work effectively in team structures.
• Design across diverse fields:
• Create impactful visuals for corporate identity, advertising, cross-media campaigns, interface design, app & web design, interaction design, editorial, poster, book, logo, and much more.
• Master industry-standard software:
• Gain proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and more.

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Outline:

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The program is structured over 6 semesters, totaling 180 ECTS (Credits).

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The teaching language is English.

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You can choose to start the program in either the winter or summer terms.

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Semester 1:

• Introduction to Communication Design
• Design Thinking
• Visual Communication Basics
• Typography
• Photography

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Semester 2:

• Illustration
• Digital Illustration
• Web Design
• Interaction Design
• User Experience Design

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Semester 3:

• Advertising & Branding
• Editorial Design
• Motion Graphics
• 3D Design

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Semester 4:

• Project Management
• Design History & Theory
• Creative Writing
• Design Research

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Semester 5:

• Internship or Study Abroad

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Semester 6:

• Bachelor Thesis Project
• Portfolio Development
• Professional Practices

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Modules:

Each semester consists of modules focusing on specific design disciplines and skills. Some key modules include:

• Visual Communication Basics: Learn the fundamentals of visual design, including color theory, composition, and layout.
• Typography: Explore the power of typography in conveying meaning and emotion through typefaces and their application.
• Illustration: Develop your skills in creating compelling illustrations by hand and in digital software.
• Web Design: Understand the principles of web design and user experience to create user-friendly and engaging websites.
• Editorial Design: Master the art of designing effective and visually appealing layouts for magazines, newspapers, and other publications.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate your progress and understanding. These include:

• Assignment projects: Individual and group projects applying the learned skills to practical design tasks.
• Presentations: Publicly presenting your design work and defending your creative choices.
• Portfolio development: Continuously refine your portfolio throughout the program, showcasing your best work and skills.

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Teaching:

The program boasts experienced professors and lecturers from the creative industries, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience. You will also benefit from:

• Small class sizes: Ensuring personalized attention and feedback from instructors.
• Modern facilities: Access to state-of-the-art workshops, labs, studios, and libraries equipped with the latest design software and tools.
• Practical phases and excursions: Apply your newly acquired skills in real-world settings and gain valuable industry insights.
• Guest lectures and workshops: Learn from acclaimed designers and industry professionals.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BA Communication Design program are equipped to pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• User Experience Designer
• Art Director
• Creative Director
• Brand Strategist
• Advertising Copywriter
• Illustrator
• Photographer
• Animator
• Multimedia Specialist
The program also prepares you for postgraduate studies in design or related fields.

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Other:

• Industry Collaborations: The program offers opportunities to gain valuable experience through internships and real-life projects with leading companies and cultural institutions.
• International Focus: The program welcomes students from around the world, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

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EU applicants standard: € 708 monthly Non-EU applicants standard: € 12,100 yearly