MA Visual Communication

Program Overview

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Programme Overview

On the MA Visual Communication course, you’ll explore the ways in which you can convey messages and meaning through a diverse range of media – from illustration and motion to digital – and you’ll be encouraged to develop new skills to strengthen and inform your design language.

During your studio-based studies, you’ll collaborate with other members of our creative community and courses to enhance your workflow skills and interdisciplinary understanding in the areas needed to become a creative leader and innovator within the field of visual communication. This is an area that spans from Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, User Experience Design, Brand Design, Motion Design, Web & App Design, Virtual and Mixed Reality Design, Exhibition Design and Advertising.

Key Programme Information

Discover essential program information of Master of Arts (MA) Visual Communication, such as duration and admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

Discover the necessary qualifications and documents needed to apply.

Programme Structure

Explore the MA in Visual Communication programme's structure, including the coursework and supplementary learning experiences.

Programme Overview

MA Visual Communication is designed to help you develop your identity as an author and thought leader, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to identify and solve design problems within complex cross-media environments, including digital printmaking, still and moving image productions – both digital and virtual.

You will enter the professional world with a confident design voice, a specialised and specified informed design language and an outstanding portfolio.

Berlin School of Business and Innovation is in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA). As a result of this partnership, BSBI is able to offer the MA Visual Communication programme. UCA is an acclaimed creative institution in the UK that ranks highly in all three of the major UK league tables. The university has also been ranked 13th out of all UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2020.

What will You Experience?

Central elements of the Master's in Visual Communication course include the appropriate environment for evaluation and testing of a compelling proposal development practice. Interdisciplinary key discussion embedding theory, text and design case studies are core elements of this programme. Exploration and pushing the boundaries of contemporary visual solutions in the culmination of methods and strategies for independent research and practice, will enable you to show a cohesive and innovative final body of work.

Why Study this Programme?

The MA in Visual Communication programme pushes students to investigate and further their knowledge of the possibilities of the fast-evolving creative industry, while refining their mindset with the dedicated support from our expert faculty who have a wealth of industry experience.

Your learning will be enhanced through a well-informed magnitude of contextual and contemporary engagement in order to develop convincing proposals and solutions in the field of Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Visual Communication in general.

Who Should Take this Course?

As one of the highest ranked creative education institutions, we aim to attract the most creative and proficient individuals who will be equipped and facilitated with an educational foundation to develop a focused and structured framework. We are looking for individuals aiming to thrive as leaders in the professional environment of a generic creative pathway, relating to our three specialisations in Illustration, Graphic Design and Animation.

Programme Fee

INTAKES :Hamburg : February, October

Special offers effective until 31 December 2025*: Up to 25% off for International Students | 15% off for EU Students

2025 February/October:International students Price: €13,250 | EU students Price: €8,450

Programme Structure

This 18-month (Level 7) MA Visual Communication programme consists of three terms of study and six months dedicated to your dissertation.

The first two terms include a range of lectures and seminars and you’ll start to explore your creative practice in order to inform the detailed development of your project proposal later in the course.

In the third term you begin developing your MA project, evaluating and testing out the aims of your proposal over a sustained period of self-directed study.

Modules

Term 1

Defining your practice

• Explore creative practices to identify a creative project methodology
• Cultivate your creative discipline

**Term 2

Context and Method Project Development**

• Learn theory, context, method, and engage in cultural and intellectual debates in your discipline
• Plan and develop your final MA project

**Term 3

Realisation and Dissemination**

• Demonstrate and execute your final MA project
• Write your MA dissertation

Defining Your Practice

You’ll explore creative practices in order to inform the detailed development of your project proposal later in the course. The unit aims to provide a structured framework to allow you to investigate the potential of methods, ideas and themes in your discipline as well as helping inform and locate your practice.

Context and Method

Through a series of lectures and seminars, you’ll actively engage in a range of current debates which provide cultural and intellectual context for the consideration of ideas in visual communication. The programme addresses interdisciplinary issues through the discussion of theory and the consideration of specific design-led work and texts.

Project Development

In this unit, you will develop the themes and focus of your final project in the fields of illustration, graphic design, animation or visual communication. This will allow you to evaluate and test out the aims of your proposal over a sustained period of self-directed study. At this stage, the development of your project will be guided and questioned through tutorials, group critiques and presentations, which will support the progress of your work and provide rigorous critical appraisal from staff, peers and professional practitioners. While encouraging the continued exploration and questioning of your ideas, you will continue the process of developing appropriate methods and strategies for your project’s realisation as you begin to work more independently as a researcher and practitioner, refining your research questions and the research methods you are using.

Realisation and Dissemination

You’ll apply knowledge and experience gained in previous units to the realisation of your final MA project – the culmination and consolidation of your studies in the form of a resolved piece, or body of work. It should show coherence and innovation at a professional level of resolution. You’ll also be required to prepare a critical paper intended to reflect upon the specific practical outcome of the MA project, its interpretation and its success as a demonstration of your approach to creative practice through research.

Study in Hamburg

Location: HAMBURG

• Duration: 18 months
• Intakes: February, October
• Campus: Hamburg, Germany
• Degree awarded by University for the Creative Arts
• Price 2024 October : €13,250 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
• Price 2025 February/October : €13,250 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MA in Visual Communication course students should be able to:

Knowledge:

• Identify and meticulously investigate appropriate sources using adequate research methods leading to innovative concepts or insights into existing visual communication practice
• Methodically and critically analyse and evaluate existing knowledge proposing new hypotheses

Knowledge

• Understand how the specific features of management work together with business administration in a global context
• Discuss and apply coherent and detailed knowledge of international business and management
• Debate current professional opinion and research about trends in business and management and changes which may affect its development in the near or mid-term future

Applications:

• Demonstrate an advanced set of skills and methods appropriate to visual communication and produce work in a highly advanced manner in line with the fast-evolving industry standard
• Demonstrate commitment to the subject, engagement and appearance with the course, appropriate time management, organisation, critical reflection and self-directed project management and study

Skills

• Demonstrate a broad and critical understanding of visual communication as well as within the fields of Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation
• Demonstrate experimentation, risk taking, problem solving and reasoning in relation to both ideas and materials in order to equip your practice for fast-evolving demands

Career Progression

BSBI’s industry focused environment provides the ideal support to our students in their personal and professional development. Upon successful completion of the Masters in Visual Communication course, you’ll be able to pursue the following careers:

• Graphic Designer
• Branding/Corporate Designer
• Web and App Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Art Director Digital
• Creative Director Digital
• Video Director
• Motion Designer / VFX Artist
• AR/VR/MR Designer
• Visualiser/Visual Creative

BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps visual communication master’s students and alumni reach their career goals and realise their potential. The Service offers specialised support and aims to build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age: 21

Academic qualifications

Strong undergraduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification in the subject or a related discipline.

If you do not meet the academic requirements, you may be assessed based on 3 years of relevant work experience (illustration, animation, graphic design or general visual communication), demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level.

English Language Requirements:

Access the Proof of English Guide (UCA) here.

Documents

For this course, we’ll need to see your portfolio for review. We’ll invite you to attend an Applicant Day so you can have your portfolio review in person, meet the course team and learn more about your course. If you would prefer to upload a portfolio digitally, there is also the option to submit it online via our BSBI Submission Portal. Further information will be provided once you have applied.

Technical Entry Requirement

Computer Equipment

In recent developments of hybrid learning, we require each student to arrive equipped with a laptop. We, therefore, recommend the purchase of a design-friendly mobile laptop. Please click below to read more about the technical requirement.

Portfolio Submission

Your Portfolio Submission

You are required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal. Before submitting your artwork, please have a look through the** Portfolio Cookbook**

• Your portfolio is a collection of your best work. We want to see what inspires you, how you develop your work, your creative thinking processes, how and what you create and what makes you a unique creative individual.

What Should My Portfolio Contain?

• Your portfolio might contain sketches and paintings, digital art and design. It might also contain sound work, short films.
• Upload up to 12 pieces of work which can include audio or video files.

How do I Submit My Portfolio?

• We’ll only be accepting portfolios digitally. You can do this once you’ve applied via our online submission system within the Applicant Portal.
• You can also link to external websites such as Vimeo and YouTube.

Further information on how to compile and upload your portfolio will be provided by our admissions team via our admissions portal once you have applied.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The MA Visual Communication program aims to cultivate advanced research skills, foster a robust visual communication language, and enable specialization within your chosen discipline. The program emphasizes the exploration of diverse media, including illustration, motion graphics, and digital formats, to enhance your design language and equip you with the necessary skills to become a creative leader and innovator in the field.

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Description:

• This 18-month interdisciplinary course delves into the exploration of visual communication through various media, fostering a strong understanding of the creative process and its application across different disciplines.
• The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to identify and solve complex design problems within various cross-media environments, including digital printmaking, still and moving image productions.
• Through studio-based learning and collaboration with peers from diverse creative backgrounds, students develop enhanced workflow skills and interdisciplinary understanding.
• The program prepares graduates to enter the professional world with a confident design voice, a specialized and informed design language, and an outstanding portfolio.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• The 18-month program (Level 7) consists of three terms of study and six months dedicated to the completion of a dissertation.
• The first two terms focus on lectures, seminars, and exploration of creative practices to inform the development of a detailed project proposal.
• The third term sees students begin their MA project, evaluating and testing the aims of their proposal through self-directed study.
• The final stage involves applying the acquired knowledge to create a final body of work, allowing students to either take a generic approach or specialize in one of the three available pathways: Graphic Design, Illustration, or Animation.

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Course Schedule:

• Term 1: Defining Your Practice
• Explores creative practices to identify a project methodology.
• Cultivates creative discipline.
• Term 2: Context and Method, Project Development
• Learn theory, context, method, and engage in cultural and intellectual debates in your discipline.
• Plan and develop your final MA project.
• Term 3: Realisation and Dissemination
• Demonstrate and execute your final MA project.
• Write your MA dissertation.

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Modules:

• Defining Your Practice
• Context and Method
• Project Development
• Realisation and Dissemination

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Module Descriptions:

• Defining Your Practice:
Students explore various creative practices to identify a suitable project methodology and cultivate their creative discipline.
• Context and Method:
This module delves into theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and critical analysis, encouraging students to engage in intellectual debates within their chosen discipline. Students also plan and develop their final MA project proposal.
• Project Development:
Students begin working on their MA project, focusing on self-directed study and evaluation of their project's aims.
• Realisation and Dissemination:
This final stage involves the execution and demonstration of the MA project, accompanied by the completion of the dissertation.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Individual and group projects
• Presentations
• Essays
• Portfolio reviews
However, general criteria include:
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Creativity and innovation
• Technical skills and proficiency
• Project execution and presentation
• Communication and writing skills

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and encourage active engagement.
These methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Studio-based learning
• Guest lectures
• Independent study and research

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a team of experienced and highly qualified faculty members with extensive industry experience and expertise in their respective fields.
• The faculty members are actively involved in research and creative practice, ensuring students benefit from the latest knowledge and insights.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment, fostering interaction and exchange of ideas between students and faculty.
• Students have access to industry-standard equipment and software, enabling them to experiment and develop their skills in a professional setting.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can pursue diverse career paths within the creative industries, including:
• Graphic Designer
• Branding/Corporate Designer
• Web and App Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Art Director Digital
• Creative Director Digital
• Video Director
• Motion Designer / VFX Artist
• AR/VR/MR Designer
• Visualiser/Visual Creative

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Career Opportunities:

• The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to secure employment in various sectors, including advertising agencies, design studios, marketing firms, branding agencies, technology companies, and cultural institutions.
• Graduates can also pursue freelance careers or further their studies in specialized areas.

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Outcomes:

• The program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates who are well-prepared to thrive in the competitive creative industries.
• The program offers a supportive environment with dedicated careers and academic support services.
• Students can participate in various extracurricular activities and events to enhance their learning experience and network with industry professionals.

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• International students Price: €12,600
• EU students Price: €8,000
• International students Price: €13,250
• EU students Price: €8,450