| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design at FHD - University of Applied Sciences equips students with creative, technical, and strategic skills to prepare them for careers in communication design. The program emphasizes individualized support, interdisciplinary teaching, and practice-oriented learning through projects with external partners. Graduates receive an internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and pursue roles in advertising, media, and design industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor's degree programme in Graphic Design (B.A.) The program aims to develop students' creative, technological, strategic, and theoretical skills, preparing them for careers in communication design. It emphasizes small study groups for individual support and direct communication with professors, fostering a familiar learning environment. The curriculum focuses on the quality of student work, projects, and technical equipment. The program also highlights the development of social and intercultural competencies and sensitization to technological developments as essential learning objectives. Interdisciplinary teaching is a key focus, reflecting the reality of globally networked, interdisciplinary teams in the design field. The program includes projects with business, science, and cultural partners, emphasizing a practice-oriented approach. Graduates receive an internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design Screen / Print Media. The program also offers a pathway for students from other universities to transfer credits and potentially shorten their study time.
Outline:
The standard period of study is 7 semesters (3.5 years), awarding 210 credit points (ECTS). The program uses a modularized learning system, combining teaching content into thematic blocks. Interdisciplinary mobility allows students to complete modules in related areas of other degree programs at the university, customizing their studies. A 20-week internship is included in the 5th semester, with the possibility of completing it abroad. Course content includes:
- Design techniques
- Visual communication and design theory
- Illustration and graphics
- Typography and editorial design
- Photography and digital image processing
- Basics of drawing, free drawing, and figure drawing
- Interface and interaction design
- Identity Design and Brand Communication
- Intermedia Design
- Design methodology
- Conception and project realization
- Creativity and innovation management
- 3D Development
- Strategic communication and advertising psychology
- Design philosophy and intercultural design
Teaching:
The program emphasizes small group learning in a familiar atmosphere with direct contact to professors and lecturers. Individual student support is a key feature. The faculty is described as having high design competence, extensive practical experience, and strong industry networks. Lecturers are said to have relevant teaching experience and are readily available to students. The program incorporates the experience of project partners into its teaching to ensure practical relevance and high scientific standards. The teaching approach is practice-oriented and interdisciplinary.
Careers:
Graduates work in various roles within advertising, media, and creative agencies; design or marketing departments of large companies; PR agencies; publishing houses; the trade fair and exhibition industry; or as independent designers. Other potential employers include newspaper, magazine, and book publishers, as well as film and television companies. Graduates also find opportunities as creative all-rounders in medium-sized companies, developing and maintaining corporate identity and public image. Specific job titles include:
- Art director
- Creative Director
- Design Manager
- Graphic designer
- Illustration designer
- Communication Designer
- Multimedia Developer
- Online Marketing Manager
- Interface designer
- Web designer
- Interaction Designer
Other:
The Faculty of Design boasts excellent technical equipment, including computer pools, studios, workshops, laboratories, and studios. The program has an extensive cooperation network with partners from business, culture, and research. Student projects are showcased, including examples like "Pop-Up Buch," "Intermedia Design," and "3D Entwicklung." Testimonials from industry partners highlight the program's strengths and the quality of its graduates. The program offers a shortened Master's program (Creative Direction (M.A.)) for graduates, taking only 3 semesters. The program also accepts students without an Abitur (high school diploma) if they demonstrate special artistic aptitude. The aptitude test is individual, flexible, and can be completed online.
