Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication program at Dar Al-Hekma University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of visual communication. The program focuses on both traditional and contemporary design methodologies, teaching, and research, aiming to instill in students a forward-thinking approach to progress in education and professional fields.

Program Objectives

• Prepare students to enrich the profession of visual communication by graduating competent and qualified professionals in the field.
• Increase research opportunities in the field of visual communication.
• Obtain national accreditation from the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment.
• Encourage and promote the profession of visual communication in society.

Program Description

The program is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, aiming to graduate students who can compete in the job market and meet its requirements. The dynamic curriculum focuses on developing professional, skilled, successful, and creative designers with a high vision in the world of visual arts.

Facilities and Resources

• Design labs equipped with Mac computers and the latest software.
• Printing and internal services for digital printing, providing students with all necessary facilities for success.
• The program develops students' concepts for the job market through the study of real company projects, enhancing their confidence, social skills, and artistic skills needed to compete in the global market.
• The program covers a variety of design fields, including graphic design, animation, illustration, printing, and photography.
• The program is taught by a team of professional lecturers and researchers, experts in the field of visual communication.
• Students benefit from a variety of lectures and workshops presented by external specialists and craftsmen, and they regularly participate in competitions, exhibitions, and projects related to the visual communication industry, preparing them well for work in the design field.

Admission Requirements

• TOEFL score of 500 (for direct admission to the major).
• High school diploma with a minimum score of 80%.
• General Aptitude Test score of 65%.
• No additional admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students are expected to be able to:

• Discuss the theories, history, principles, and best practices of visual communication design development.
• Understand the social, cultural, and economic issues faced by the design profession within contemporary societies.
• Identify critical and strategic thinking concepts that align with local and global visual communication design standards.

Skills

• Identify design thinking theories and strategies, including problem identification, information gathering, research, analysis, and alternative solutions and prototypes for design problem-solving.
• Use emotional intelligence through visual communication design and teamwork skills.
• Apply current professional techniques to develop visual communication production across a variety of media.

Values

• Consider ethical standards, responsibility, and community participation.
• Practice self-learning and lifelong learning in the field of visual communication.

Curriculum

The program spans four years, with a detailed curriculum that includes:

• First Year: Foundations in communication skills, information and communication technology, emotional intelligence, survey of world art, fundamentals of drawing, and fundamentals of design.
• Second Year: Building on the first year, with courses in visual communication theory, typography, introduction to 4D design, digital illustration, and digital photography.
• Third Year: Includes courses in entrepreneurship and design thinking, web-based design, Islamic design, graphic design studio, and motion graphics.
• Fourth Year: Focuses on advanced topics, including capstone projects, graphic design portfolio, and motion graphic design studio.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Graphic Designer
• Art Director for Advertising
• Advertising Designer and Photographer
• Brand and Identity Developer
• Cartoonist
• Index and Catalog Designer
• Computer Animation Designer
• Digital Image and Production Designer
• Interactive and Game Designer
• Packaging Designer
• Photo Editor

Faculty

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Dr. Ahmed Khaled Nasr El-Deen, Program Director and Assistant Professor.
• Ms. Ayhan Mohammed Niaz, Lecturer.
• Ms. Meisan Anas Madani, Visiting Lecturer.
• Dr. Michelle Kanann, Assistant Professor.
• Mr. Abdulqader Kamal Al-Nubani, Lecturer.
• Ms. Rouaa Abdulbadi Lari, Assistant Professor.
• Dr. Somer Awad Altartir, Assistant Professor and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Star Alumnae

Rawan Khogeer, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in 2014, is a notable alumna. She founded Rawan Stationery Store, which has become a platform for regional designers and artists, aiming to promote the Arabic language by attracting products from Arab artists and designers across the Arab countries.

Program Details

• Program Name: Visual Communication
• Degree: Bachelor
• Credit Hours: 130
• Duration: 4 years
• Study Type: Regular

Contact

For more information, please contact the university at 6702 Prince Majed Street, Al-Fayhaa District, Unit No. 2, Jeddah, Postal Code 22246, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.