Graphic Design and Visual Communication

Design can be understood as an economic and a cultural intervention. It is an important competitive and economic factor, as it brings designers, users, and markets into view. Design is a stimulus for innovation. It is both shaped by and influences value and moral systems in different social and cultural contexts. In teaching as well as in research, the study programmes of the Faculty of Design at BI are connected to ongoing developments in the area of design and the corresponding innovative processes in business and technology.
The Bachelor's programme Communication Design at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences prepares students for the increasingly challenging fields of communication and new media - particularly in the cultural, educational and industrial areas. Creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, adaptability, an international outlook, interdisciplinary experience, and intercultural competence are of special importance for all programmes of the Faculty of Design, including Communication Design.
The goal of the programme is to integrate digital technologies into creative processes, which form the basis of communication design. Communication designers can work nationally and internationally in many different constellations - as graphic designers, motion designers, interface and interaction designers, or web designers.
Systematic thinking and theoretical and practical comprehension of complex forms are core elements of communication design. Therefore, the programme aims to equip students with these tools and with competences to work in different cultural contexts. Since an internship is part of the studies at Berlin International, the students can also use the internship opportunities provided by the CO-OP programme as part of the BAU Global Network.

Educational organisation

Step by step, students learn in small groups how to plan, design and present their projects to a specific target audience. In the basic study period, students acquire the fundamental tools of a designer with examples of basic creative tasks. Interdisciplinary design projects are the focus of the second study period. Using complex real-life tasks, students will develop sustainable and competitive high-level design solutions.
The modules and courses offered vary in type: lectures, seminars, accompanying exercises and projects are part of the curriculum. Common to all courses are small-group approaches, discussions, presenting and defending design ideas as well as evaluating design ideas and projects. The modules and courses build upon each other.
A unique factor of the design programmes at BI is - alongside the strong practice-oriented approach and the interdisciplinary focus of all programmes - the international and intercultural setting of the university: the Global Education Network of BAU universities enables students from Berlin to study and to do research in joint projects with students from other university locations. Thus, the fourth semester can be organised as an exchange semester at another university within the BAU Global Education Network. Additionally, several topic-oriented courses (e.g. photography) are offered at one of the international locations.

Study abroad unit(s)

A study abroad period is not obligatory for students of the programme at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences. Since BI is a part of the BAU Global Education Network, study abroad experiences at other BAU universities or campuses in Istanbul, Washington DC, Rome, Hong Kong, Silicon Valley or Toronto are encouraged.

Internships

An internship of approx. 10 weeks (15 credits) is to be completed by the end of the fifth semester. Programme advisers and a staff member at the Internship Office will assist students in finding an appropriate internship in Germany or abroad.

Forms of assessment

The Communication Design programme at Berlin International comprises 180 ECTS. Examinations vary and include written and oral tasks, as well as a Bachelor's thesis. Details are described in our module handbook (online at http://www.berlin-international.de).

Course objectives

Within the six semester Bachelor's programme at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, the students will be prepared individually and carefully for their careers. The Bachelor's programme in Graphic Design & Visual Communication integrates digital technologies into creative processes. The study programme at BI offers a practice-oriented education with a well-thought-out combination of practical and theoretical courses. Course content and organisation are oriented towards international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary aspects.
Communication designers inform, explain, and influence services and products: in short, our entire daily life. They work in design or public relations agencies, design departments of companies and organisations, publishing companies, TV stations, or social media networks, in cultural or public institutions. They design pictures, texts, illustrations, books, newspapers, films, and are at home in the Internet medium. They work with printed and digital media in all fields. They work internationally and in an interdisciplinary way in close cooperation with designers and experts from other branches. Communication designers can work nationally and internationally in many different constellations, as graphic designers, motion designers, interface and interaction designers, or web designers.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL 537 (paper-based), 74 (Internet-based), IELTS 6, FCE B. If the applicant's English skills are not sufficient at the point of application, an English language preparatory course (one to two semesters) may be taken at BI.

Academic requirements

• Abitur, Fachabitur or international equivalent (check ANABIN country-specific regulations or consult us)
• English language skills

If English language skills are not yet advanced enough, an English language preparatory course is offered.

Enrolment fees

A one-time application fee of 100€ for EU Students and 250€ for non-EU Students

Costs of living

Approx. 700-800 EUR per month

Job opportunities

Berlin offers ample opportunities for a wide range of student jobs. German language skills are of advantage.

Funding opportunities within the university

Berlin International offers a scholarship programme for excellent students. Three university-internal scholarships are offered to students of the Bachelor's programme in Communication Design: one 50% scholarship and two 25% scholarships. Applications for scholarships are possible after a letter of acceptance has been received. For more information, please check our homepage or contact the Student Affairs Office.
http://www.berlin-international.de/en/admission

Arrival support

Arrival support can be organised, if needed.

Services and support for international students

International students are assisted by our Students Affairs Officer with general, non-academic issues. An Internship Office assists students in finding fitting internship possibilities in Berlin or elsewhere (also internationally). Due to our excellent staff-student and professor-student ratio, each student will have the opportunity to receive help and assistance in academic and non-academic matters, if required. Cultural events and trips to get acquainted with Berlin and Germany are organised by the BI team. If students choose to live in the apartments provided by the university, English-speaking staff are available.

Accommodation

Accommodation in single or double, fully equipped student apartments can be arranged. The building complex is situated in a quiet and safe residential area in southwest Berlin. The apartment building is well connected via the public transport system to the main campus and to all parts of the city. English-speaking staff are available.