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The Visual Communication Design Program at Izmir University of Economics offers students a comprehensive education in the art and science of conveying messages through visual means. This undergraduate program is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Throughout the curriculum, students explore a wide range of topics including graphic design, typography, illustration, branding, digital media, and user interface design. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application, the program encourages creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborative work, and internships to develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates their design capabilities. The program also fosters an understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which visual communications operate, preparing graduates to effectively address diverse audience needs and industry standards. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and digital tools, students learn to create compelling visual solutions that can be applied across various media such as print, web, mobile applications, and advertising campaigns. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and guiding their artistic and technical growth. Graduates of the Visual Communication Design Program are prepared to pursue careers in graphic design studios, advertising companies, digital agencies, publishing houses, and freelance design. They will have the ability to communicate ideas visually, solve complex visual problems, and adapt to the changing demands of the visual communication industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation and originality, the program aims to cultivate visionary designers who can contribute creatively and ethically to society through effective visual storytelling.
To see the course details (such as objectives, learning outcomes, content, assessment and ECTS workload), click the relevant Course Code given in the table below.
1. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
HUM 103 | Principles of Social Sciences I | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
IUE 100 | Academic and Social Orientation | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
SFL 1013 | Second Foreign Languages I | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
ENG 101 | Academic Skills in English I | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
VCD 111 | Drawing Studio | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | |
FFD 121 | History of Art and Design 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | |
VCD 101 | Introduction to Design in Digital Media | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
FFD 101 | Art and Design Studio I | 1 | 8 | 5 | 8 | |
Total : | 30 |
1. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
SFL 1024 | Second Foreign Languages II | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
FFD 122 | History of Art and Design 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | |
VCD 132 | Drawing Techniques for Print | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | |
FFD 102 | Art and Design Studio 2 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 9 | |
HUM 104 | Principles of Social Sciences II | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 102 | Introduciton to Visual Communication | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | |
ENG 102 | Academic Skills in English II | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
Total : | 30 |
2. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
HIST 201 | Principles of Atatürk and History of Revolution I | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
VCD 203 | Typographic Design I | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
TURK 201 | Turkish I | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
VCD 207 | Basic Photography | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
VCD 205 | Computer Aided Graphic Design | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | |
SFL 201 | Second Foreign Languages III | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
VCD 201 | Visual Communication Design Studio I | 2 | 6 | 5 | 9 | |
Total : | 30 |
2. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
HIST 202 | Principles of Atatürk and History of Revolution II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
VCD 206 | Multimedia Applications in Design | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | |
VCD 301 | History of Graphic Design | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
TURK 202 | Turkish II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
VCD 204 | Typographic Design II | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
SFL 202 | Second Foreign Languages IV | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
VCD 202 | Visual Communication Design Studio II | 2 | 6 | 5 | 9 | |
Total : | 30 |
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 3. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
BA 113 | Introduction to Business | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ST 200 | Internship I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
GD 301 | Graphic Design Studio I | 2 | 6 | 5 | 7 | |
ELEC 001 | Elective Course I | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 340 | Design Semiotics | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
SFL 301 | Second Foreign Languages V | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
ELEC 002 | Elective Course II | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
Total : | 30 |
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 3. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
ELEC 001 | Elective Course I | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ST 200 | Internship I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
MMD 301 | Digital Design Studio I | 2 | 6 | 5 | 7 | |
ELEC 002 | Elective Course II | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
BA 113 | Introduction to Business | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
SFL 301 | Second Foreign Languages V | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
ELEC 003 | Elective Course III | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
Total : | 30 |
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 3. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
ELEC 005 | Elective Course V | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ELEC 003 | Elective Course III | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
GD 302 | Graphic Design Studio II | 2 | 6 | 5 | 11 | |
ELEC 004 | Elective Course IV | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ECON 100 | Principles of Economics | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
SFL 302 | Second Foreign Languages VI | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
Total : | 30 |
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 3. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
SFL 302 | Second Foreign Languages VI | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
ELEC 005 | Elective Course V | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ECON 100 | Principles of Economics | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 340 | Design Semiotics | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 302 | Digital Design Studio II | 2 | 6 | 5 | 11 | |
ELEC 004 | Elective Course IV | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
Total : | 30 |
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 4. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
GD 401 | Graphic Design Studio III | 2 | 6 | 5 | 9 | |
ELEC 006 | Elective Course VI | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ST 300 | Internship II | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
GD 494 | Graduation Thesis | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
ELEC 007 | Elective Course VII | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 451 | Applied Workshop in Visual Communication Design I | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
SFL 401 | Second Foreign Languages VII | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
Total : | 30 |
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 4. Year Fall Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
MMD 494 | Graduation Thesis | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
ELEC 007 | Elective Course VII | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 451 | Applied Workshop in Visual Communication Design I | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
SFL 401 | Second Foreign Languages VII | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
MMD 401 | Digital Design Studio III | 8 | 8 | 5 | 9 | |
ELEC 006 | Elective Course VI | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ST 300 | Internship II | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
Total : | 30 |
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 4. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
ELEC 010 | Elective Course X | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ELEC 008 | Elective Course VIII | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 452 | Applied Workshop in Visual Communication Design II | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
GD 498 | Graduation Project | 2 | 6 | 5 | 13 | |
ELEC 009 | Elective Course IX | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
SFL 402 | Second Foreign Languages VIII | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
Total : | 30 |
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN SPECIALIZATION - 4. Year Spring Semester | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
ELEC 009 | Elective Course IX | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
SFL 402 | Second Foreign Languages VIII | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
ELEC 010 | Elective Course X | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
ELEC 008 | Elective Course VIII | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 452 | Applied Workshop in Visual Communication Design II | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
MMD 498 | Graduation Project | 2 | 6 | 5 | 13 | |
Total : | 30 |
Elective Courses | ||||||
Code | Pre. | Course Name | Theory | Application/Laboratory | Local Credits | ECTS |
GD 303 | Editorial Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
GD 304 | Packaging Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
GD 350 | Advanced Typography | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
GD 403 | Advertising Design and Art Direction | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
GD 404 | Portfolio Design and Professional Practice | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 303 | Advanced Photography | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 304 | Video Techniques and Production | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 306 | Multimedia Design and Animation | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 403 | Video Post Production | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
MMD 404 | Portfolio Design and Professional Practice | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 300 | Computer Games Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 302 | Analysis of Visual Culture | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 310 | Sound Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 320 | Understanding New Media | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 410 | Advertising Photography | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 421 | Digital Illustration | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 424 | Web Page Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 430 | Comic Book Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 440 | Visual Reading, Writing and Interpretation | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 450 | Information Design | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
VCD 350 | Special Practice in Drawing | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
In the framework of the regulations set by Higher Education Council of Turkey (YÖK), student admission for this undergraduate program is made through a university entrance examination called ÖSYS. Following the submission of students’ academic program preferences, Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) places the students to the relevant program according to the score they get from ÖSYS.
International students are accepted to this undergraduate program according to the score of one of the international exams they take such as SAT,ACT etc. or according to their high school diploma score.
Exchange student admission is made according to the requirements determined by bilateral agreements signed by IUE and the partner university.
Visiting students can enroll for the courses offered in this program upon the confirmation of the related academic unit. Additionally, they need to prove their English language level since the medium of instruction at IUE is English.
The students studying in this undergraduate program are required to have a Cumulative Grade Points Average (Cum.GPA) of not less than 2.00/4.00 and have completed all the courses with at least a letter grade of DD/S in the program in order to graduate. The minimum number of ECTS credits required for graduation is 240. It is also mandatory for the students to complete their compulsory internship in a specified duration and quality.
The Visual Communication Design Program at Izmir University of Economics offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees are structured according to the level of study and are subject to annual updates in line with university policies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities provided by the university, which include merit-based scholarships awarded to students with outstanding academic performance, as well as need-based financial aid aimed at assisting students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university also participates in national scholarship programs, such as the Türkiye Scholarships, which offer full or partial tuition waivers and stipends to qualifying students.
In addition, the university collaborates with various governmental and private sector organizations to facilitate financial support for international and domestic students. Students can also benefit from payment plans that allow them to divide tuition fees into instalments to ease financial burdens. Moreover, part-time employment opportunities are available on campus, enabling students to earn supplementary income while pursuing their studies. Izmir University of Economics also encourages students to apply for external scholarships from foundations, associations, and corporate sponsors, many of which are advertised through the university’s official channels.
Students interested in financing their education are advised to consult the university’s Financial Affairs Office for detailed and up-to-date information on available scholarships, grants, and payment options. Admissions staff can also assist prospective students in understanding eligibility criteria and the application processes for various financial aid programs. It is important to note that financial support policies and options are periodically reviewed, so prospective and current students should stay informed through official university communications. Overall, Izmir University of Economics strives to make higher education accessible by providing ample financial support mechanisms to ensure that talented students can attend the Visual Communication Design Program regardless of their economic circumstances.
The Visual Communication Design Program at Izmir University of Economics is a comprehensive undergraduate program aimed at cultivating students' creative and technical skills in the field of visual communication. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in design principles, digital media, illustration, typography, branding, advertising, and multimedia. Students engage in both theoretical studies and practical applications, enabling them to develop innovative solutions for various visual communication challenges. The program emphasizes the importance of contemporary design practices and encourages students to explore new media and digital tools.
Throughout the program, students participate in workshops, projects, and internships that prepare them for professional careers in advertising agencies, graphic design studios, publishing houses, and media organizations. They learn to analyze visual data, create compelling visual narratives, and develop branding strategies that resonate with target audiences. The program also fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to adapt to the constantly evolving design industry.
Faculty members are experienced professionals and academics who provide mentorship and industry insights. The university invests in modern design studios, digital equipment, and software to provide students with a hands-on learning environment. Graduates of the program are expected to have a rich portfolio of work, a solid understanding of visual language, and the ability to work across various platforms and formats, including print, digital, and interactive media. Overall, the Visual Communication Design Program at Izmir University of Economics aims to produce versatile designers who contribute creatively to the visual arts and media sectors while adhering to ethical and social responsibilities.