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BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication

Design visual systems for a changing world. The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program develops creative, responsible design skills across print, digital, and emerging media. Taught in English at Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, students build hands-on experience in branding, campaigns, apps, websites, animation, AR/VR, books, magazines, and professional design presentation.

 

Study Graphic Design & Visual Communication in Berlin

Program Outline

In the first year, students develop elementary design skills, knowledge of photography, interaction design, editorial design, typography, new media, and design theory. The second year builds strategic and intercultural skills through collaborative and individual projects. Students' work presents creative responses toward current and future challenges within ecological, economic, social, and political contexts and assignments focus on benefitting human needs and the environment. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programs on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they complete an internship and hone their research skills. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a bachelor thesis and a bachelor design project with a topic of their own choice.

Key Dates

Application period:

Fall Semester 2026–2027

 

Program start:

October

   

Portfolio advice:

30 July 2026



Duration

3 years (6 semesters)

Full-time

Available Locations

Berlin

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees and additional costs may vary depending on applicant status and academic year. Please check the final admissions and tuition informationwith our Admissions team.

EU Nationals:

745 EUR monthly installment,

6 installments per semester

Non-EU Nationals:

4,640 EUR installment,

once per semester

Key Information

The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program prepares students to create impactful design for today’s fast-changing world. Students build strong skills in typography, image-making, design principles, app design, and creative coding, with electives to shape their own path.

Academic Calendar

2025 Academic Calendars

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Graduate Outcome

Graduates of the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program may work in brand identity, publishing (digital, print, interactive), NGOs and social initiatives, creative agencies and strategic design, UX and human-centered AI, marketing and content creation, motion graphics, sustainable design, and in museums, galleries, and new media art collectives. A career in graphic design and visual communication combines creativity, technology, and strategic problem-solving. Visual designers are in demand in digital transformation, sustainable business, and social impact communication.

Graphic design studios
Branding and advertising agencies
Interaction and web design agencies
Publishers (digital and print media)
Television and film industries
Design departments of mid-sized and large companies
Start-ups (various sectors including app and game design)
Freelance work

Featured Alumni

Admission Requirements

To apply for the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program, applicants need a German Abitur / Fachabitur or an equivalent international qualification. Foreign qualifications must meet the equivalence criteria set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education.

Applicants are required to submit:

  • Passport
  • High school diploma certificate with transcript
  • Official English or German translation if documents are issued in another language
  • University certificate with transcript, if applicable
  • Official English or German translation, if applicable
  • English language certificate at CEFR level B2 or above
  • Portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works

German language knowledge is not required for this English-taught program. If applicants do not yet have CEFR level B2 English but are eligible to study in a BA program, they may apply for the English Preparatory School.

FAQ

What degree will I receive after completing BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication?

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Is BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication taught in English?

Yes. The program is taught in English. German language knowledge is not required, but applicants need proof of English language skills at CEFR level B2 or above.

How long does the program take?

The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program takes 3 years (6 semesters).

Where is the program taught?

The program is taught in Berlin.

What do students’ study in BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication?

Students study design skills, photography, interaction design, editorial design, typography, new media, design theory, complex design systems, interdisciplinary project work, research skills, and professional preparation. They also complete an internship, bachelor thesis, and bachelor design project.

Do I need a portfolio to apply?

Yes. Applicants need to submit a portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works.

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants need a German Abitur / Fachabitur or an equivalent international qualification, proof of English at CEFR level B2 or above, and the required application documents, including a portfolio.

What career paths are possible after BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication?

Graduates may work in brand design, interaction design, UX and UI design, information design, motion graphics, typography, book and magazine design, advertising, design consultancy, web design, publishing, television and film industries, design departments, startups, or freelance work.

Faculty Members

Students in the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program learn from an international academic team with expertise across interactive media, speculative design, editorial design, and brand design and strategy. The current academic staff includes Prof. Henrik Rieß, Prof. Alexander Tibus, Barbora Demovič, and Krištof Reviľák.

Faculty of Architecture and Design

Prof. Javier Martín

Faculty of Architecture and Design

Architecture

Javier Martín was born in Valencia, Spain. He studied architecture at the Universitat Politècnica ...
Head of Program, Interior Architecture/Interior Design

John Tubles, M.A.

Head of Program, Interior Architecture/Interior Design

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John Tubles is a Filipino-American Architect, Academic, and Design Researcher currently based in Ber ...
Head of Program, BA Architecture

Prof. Jeanne-Françoise Fischer

Head of Program, BA Architecture

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Jeanne-Françoise Fischer is a Swiss/German architect with many years of international professional ...
Head of Program, MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design and MA Interior Design

Prof. Amara Goodwin

Head of Program, MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design and MA Interior Design

Architecture

Amara Goodwin was born in Toronto. She obtained undergraduate degrees in both fine arts and art hist ...
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Prof. Dr. Giorgia Aquilar

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...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Prof. Dr. Carola Ebert

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

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Carola Ebert was born in Berlin. She studied architecture (TU Berlin, 1998) and architectural histor ...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Prof. Pierre Escobar

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

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Prof. Pierre Escobar is a French architect and urbanist and the founder of l’atelier DEV architect ...
Architecture

Prof. Karsten Huneck

Architecture

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Karsten Huneck was born in Chile and grew up in Germany where he also graduated with a Diploma in Ar ...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Prof. Sigurd Larsen

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Architecture

Sigurd Larsen was born in Denmark where he studied Architecture at The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, S ...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Prof. Adrian von Starck

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Architecture

Adrian von Starck was born in Cologne. He studied architecture and urban planning at TU Darmstadt (D ...
Architecture

Prof. Lukas Staudinger

Architecture

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Lukas Staudinger is an architect and curator of urban practice. He studied architecture at the Acade ...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Prof. Katrin Brünjes

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Architecture

Katrin Brünjes was born in Bremen. She studied architecture at the Bauhaus-University Weimar (Diplo ...
Architecture

Roger Wilson, M.A.

Architecture

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Roger Wilson is a multidisciplinary designer. After studying Architecture in Wellington and Paris, h ...
Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Dr. Sait Ali Köknar

Interior Architecture/Interior Design

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Sait Ali Köknar studied Architecture at Istanbul Technical University and earned an M.Sc. in the Bu ...
Guest scholar

Ayşe Tuğçe Pınar Akın

Guest scholar

Architecture

Ayşe Tuğçe Pınar Akın  completed her undergraduate studies in Architecture at Istanbul Technic ...

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