Graphic Design (B.A.)

Graphic design is an interesting and versatile design discipline that combines aesthetic approaches with functional and strategic issues. Our degree programme teaches comprehensive creative, conceptual and technical skills that are relevant to the professional field of graphic design. In order to give you the best possible start to your career, our course content is geared towards the requirements of the creative industry. Studying in small groups as well as intensive and individual study supervision support the learning process. We do not see graphic design as an isolated subject, but develop knowledge with the principle of interdisciplinarity. Interdisciplinary teaching is therefore an essential focus at the Faculty of Design.

Future designers increasingly work in globally networked, interdisciplinary teams and must increasingly deal with economic, social as well as ecological contexts. We therefore consider the development of social and intercultural competences as well as the sensitisation for technological developments as essential learning objectives.

Interdisciplinary options support the formation of individual focal points. Projects with partners from business, science and culture are characteristic of the practice-oriented teaching approach of the Graphic Design programme.

The standard period of study is 7 semesters (3.5 years). 210 credit points are awarded for the modules with examinations according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The degree programme is designed as a modularised learning system and includes the combination of different teaching contents into thematic blocks.

The concept of interdisciplinary mobility offers the possibility to complete modules in related teaching areas of other degree programmes at the university and to adapt the study programme to individual interests.

The linking of theory and practice is an elementary component of the study concept. The Graphic Design Screen / Print Media (B.A.) programme includes a 20-week internship, which is completed in the 5th semester.

You can also complete the internship abroad. Our International Office will support you in these matters.

Courses on, among other things:

• 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
• Information design and infographics
• Design methodology
• Conception and project realisation
• Creativity and innovation managementç
• 3D Development
• Strategic communication and advertising psychology
• Design philosophy and intercultural design

Workshop work: photography, printmaking, bookbinding, 3D prototyping, paper workshop

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive an internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design Screen / Print Media.

The development of your own creative style optimises your individual ability to act in professional practice in agencies and companies or for self-employment. At the same time, the degree offers you the qualification that enables you to continue your academic work, for example for a subsequent Master's degree.

As a graphic designer, you have expertise in visual communication. The spectrum of tasks ranges from the design of classic print products such as brochures, posters or magazines, the design of visual images (logos, business papers), animations, interactive user interfaces and online publications to the planning and realisation of comprehensive advertising campaigns.

The task of graphic designers is to visualise messages optimally. The interplay of images, graphics and text plays a primary role in this. The design for statements that the client wants to convey is conceived, developed and realised in different media.

You work in advertising, media and creative agencies as well as in the design or marketing departments of large companies, in PR agencies, publishing houses, in the trade fair and exhibition industry or as an independent designer. Furthermore, newspaper, magazine and book publishers as well as film and television offer a wide field of activities. In addition, you will find job opportunities as a creative all-rounder in medium-sized companies. There, your tasks include developing and maintaining the corporate identity, the social, public and communicative appearance of a company.

Depending on their personal focus during their studies, our graduates work, for example, as:

• Art director
• Creative Director
• Design Manager
• Graphic designer
• Illustration designer
• Communication Designer
• Information Designer
• Multimedia Developer
• Online Marketing Manager
• Interface designer
• Web designer
• Interaction Designer

To be admitted to the NC-free degree programme Graphic Design Screen & Print Media Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), you must have a university entrance qualification according to §17 SächsHSFG. This means that you basically need either

• the general higher education entrance qualification
• the entrance qualification for a university of applied sciences or
• a subject-related higher education entrance qualification (in the field of design or similar).

If you do not have one of these qualifications, there are other ways of accessing higher education, which you can find here:

Studying without an Abitur

In addition, successful completion of the aptitude test is a prerequisite for admission. In addition to artistic skills, you should also have visual intelligence, the ability to think abstractly, creativity, conceptual thinking, the ability to reflect, motivation and the ability to work in a team.

You would like to apply for the degree programme Graphic Design (B. A.)? Then please send us the completed enrolment application and all relevant documents.

You can send us your application by post, by e-mail to bewerbung@fh-dresden.eu or directly online via our application form. You will receive a confirmation of receipt as soon as possible. Your application is non-binding.

The application deadline for the winter semester 2023/24 (start of studies October 2023) is 31.08.2023.

After reviewing your documents, you will receive an invitation to the artistic aptitude test and the associated motivational interview.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our colleagues in the Student Advisory Service.

As a private university, we offer you many advantages and services from the first interest in a place at our university to your graduation - and beyond. With us, you are not just an anonymous matriculation number, but we accompany you individually, purposefully, supportively and challengingly on YOUR way through your studies. 

In order to be able to offer you this high quality of study, we have to charge tuition fees. As a private university, the FHD is not supported by public funds, but has to finance itself completely.

Of course, there are various ways in which you can finance your studies. We will be happy to look at your individual situation and find solutions together.

Book a consultation appointment now

We often receive questions about changing degree programmes or universities from students at other universities or colleges. If you have justified doubts about your subject, you have the option of changing to the Graphic Design programme at the FHD. We offer students from other universities who are not satisfied with their previous choice of study new perspectives and check the creditability of previous credits as well as a possible shortening of the study programme. We will be happy to advise you on this.

• Examination of credit points
• Possibility of crediting achievements
• Possibility of shortening your studies through credit transfer

Would you like to study graphic design, but you don't have an Abitur? If your A-levels don't work out, this doesn't necessarily mean that you won't get a place at university. If your special artistic aptitude has been determined, you have the opportunity to study graphic design at the FHD.

Even if you have completed vocational training and can prove your special artistic aptitude, you can still be eligible to study at the FHD. Contact us, we will be happy to advise you.

Studying without an Abitur is possible according to § 18 SächsHSG (Saxony Higher Education Act) through the subject-related study authorisation or through the determination of a special artistic aptitude.

The aptitude test at the FHD is individual, flexible and, if desired, completely online. We already focus on the personal needs of our prospective students during the aptitude test. To take part, you need to submit your application with a CV, application photo, letter of motivation and enrolment application. If you would like to secure your place at the university even before your Abitur, you can submit the relevant certificates later.

After you have submitted your application, we will arrange a personal appointment with you for your aptitude test. The tasks will then be made available to you digitally. The solutions will be submitted digitally and together with your application file in PDF format.

After reviewing the solutions and the application portfolio, a motivational interview will be held. During the 30-minute interview, we will talk about your solutions, your portfolio and your personal interests. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. After the interview, you will be informed about the results of your aptitude test without having to wait.

Your application portfolio will be submitted digitally in the form of a PDF file with the solutions to the tasks. The portfolio should contain between 15 and 20 papers. There are no specific requirements regarding techniques, tools or places of production. Surprise us with work that is important to you or that you personally like best.