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Dresden University of Applied Sciences offers a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design Screen & Print Media, which allows creative and artistic individuals space to develop. At the same time, the top priority is the preparation for a creative career. The Graphic Design course trains the students in their academic, technical and design skills, without neglecting their personal development.
Overview of the Graphic Design degree programme
Study Programme Profile
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.
Programme Structure
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.
Practical Phase
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.
Course Contents
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
Degree
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.
Career Prospects
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
Study Requirements
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:
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.
Application
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.
Tuition Fees and Financing
Tuition fees are charged for studying at our private and state-recognised university. The tuition fees for full-time studies amount to € 590 per month. You can see all current conditions in our overview of fees, and you can find all discount options here.
We will inform you comprehensively and individually about funding opportunities for your studies during a personal counselling interview.
Transferring from other Colleges or Universities
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
Study without Abitur
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 § 17 SächsHSFG (Saxony Higher Education Act) through the subject-related study authorisation or through the determination of a special artistic aptitude.
Aptitude Test and Application Portfolio
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.
Why you should study graphic design at the FHD?
The Faculty of Design has excellent technical equipment. Various computer pools, studios, workshops, laboratories and studios are available for your studies and projects.
You study in small groups in a familiar atmosphere with direct and uncomplicated contact to your professors and lecturers. The individual support of students in the graphic design program is an important basis for the successful completion of studies.
At the University of Applied Sciences Dresden you can also start and successfully complete your graphic design studies without an Abitur.
The graphic design program is interdisciplinary. Through interdisciplinary projects, you will expand your knowledge beyond your field of study. You have the opportunity to choose modules in related fields of study of other programs of the University of Applied Sciences and to adapt your studies to your individual interests and to set your own study focus.
Through numerous practical projects and close cooperation with partners from industry, you will get to know real project processes and establish important contacts with your future employers. These are the optimal conditions for your career entry after your studies.
Our graduates recommend the graphic design program at Dresden University of Applied Sciences to others. This also applies to our cooperation partners and your future employers. Convince yourself.
Projects from the study program of graphic design
Video examples
How are logos, illustrations, magazines, posters, flyers, labels, apps and websites created? We show you how it's done.
How a magazine title is created
How a logo is created
How to create a 3D Cube
What our partners say about our students
Project & internship partners for your graphic design studies
The study program of graphic design has an extensive cooperation network with partners from business, culture and research. We teach and research in a practice-oriented, interdisciplinary manner and incorporate the experience of our project partners into our teaching. In this way, we guarantee our students the current practical relevance of the teaching as well as a high scientific standard.
Professors and lecturers
The teachers of the study program of graphic design are characterized by high design competence, extensive practical experience and strong networks in the design industry. They help our students to develop their individual skills and professional competencies. Our lecturers have relevant teaching experience and are always available for you - without appointments and queues. Thus, in addition to the teaching concept, they are crucial for the success of our students.
Our alumni from the study program of graphic design
Contact

Prof. Mike Wolff
Kontakt
Campus Straßburger Platz | Raum 502
Tel +49 351 44 45-463
m.wolff@fh-dresden.eu

Student Information and Counselling Service
Dein Team der Studienberatung
Kontakt
Campus Straßburger Platz | Raum 106
Tel +49 351 44 45-444
studium@fh-dresden.eu