Graphic Design Screen & Print Media (B.A.)

Graphic design is an interesting and versatile design discipline that combines aesthetic approaches with functional and strategic issues. In the graphic design programme at Dresden University of Applied Sciences, we teach comprehensive creative, conceptual and technical skills that are relevant to the graphic design profession. To give you the best possible start to your career, our course content is geared towards the requirements of the creative industry and future topics such as artificial intelligence and sustainability. Studying in small groups and intensive, individual support facilitate the learning process. We do not view graphic design as an isolated subject area, but develop insights based on the principle of interdisciplinarity. Interdisciplinary teaching is therefore a key focus at the Faculty of Design.

Future designers will increasingly work in globally networked, interdisciplinary teams and will have to deal more intensively with economic, social and ecological contexts. We therefore consider the development of transcultural skills and awareness of technological developments to be essential learning objectives.

Interdisciplinary electives support the development of individual specialisations. Projects with partners from business, science and culture are characteristic of the practice-oriented teaching approach of the graphic design programme. Those interested in studying graphic design without a school leaving certificate will also find suitable opportunities with us: with the appropriate artistic aptitude, admission is possible – regardless of school qualifications.

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

The Graphic Design programme in Dresden is designed as a modularised learning system and combines various teaching contents into thematic blocks.

Courses on topics including:

• Design techniques
• Visual communication and design theory
• Illustration and graphics
• AI-supported design processes
• Typography and AI-supported editorial design
• Photography and AI-based image processing
• Fundamentals of drawing, freehand drawing and nude drawing
• Interface and interaction design
• Identity design and brand communication
• Intermedia design
• Sustainability and print media
• Information design and infographics
• Design methodology
• Concept development and project implementation
• Creativity and innovation management
• 3D development
• Media law and sustainable product development
• Strategic communication and advertising psychology
• Design philosophy and transcultural design

Workshop and laboratory work: biofeedback laboratory, photography, printmaking, bookbinding, 3D prototyping, paper workshop, VR laboratory

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

Apply online using our application form and you will receive confirmation of receipt from us shortly. Your application for the Graphic Design programme in Dresden is non-binding. The programme starts in October 2026.

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

The aptitude test at the FHD is individual, flexible and, if desired, can be completed entirely online . We focus on the personal needs of our prospective students right from the aptitude assessment stage. To participate, you will need to submit your application with your CV, application photo, letter of motivation and enrolment application. If you would like to secure your place at university before you have completed your A-levels , you can submit the relevant certificates at a later date.

After you have submitted your application, we will work with you to determine an individual date for your aptitude test. The tasks will then be made available to you digitally. The solutions are submitted digitally together with your portfolio in PDF form .
After reviewing your answers and your application portfolio, we will conduct a motivational interview . In this approximately 30-minute interview, we will discuss your answers, your portfolio and your personal interests. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Following your motivational interview, you will be informed of the results of your aptitude test without delay.

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

If you have any questions, our student advisory service team will be happy to help.

As a graphic designer, you are an expert in visual communication. Your tasks range from designing traditional print products such as brochures, posters and magazines to creating visual identities (logos, business documents), animations, interactive user interfaces and online publications, right through to planning and implementing comprehensive advertising campaigns.

You may 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 a freelance designer. Newspaper, magazine and book publishers, as well as film and television, also offer a wide range of opportunities. You will also find opportunities as a creative all-rounder in medium-sized companies. There, your tasks will include developing and maintaining the corporate identity and the social, public and communicative image of a company.
 

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

• Art directors
• Creative directors
• Design managers
• Graphic designers
• Illustration designers
• Communication Designer
• Information Designer
• Multimedia Developer
• Online marketing manager
• Interface designer
• Web Designer
• Interaction Designer

An individual aptitude test is required for admission to the programme, which focuses on your creative strengths. Artistic talent, visual intelligence, creativity, conceptual thinking, motivation and the ability to work in a team form an ideal basis for a successful graphic design degree at the FHD.

Would you like to study graphic design but don't have a high school diploma? If you didn't manage to get your high school diploma, that doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to study at university. If you can demonstrate your special artistic aptitude, you may be able to study graphic design at the FHD without a high school diploma.

Even if you have completed vocational training and can demonstrate your special artistic aptitude, you can still be eligible to study graphic design at the FHD. Get in touch with us – we will be happy to advise you on the individual requirements for studying graphic design.

Studying without a school leaving certificate is possible under § 18 SächsHSG (Saxon Higher Education Act) through subject-specific study eligibility or through the determination of special artistic aptitude.

Further information is available here.

As a private university, we offer you many advantages and services – from your initial interest in studying graphic design in Dresden to your graduation – and beyond. With us, you are not just an anonymous student number; we provide you with individual, targeted and supportive guidance throughout your graphic design studies. You can expect first-class technical equipment, including a biofeedback laboratory, photo and film studio, plotter pool, screen printing and paper workshop, and many other professional work areas. In order to offer you this high-quality education, we have to charge tuition fees. The specific fees vary depending on the type of study programme, payment method and credit options. You can find the exact conditions for tuition fees in the information material for the respective study programme.

Of course, there are many different ways to finance your studies. You can find an initial overview of financing options here. We would be happy to look at your individual situation with you and work together to find solutions for financing your dream degree programme!

Arrange a consultation appointment now

We often receive questions about changing courses or universities from students at other colleges or universities. If you have doubts about your current field of study, you have the option of switching to the graphic design course at FHD. We offer new perspectives to students from other universities who are dissatisfied with their current choice of study and will assess the transferability of credits already earned and the possibility of shortening the duration of the course.

We are also happy to advise you individually if you would like to find out about the requirements for studying graphic design or whether you can study graphic design without a school leaving certificate.

• Credit transfer
• Possibility of crediting credits
• Possibility of shortening the programme through credit transfer