Studying Graphic Design: Requirements, Insights & Tips for your start at the FHD

What exactly is a degree in graphic design?

A graphic design degree equips you with the skills to create professional visual communication – from posters and websites to complete brand identities. You’ll learn how to bring ideas and messages to life in a creative and effective way. Unlike purely technical degree programmes, the focus here is strongly on the interplay between creativity, design, strategic thinking and working with new media. A design degree offers exciting development opportunities, particularly for students who have a flair for design and digital trends. 

Typical course content includes: 

• Typography and AI-supported editorial design 
• Visual language and visual communication 
• Design theory 
• Digital design 
• Fundamentals of drawing, freehand drawing and life drawing 
• Fundamentals of Fine Arts in the context of modern design 

At the FHD in Dresden, the focus is on practical training, so you’ll be working on real projects right from the start. The course therefore combines creative freedom with professional standards – ideal for anyone who really wants to make a difference through design.

Entry requirements for a degree in graphic design

If you want to study graphic design, you should familiarise yourself with the formal and personal requirements in advance. Admission requirements may vary slightly depending on the university – but at the FHD, you’ll benefit from a particularly practical and supported course that specifically prepares you for the profession. 

Formal requirements 

To study Graphic Design at the FHD, you generally need a general university entrance qualification, i.e. the A-levels or vocational A-levels. A specific minimum grade requirement (NC) is not decisive – for us, your creative talent counts more than your grades. Admission to the Graphic Design, Screen & Print Media programme is also possible without the Abitur. To this end, we invite you to sit an aptitude test. You can read more about this here. 

Artistic aptitude & portfolio 

A key component of your application is your artistic aptitude, which you demonstrate through a portfolio of work samples and often also in a personal interview or aptitude test. The portfolio is your chance to show what you’re made of – don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional. But your imagination, your style, your talent and your eye for detail should be clearly evident. It may include both free-form work and design classics such as still lifes or portraits – the main thing is that they showcase your creative diversity. 

Personal requirements 

As well as creative talent, you should also: 

• enjoy conceptual work 
• Take an interest in visual trends and media 
• Be open to feedback and criticism
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work in a team 

If you’re interested in studying graphic design, it’s particularly important that you actively engage with design – whether through your own drawing, photography or initial digital work. Your imagination and talent are crucial for your development in a creative environment. 

Studying Graphic Design at the FHD: What to expect

Dresden University of Applied Sciences offers you a practice-oriented, creative and modern environment for your graphic design studies. Here, you will not only gain the theoretical foundation but also the practical skills needed to launch a successful career in the design industry. The programme concludes with the recognised Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – a qualification that opens up a wide range of career paths. 

Key areas of study at the FHD 

The Graphic Design programme at the FHD covers a wide range of topics. These include: 

• Visual communication and design 
• Corporate design and branding 
• Digital media and interface design 
• Illustration, photography and moving image 

These subjects provide you with the ideal preparation for the job market – whether you go on to work in an agency, a company or as a freelancer. Compared to other degree programmes in the field of design, the FHD’s approach stands out thanks to its intensive support, practical focus and strong links with the industry. 

Project work & practical relevance 

A particular highlight is the high proportion of practical work: even whilst studying, you’ll work on real-world projects – often with partners from business, culture or society. You’ll design brand identities, digital products such as websites or app designs, or develop print campaigns that meet real-world requirements. This allows you to build an impressive portfolio whilst still studying and prepare for a career in the creative world of design. 

Modern facilities & creative atmosphere 

The FHD offers you modern studios, labs and workspaces where you can bring your ideas to life. Small seminar groups allow for intensive support from experienced lecturers with practical design experience. The creative atmosphere on campus ensures that you can develop your full potential and are well prepared for the demands of the design world.

Application & Admissions Process at the FHD

Would you like to apply to study Graphic Design at the FHD? Here you can find out how the application process works – from the first steps right through to admission. You can also find all the key details about the process, as well as further information, directly on the course page or in the information material provided by Dresden University of Applied Sciences. 

Application deadlines & documents

You can apply for the Graphic Design degree programme at any time of year, as there is no minimum entry grade and the admissions process is tailored to each individual. Important: Places are limited – the sooner you apply, the better.

Portfolio & artistic aptitude 

Your portfolio is the centrepiece of your application. It should contain around 15–20 pieces of work that demonstrate your creative skills: drawings, collages, photographs, digital designs or mixed media – anything that suits your style is permitted. It is particularly important that your portfolio displays a recognisable style and personality. 

In addition, you will be invited to an interview or an aptitude test. This is less about perfect technique and more about how you think, develop ideas and solve problems creatively. 

Portfolio advice & support 

At the FHD, you have the opportunity to take part in a free portfolio consultation. You’ll receive valuable feedback and tips on how to prepare your documents to the best of your ability. We place great emphasis on individual support and a fair selection process.

 

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Career prospects after graduation 

A degree in graphic design opens up many exciting career opportunities – especially if you study at a practice-oriented University of Applied Sciences such as the FHD. With your degree, you’ll be ideally prepared to launch your career in the creative industry. 

Career paths for graphic designers

Graduates can work in a wide variety of sectors, e.g.: 

• Design and advertising agencies 
• Publishing houses & media companies 
• Companies with their own marketing departments 
• Start-ups and digital agencies 
• Self-employment or freelancing 

Your professional field ranges from traditional print design to web and app design, as well as animation, social media and brand management. Developing and designing promotional materials, creating corporate design web standards or visual concepts for digital brand identities are also among your potential responsibilities. 

Career opportunities & specialisations 

The Graphic Design: Screen & Print Media degree programme at the FHD, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), lays a solid foundation – after which you can specialise further, for example in the following areas: 

• UX/UI design 
• Motion Design 
• Illustration or typography 
• Branding & visual communication 

Thanks to the practical projects during your studies, you’ll build a strong portfolio that opens many doors as you start your career – whether with agencies, companies, or through your own creative ventures in freelancing or starting your own business. 

Master’s degree or further training? 

Many students opt for further study after completing their Bachelor’s degree, for example in Creative Direction (M.A.) – often leading to a Master of Arts (M.A.) qualification. Targeted further training and certificates, for example in digital tools, app design or project management, will also help you to develop your career in a focused way. 

Studying graphic design: Is it the right choice for me?

Studying graphic design sounds exciting – but is it really right for you? You should ask yourself this question honestly before applying. After all, graphic design is not just art in the traditional sense, but a form of visual communication that combines concept, technique and design. Whether you’re developing logos, advertising materials or digital designs – it always starts with a strong idea. 

Self-assessment: Am I suited to this? 

If you... 

• enjoy drawing, photography or creating digital designs, 
• have a good eye for colours, shapes and layout, 
• can think creatively and solve visual problems, 
• are open to feedback and enjoy working in a team, 

… then there’s a good chance that a degree in graphic design is right for you. At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, you can also study without a sixth-form qualification! 

Motivation & Passion 

What you also need is a passion for design. Many projects during your studies involve intensive periods of work, during which you will constantly question and refine your ideas. Anyone who approaches this with enthusiasm will love exactly that – and in doing so lay the foundations for a professional future that can be not only creative but also financially attractive: depending on their role and industry, graphic design graduates earn between €2,500 and €3,800 gross per month. 

Gaining experience 

Tip: You can gain valuable experience even before you start your degree – for example, through internships, online courses, your own projects or by creating your first design portfolio. This will help you quickly realise whether the work really suits you. Academies also often offer introductory courses or workshops that give you initial practical insights and prepare you perfectly for a degree in graphic design.

 

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Conclusion: Your path to studying graphic design at the FHD 

The Graphic Design for Screen & Print Media degree programme is just right for you if you have creativity, an interest in technology and a keen visual sense. At Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD), you can expect a practical, personalised course with strong support, modern facilities and a genuine link to the professional world. 

The entry requirements for the Graphic Design programme are straightforward – your creative potential is far more important than your grades. With a well-prepared portfolio and a genuine interest in design, you’ve already got a lot going for you. Whether you want to work in agencies, companies or as a freelancer later on: at the FHD, you’ll lay the foundations for a creative career with a future. 

Would you like to gather more information or compare your preferred degree programmes? Then why not add the Graphic Design degree at the FHD directly to your personal shortlist – and take a step closer to your dream of a creative career. 

Now it’s up to you: shape your future in graphic design – at Dresden University of Applied Sciences.