Develop a unique professional profile for ambitious practice in visual and digital communication, as well as product and process design.
Factsheet
- Degree
- CAS Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW
- Learning mode
- Onsite, Online
- ECTS credits
- 15
- Next start
- Rolling intake possible
- Teaching language
- German / English
- Place
- Campus HGK Basel
- Fee
- CHF 7000-8000
At a glance
- Modular structure: Existing Short Advanced Studies (SAS) formats can be credited toward the program.
- Individual profiling: Participants select courses tailored to their specific fields of practice and professional needs.
- Mentored final module: Completion of a practice-oriented certification project that helps define your individual professional profile.
- Interdisciplinary network: Exchange ideas across disciplinary boundaries within the HGK (Academy of Art and Design) ecosystem.
Aims and benefits
The multidisciplinary «Design Literacy» CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) program is a unique, integrative continuing education offering in Switzerland. It serves as a strategic framework that brings together existing Short Advanced Studies (SAS) courses - which can be credited toward the qualification - and integrates them with a final project developed under individual mentorship.
Aims
- Develop a profound understanding: Acquire deep «Design Literacy» - the ability to decode design systems, processes, methods, and artifacts and to utilize them strategically.
- Consolidate competencies: Transform the diverse, individual skill sets of participants into a holistic, impact-oriented professional profile.
- Shape the future: Empower professionals to play a key role in driving transformation processes within business, culture, and society through design.
Benefits
- Strategic tool: Learn how to embed design expertise as a core competency for future-proof innovation directly within your organization.
- Maximum flexibility: Benefit from a combination of flexible, highly specialized SAS modules and a comprehensive, reflective synthesis in the final module.
- Individual Profile: Through a close integration of practice-oriented modular learning and personalized guidance (mentoring), you will sustainably strengthen your personal and professional profile.
Structure and programme contents
Build your own personalized CAS program by selecting from our current Short Advanced Studies (SAS) modules. You may begin the CAS at any time. The program comprises 10 ECTS credits, accumulated through your chosen SAS modules. It is also possible to have ECTS credits earned elsewhere recognized. The final module includes five individual coaching sessions. Upon successful completion of this final module, you will be awarded the «CAS Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW in Design Literacy».
SAS Short Advanced Studies
SAS Responsive Typography
SAS Poster Design
SAS Tender Computing
SAS 3D Digital Fashion Design: The New Real
Final Module
The core of the CAS in Design Literacy is the individual final module (5 ECTS credits). It is specifically tailored to your personal needs and/or your unique professional context. Here, you are not theorizing in a vacuum; instead, you will work in a focused manner on a concrete design project - either one drawn from your own professional practice or one you define yourself. Your exclusive advantage: first-class, one-on-one coaching. Throughout the module, you will engage in direct dialogue with selected experts of your choosing. Through five individual 90-minute coaching sessions, you will receive tailored feedback, strategic insights, and professional guidance designed to elevate your project to the next level. Sharpen your professional profile: with 100 hours of guided effort dedicated to your independent certification project, this module provides a protected space and the necessary depth to expand your personal repertoire of professional capabilities. You will translate your skills into a distinctive, impact-oriented profile and embed future-proof innovations directly within your own sphere of influence.
Continuing Education Options
Requirements and admission
The CAS programme is open to people who have gained entry to higher education.
Organisational matters
Fees
Costs per SAS: CHF 900
All 5 SAS of the CAS programme: CHF 3500
Supervision of your individual certificate thesis: CHF 3500
Information and Regulations
Regulations prior to September 2026
Terms of Participation (PDF)
Regulations valid from 1 September 2026
Programme Regulations CAS Design Literacy (PDF) (to follow)
Programme Terms and Conditions CAS Design Literacy (PDF) (to follow)
Informations on Continuing Education FHNW (fhnw.ch)
Continuing Education Regulations of the Universities FHNW (fhnw.ch/DE)
Advising and information events
Contact
Information events
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