International Master of Design UIC/HGK in Graphic Design (MDes/MAS)

Basel Academy of Art and Design

The International Master of Design in Graphic Design UIC/HGK Basel program (MDes Basel) is a collaboration between two preeminent design schools housed in leading public research institutions: The Institute Digital Communication Environments (IDCE) of the Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW (HGK Basel) and the School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The MDes Basel program offers advanced design students’ opportunities to amplify their creative abilities as they engage in the world-class cultural offerings of two vibrant cities. The students are enrolled at UIC, the teaching takes place at the HGK Basel. Upon successful completion of the MAS, graduates are granted an internationally accredited Master of Design (MDes) from the University of Illinois Chicago and two MAS-certificates from the HGK Basel.

Factsheet

Degree: Dual Degree: Internationally accredited Master of Design (MDes) from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) from the Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW
ECTS points: 120 / (60 US Credits)
Next start: 14.9.2026
Duration: 4 semester
Teaching languages: English
Fee: CHF 25'000.– / year

At a glance

International Cooperation: Joint Master's program of the Institute for Digital Communication Environments (IDCE) at the Basel School of Art and Design (HGK Basel FHNW) and the School of Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
International Degree: Students are enrolled at UIC and study in Basel, graduating with an internationally accredited Master of Design (MDes) from UIC and two Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) certificates from HGK Basel.
Design Tradition & Research: Combining the Swiss graphic design tradition with current academic perspectives and design research from IDCE.
Project-Based, International Studies: Project-oriented instruction, in-depth theoretical study, international internships, and exchange within a culturally diverse, global design environment.

Structure and programme contents

The curriculum of the program is influenced by the tradition of Swiss Graphic Design and the current academic perspective and standards of the Digital Communication Environments Institute (IDCE) at the HGK Basel.

In the program, students consolidate their experience in design through practice-guided teaching units and advance their analytical skills by engaging with historical and theoreical fields of knowledge.

Furthermore, the program is offering a variety of opportunities, such as international internships, studying in a rich foreign cultural environment, and an international group of students and professors, who are involved in the current discussions of the internationally oriented design practice and its issues of design research.