Visual Communication and Digital Spaces BA, Basel Academy of Art and Design

Through the mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, bachelor’s students are able to design sophisticated visual messages and use them effectively in different analogue and digital communication fields. With a broad spectrum of teaching content and practice-oriented training, the study programme prepares students for a variety of professional opportunities. In addition, graduates are in a position to anticipate social changes and help solve these challenges with their creativity and skills. In this way they take active part in the social discourse on topics such as diversity or sustainability.

The Visual Communication and Digital Spaces bachelor’s programme prepares students specifically for the challenges of the steadily growing professional fields in which networked and analytical thinking, independent design, visual competence and technical and skilled know-how are needed. The goal of the study programme is to help you develop and advocate your own concise design position. Once you have graduated, you will be qualified to work as a designer of communicative messages. You can work in communication, media or corporate design agencies, publishing houses, the communication departments of companies and public institutions, in design offices or even in their own studio. This wide range of job opportunities enables you to use your creative skills in many ways and to move confidently in the professional world.

The aim of the programme Visual Communication and Digital Spaces is to equip students with the ability to conceptualise, explore, and apply visually powerful and conceptually compelling messages. Departing from conventional imagery plays a central role in the practice of visual communication. To meet this demand, students acquire technical, artistic, and analytical skills alongside traditional craft methods. Individual studio workspaces and well-equipped workshops provide them with the resources to pursue their projects in depth.

When applying for the programme, students may choose between two specialisations: «Visual Communication» and «Digital Spaces». These distinct emphases enable them to follow their individual design interests and to deepen their expertise in a chosen field. After completing an intensive two-semester foundation phase, they gradually develop their own design stance in the main study phase through individual project work.

This specialisation is designed for students who wish to focus their design interests on approaches derived from analogue cultural techniques. Here they can further develop their creative potential by applying established design principles and methods. The emphasis lies on conceiving, designing, and analysing communication tools for both print- and screen-based media. Students work with classical approaches such as drawing, graphic formulation, photography, typographic composition and type design, as well as their digital equivalents in a wide range of creative software tools. Key areas of study include narration, corporate identity, book design, editorial design, information design, critical design, moving image, animation, and interface design. Alongside these, students reflect critically on established visual languages while at the same time experimenting with new and exploratory forms of visual expression.

Syllabus Specialization Visual Communication (PDF in german)

This specialisation focuses on the design of digital communication environments. Technological developments serve as sources of inspiration for exploring new creative possibilities, extending well beyond standard software tools. Innovations in human–computer interaction, digital animation, generative design, creative coding, augmented and virtual reality, among others, provide starting points for the conception and design of messages within digital communication environments. Areas of study include UX/UI, motion design, data visualisation, digital identity, critical media, spatial staging, generative tool making, physical computing, and game design. With this broad and in-depth knowledge, students are well equipped to engage with technological innovations and to apply them in exemplary ways within communication contexts.

Syllabus Specialization Digital Spaces (PDF in german)

The Visual Communication and Digital Spaces bachelor’s programme is intended for students who demonstrate a strong talent in design. They can choose one of the two areas of specialisation depending on their preference.

With its studios and central Campus.Workshops, HGK offers ideal conditions for combining craft curiosity, the acquisition of technical skills, and the necessary digital know-how. In addition, all students have their own 24/7 workspace in one of the spacious studios.