Visual Communication and Digital Spaces BA

Educational qualifications
Acceptance to the admission procedure regarding degree programmes in the field of Design (Industrial Design, Interior Architecture and Scenography, Fashion Design, Process Design at Hyperwerk, Visual Communication and Digital Spaces) commonly requires one of the following certificates:

• a certified vocational baccalaureate
• a certified specialized baccalaureate
• a certified upper secondary school baccalaureate
• proof of equivalent education at upper secondary school level obtained otherwise

Language of tuition
The languages of tuition are German or English. Applicants with a foreign language background are required to submit proof of their language proficiency in German or English at level B2 (or equivalent) before commencing their studies.  

On-the-job work experience or preparatory course in design
In addition, candidates need to provide proof of one year of on-the-job work experience or completion of a two-semester preparatory course in design. The work experience must include practical as well as theoretical knowledge in a professional field related to the subject of study.
Note: Proof of work experience or completion of a preparatory course in design is not required of candidates who are able to provide proof of a vocational baccalaureate in a professional field related to the subject of study, a Swiss certified baccalaureate with a focus on visual design, or a specialized, design-based baccalaureate. The attained degree need not explicitly be in a profession related to the specific field of study.

You will find a list of approved vocational trainings and professional fields here (PDF in German).

Catching up on the vocational baccalaureate
Candidates who have not completed at least three years of upper secondary education (level II) are not legally entitled to admission to a Bachelor's degree programme. Information concerning full-time or part-time, on-the-job training courses focusing on a vocational, design-based or specialized baccalaureate is provided by the local vocational schools.

Admission on the basis of exceptional talent
In exceptional cases, candidates can be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programmes in Design and in Fine Arts without being in possession of an upper secondary school leaving certificate (level II), namely if they can provide proof of exceptional talent, either in a design-related or an arts-related field. The application documents must include a portfolio, a CV in tabular format, a reasoned request, and a letter of motivation. The head of the respective degree programme decides on the basis of the submitted documents whether such proof is provided.
Note: Candidates that fulfil the admission requirements on the basis of a completed upper secondary school education (level II) are excluded from admission on the basis of special talent.

How to proceed with regard to an “admission on the basis of exceptional talent” and how to register online.
We recommend that you register or at least make inquiries no later than 8 February, considering that it takes some time to review the submitted documents.

• Inquire in writing by email to YWRtaXNzaW9uLkJBLXZpc2tvbS5oZ2tAZmhudy5jaA== and arrange an appointment with the respective head of the degree programme.
• Normally, you submit the following documents for assessment: 
  • Portfolio
  • CV in tabular format
  • Reasoned request
  • Motivation letter
• Only then do you register via online registration (deadline 15 February).
• If the head of the degree programme accepts your application, you will receive from the degree programme’s office an invitation to the aptitude assessment.
• A successful aptitude assessment is prerequisite for admission to and enrolment in the degree programme.

To apply for a place at the HGK, the required documents must be submitted by 15.02.2023.

Dates

• Detailed information on the aptitude assessment as PDF download (de)
• 15.02.2023
  Registration deadline
• 04.09. – 15.09.2023
  Introductory weeks (mandatory)
• 19.09.2022 
  Fall semester begin 2022/23

In Visual Communication, students begin with the familiar tools of design, drawing, collage, photography, typographical composition and typeface design as well as its counterpart, digital software tools, to conceptualize and create visual messages. They concern themselves with drawing techniques in the process of form-finding, apply digital tools and devices to produce illustrations, visualizations, even publications. They test the impact of visual messages and learn how to approach existing visual information analytically. The curricular focus is on conceptualizing, designing, and analysing communication media.

In Digital Spaces, the emphasis is on the formability of digital media. Learning includes technical instruction that goes beyond the use of standard software products. The technical possibilities of human computer interaction, digital animation, and generative design, creative coding, and of augmented and virtual reality, etc. serve as starting points for the design of messages in digital communication channels. With in-depth technical knowledge, students are able to embrace technological innovations and apply them as models in communication contexts. The curricular focus is on conceptualizing, designing, and analysing digital communication media.

According to the two specializations in the BA programme Visual Communication and Digital Spaces, this line of study addresses students with a marked talent for design work. This may refer to exploring the design of digital communication spaces in which technological innovation serves as a source of inspiration. Or your interest in design may relate to creative processes that derive from the field of analogue cultural techniques.

When they apply to the programme, students decide between specialising in Visual Communication or Digital Spaces. In both subject areas, students complete a foundational study programme of two semesters and then develop their own design approach within the context of individual project work during the advanced study period. 

In the BA programme, students acquire the necessary skills that qualify them for a wide range of activities and professions in the fields of analogue and digital communication. Moreover, graduates gain competence in anticipating developments in society and contribute to resolving problems through their creativity and acquired set of skills.

A BA degree in Visual Communication and Digital Spaces qualifies you for work in a wide range of continually expanding professions that rely on people who are versed in networked and analytical thinking, creative design, visual competence, and have the required craft and technical know-how. The BA course supports you in developing and advancing your own distinctive approach to design. As a graduate, you have the skills to work as a creator/designer of communication messages – be it in communication, media, or corporate design agencies, in publishing houses, or for the communication department of a company or a public institution, in design bureaus, or even in your own independent studio.

A BA degree in Visual Communication entitles you to apply for the Master of Arts FHNW course in Design (Digital Communication Environments MA) at the FHNW Academy of Art and Design. This Master programme is the only MA in Design in Switzerland lasting four semesters (120 ECTS). Thus it meets all the conditions required for enrolment in a PhD programme.

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.

Here you will find everything you need to know about the enrolment process at the FHNW Academy of Art and Design.

Study Regulations, Visual Communication and Digital Spaces, Bachelor (PDF Download)

The BA course at the Institute of Visual Communication can be completed either in German or English.

FHNW Academy of Art and Design 
Institute Digital Communication Environments (IDCE)
Freilager-Platz 1
Postfach

CH-4002 Basel

FHNW Academy of Art and Design
Institute Digital Communication Environments (IDCE)

Freilager-Platz 1, Hochhaus: D 5.03
4141 Münchenstein b. Basel

T +41 61 228 41 11
F +41 61 228 42 89
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