Visual Communication and Digital Spaces BA

In Visual Communication, students begin with the familiar tools of design, drawing, collage, photography, typographical composition and 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.

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.

The BA course in Visual Communication prepares you for a professional career in an ever-changing field of work in which analytical and networked thinking, independent designing and visual competence are key. The course helps you to develop and advocate your own personal, signature style of design.

After completing the course you will be qualified to work as a designer – either with your own business or for renowned design studios, media or corporate design agencies, in publishing houses or in the design department of a large company or public institution.

A BA degree in Visual Communication entitles you to apply for the Master of Arts FHNW course in Design (Visual Communication and Iconic Research) at the Academy of Art and Design FHNW.

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.

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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