The BA course at the Institute of Visual Communication offers a practice-based and scientifically grounded training that merges the artisanal and artistic tradition of the "Basel School of Design" with state-of-the-art-research and groundbreaking technologies.
Digitalization, communication networks, a flood of images – visual messages with diverse impacts surround us on a daily basis. The BA course at the Institute of Visual Communication offers a practice-based and scientifically grounded training that merges the artisanal and artistic tradition of the “Basel School of Design” with state-of-the-art research and groundbreaking technologies. The focus of the training lies on the generation of visual messages for digital and analogue channels of communication. The aim of the BA studies course is for students to learn how to assess and deal with the impact of imagery. This includes the responsible application of images as well as graphic and pictorial icons along with the processing of imaged-based information. You will concern yourself intensively with design processes in visual communication, ranging from drawing and photography to generative processes, and develop in self-devised projects an independent approach to design. In our state-of-the-art studios and workshops you will acquire a wide range of artisanal, technical, artistic as well as analytical skills.
Specialization
Following two foundation semesters you get to choose from the three fields “Media”, “Image” and “Typography” in which to specialize in your Main Studies Course.
In “Media” you get to deal with different forms of current digital media – ranging from video and video animation, interactive screen surfaces to interactive spatial installations – and acquire a wide range of technical and media skills and know-how.
By concerning yourself with the digital creation of visual messages and their impact, you not only attain the necessary technical skills but also learn how to critically reflect on the current technological development, thus qualifying you professionally with a focus on media design and equipping you with the required theoretical and analytical expertise.
In “Image” the focus lies on designing and analysing visual messages in the context of illustration, billboard-art and photography. You deal with the process of drawing in connection with form finding, rely on digital tools and appliances in the production of image, test the impact of visual messages and learn how to process and analyse visual information.
In the course of your studies you acquire practical, job-related skills with a focus on image design along with theoretical and analytical expertise.
By choosing the specialization “Typography” you express a wish to take a closer look at and learn about the shaping (typeface) and arrangement (typographical composition and layout) of alphabetic and ideographic sign systems. What typographical composition, what kind of layout, is required to best sharpen the impact of a piece of text-based information? What traditions do we build on, for what do we need innovative fonts?
In the course of your studies you acquire practical, job-related skills with a focus on typography along with theoretical and analytical expertise.
Completing your BA degree qualifies you to work in the “image professions” in the widest sense of the term. For more details, see “Career prospects”.
Target Audience
For our BA course we are looking for highly motivated students with an interest in the design and analysis of visual messages.
Information on programme contents
Each year the Institute of Visual Communication offers a series of week-long workshops at the Campus of Art. They are open to students, lecturers as well as professional designers. The workshops are conducted by lecturers of the Institute of Visual Communication in English and enjoy widespread international acclaim. They address current topics and issues of visual communication such as generative design processes and design research, thus reflecting the old tradition of the “Basel School of Design” with its focus on typography and poster design. The workshops include a dense schedule of excursions, which help the participants to better understand the cultural context within the border triangle Germany, Switzerland and France.
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 (Visual Communication and Iconic Research) 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.
Organizational matters
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.
Institute Visual Communication
Visual Communication is an independent branch of knowledge generation. By means of visualization matters become imaged, conceivable and understandable.
