The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program provides students with the skills and specialized knowledge to develop creative and responsible solutions in design and visual communication. Taught in English and closely connected with Berlin’s vibrant creative industries, the program prepares graduates for diverse and international work environments. With comprehensive hands-on projects, students experience the entire design workflow, from research and idea finding to concept evaluation, project development, and technical implementation. Projects include a range of analog and digital media: students design apps, animations, augmented and virtual reality scenarios, books and magazines, campaigns, brand identities, posters, and websites. At the same time, they learn to present their ideas professionally across a range of media.
Study Graphic Design & Visual Communication in Berlin
In the first year, students develop elementary design skills, knowledge of photography, interaction design, editorial design, typography, new media, and design theory. The second year builds strategic and intercultural skills through collaborative and individual projects. Students' work presents creative responses toward current and future challenges within ecological, economic, social, and political contexts and assignments focus on benefitting human needs and the environment. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programs on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they complete an internship and hone their research skills. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a bachelor thesis and a bachelor design project with a topic of their own choice.
Application period
Applications are open for Fall Semester 2026–2027
Program start
October
Academic calendar
[Needs confirmation: final academic calendar dates]
Portfolio advice
[Needs confirmation: next portfolio advice webinar/date]
3 years (6 semesters)
Full-time
Berlin
Tuition fees and additional costs may vary depending on applicant status and academic year. Please check the final admissions and tuition information before publication.
EU Nationals: 745 EUR monthly installment, 6 installments per semester.
[Needs confirmation: final Whitecliffe tuition wording]
Non-EU Nationals: 4,640 EUR installment per semester.
[Needs confirmation: final Whitecliffe tuition wording and registration fee]
The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program prepares students to create impactful design for today’s fast-changing world. Students build strong skills
in typography, image-making, design principles, app design, and creative coding, with electives to shape their own path.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
NZ Government key information link for students.
Graduates of the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program may work in brand identity, publishing (digital, print, interactive), NGOs and social initiatives, creative agencies and strategic design, UX and human-centered AI, marketing and content creation, motion graphics, sustainable design, and in museums, galleries, and new media art collectives. A career in graphic design and visual communication combines creativity, technology, and strategic problem-solving. Visual designers are in demand in digital transformation, sustainable business, and social impact communication.
Pinar Küpeli
To apply for the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program, applicants need a German Abitur / Fachabitur or an equivalent international qualification. Foreign qualifications must meet the equivalence criteria set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education.
Applicants are required to submit:
German language knowledge is not required for this English-taught program. If applicants do not yet have CEFR level B2 English but are eligible to study in a BA program, they may apply for the English Preparatory School.
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Yes. The program is taught in English. German language knowledge is not required, but applicants need proof of English language skills at CEFR level B2 or above.
The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program takes 3 years (6 semesters).
The program is taught in Berlin.
Students study design skills, photography, interaction design, editorial design, typography, new media, design theory, complex design systems, interdisciplinary project work, research skills, and professional preparation. They also complete an internship, bachelor thesis, and bachelor design project.
Yes. Applicants need to submit a portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works.
Applicants need a German Abitur / Fachabitur or an equivalent international qualification, proof of English at CEFR level B2 or above, and the required application documents, including a portfolio.
Graduates may work in brand design, interaction design, UX and UI design, information design, motion graphics, typography, book and magazine design, advertising, design consultancy, web design, publishing, television and film industries, design departments, startups, or freelance work.
Students in the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication program learn from an international academic team with expertise across interactive media, speculative design, editorial design, and brand design and strategy. The current academic staff includes Prof. Henrik Rieß, Prof. Alexander Tibus, Barbora Demovič, and Krištof Reviľák.
Alexander Tibus studied Communication Design at Hochschule Mannheim, Germany and at HTW Berlin Un ...
Barbora Demovič is a Slovak designer living and working in Berlin. She holds a master’s de ...
