Communication Design (B.A.)
The program is characterized by a focused emphasis on developing creative, artistic, conceptual, and methodological skills. The teaching of applied skills and theoretical knowledge plays a key role in this process. Graduates are thus equipped to work in a wide variety of fields within communication design (design, advertising, media, publishing, etc.) as employees in leadership roles or as independent, freelance designers. They are able to respond flexibly to the changing demands of the media society. One of the central goals of the program is the personal development of the students. They are expected to develop the ability to formulate and articulate their own critical perspectives based on sound reasoning. Constructive collaboration within project teams is expected and required. During an integrated practical or study abroad semester, students acquire important additional skills, knowledge, and social competencies. In addition to a broad foundation in core subjects and a practical focus, the program offers the opportunity to deepen specialized expertise that qualifies students for relevant professional careers.
Career Prospects
Communication designers are called upon wherever information needs to be conveyed in an aesthetically appealing, creative, and strategically planned manner. From designing print materials such as books, magazines, advertising materials, or annual reports, to wayfinding systems, business stationery, brand identities, illustrations, packaging, exhibition systems, trade show booths, and even multimedia installations or AV media—your expertise is in demand for virtually all forms of media communication.
The field of work ranges from design, PR, or advertising agencies to publishing houses or companies, and even extends to television stations or cultural institutions. Communication designers are exceptionally well-qualified for careers as graphic designers, advertising graphic designers, designers of multimedia applications, screen designers, art directors, typeface designers, or design managers. Key to success in this program are a strong artistic and creative talent, a high degree of creativity, and the ability to think analytically.
You can find more information about the field of work and job profile of a communication designer at PAGE Online: “What Exactly Is Communication Design?”
Course Content
During the first three semesters, the program focuses on artistic and design-related issues and teaches fundamental technical and craftsmanship skills.
Starting in the fourth semester, the basic knowledge acquired in the subject areas listed below is applied in a practice-oriented manner. Design projects and design studios serve to broaden and deepen students’ professional competencies. The goal is to further develop students’ aesthetic awareness, foster conceptual and structural thinking, and contribute to their personal development.
- Photography
- Identity Design
- Illustration
- Information Design
- Interdisciplinary Design
- Artistic Design
- Typography
- Text Design
- Typography
- Time-Based Media
The fifth semester is a practical or study abroad semester.
In the sixth semester, students once again take design projects and design studios, which this time are supplemented by theoretical courses.
In the seventh and final semester, theoretical knowledge specifically geared toward career preparation is taught to complement the bachelor’s thesis.
Course of Study
| Semester / CP * | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing, Text, Typography 1 (6 CP) | Concept, Design, Methodology 1 (8 CP) | Art 1 (5 CP) | Digital Media 1 (7 CP) | Art & Design Theory 1 (5 CP) | 31 CP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Writing, Text, Typography 2 (6 CP) | Concept, Design, Methodology 2 (8 CP) | Art 2 (5 CP) | Digital Media 2 (7 CP) | Art & Design Theory 2 (5 CP) | 31 CP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Writing, Text, Typography 3 (6 CP) | Concept, Design, Methodology 3 (5 CP) | Art 3 (5 CP) | Digital Media 3 (10 CP) | Language (4 CP) | 30 CP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Writing, Text, Typography 4 (6 CP) | Design Project 1 (9 CP) | Design Project 2 (9 CP) | Design Studio 1 (6 CP) | 30 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Practicum Semester (25 CP) | Practicum Seminar (5 CP) | 30 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Design Project 3 (9 CP) | Design Project 4 (9 CP) | Design Studio 2 (6 CP) | Media & Society (6 CP) | 30 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bachelor's Thesis (12 CP) | Bachelor’s Colloquium (8 CP) | Presentation & Professional Practice (8 CP) | 28 CP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 210 CP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* CP = Credit Point
Applicant Profiles
If you wish to study at the Faculty of Design at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, you must not only have a general or vocational high school diploma, but also demonstrate sufficient artistic and design aptitude.
Because unusual ideas and expressive images or graphics don’t just emerge on paper or on a computer—but first take shape in our minds—a designer’s personality, creativity, and imagination are crucial to their success.
Accordingly, through a two-stage selection process, we select from among all applicants those whom we believe are:
- are curious and alert.
- can see the world through different eyes.
- can think outside the box and in images.
- can identify a problem and solve it systematically.
- enjoy getting things done—even when working with others.
- don’t settle for half measures.
- Speak your mind while respecting other opinions.
- aren’t afraid to pick up a paintbrush or a laptop.
- Are passionate about design.
Is that asking too much? We don’t think so, because every year we admit between 70 and 80 applicants to our Communication Design program—and we believe they’re exactly the kind of people who can do it.
Application Process
The application period for the 2027–28 winter semester runs from April 30 to May 31, 2027.
You should submit your work samples and all other required documents through the THA application portal.
There is no admission restriction based on a numerus clausus, and proof of a pre-program internship is not required. However, we do require an application portfolio that meets the criteria listed on the linked page.
Procedure
Steps
Time Period
July 1 and 2, 2027
Participation in the practical aptitude test
The practical portion of the entrance exam takes place on-site at the Faculty of Design on the Rotes Tor campus. No make-up date will be offered.
Decisions
Notices of acceptance and rejection will be mailed approximately one week after the practical portion of the aptitude test.
Enrollment
Once you've successfully passed the entrance exam, all you have to do is enroll in the program.
Projects, News & Events
Academic and Portfolio Counseling
If you’d like to discuss questions about the program, the admissions process, or the career prospects for communication designers in person—and receive feedback on your portfolio—you can sign up for one of the academic and portfolio consultation sessions offered by Prof. Carolin Jörg during the semester.
Sign Up for a Portfolio Consultation
FAQs
Application & Admission
Both. For your application portfolio, your most recent semester report card is sufficient. To be admitted to the program, you must submit your high school diploma, which you can provide within certain deadlines. You can find these deadlines on the Student Affairs Office website, along with FAQs about the application process.
If you have any further questions regarding the submission of documents, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
Office of Student Affairs
No, since the bachelor program in Communication Design is not subject to admission restrictions based on a Numerus Clausus (NC), you do not need to register with Hochschulstart.
No, if you have already passed the portfolio review—that is, the first part of the application process—you do not need to submit a new application portfolio. However, you must register again through the university’s application portal. Since uploading an application portfolio is mandatory there, please create a PDF file containing confirmation that you have already passed the portfolio review, your most recent high school transcript, and a current resume, and upload it to the application portfolio section.
The university's central application portal is operated by the Office of Academic Affairs. If you encounter any problems, please contact this office.
Office of Student Affairs
If you have any questions regarding missing documents in the central application portal, please check the relevant webpage of the Office of Academic Affairs for FAQs on the application process, or contact the Office of Academic Affairs directly.
Office of Student Affairs
Application Portfolio
No, the application portfolio you submitted does not include any required assignments. You will not be required to complete these assignments until you have passed the portfolio review and have been invited to the second part of the aptitude test.
We ask that you limit your submission to a maximum of 20 pieces; however, this is only a guideline (a few more or fewer pieces are acceptable). The portfolio is not about submitting as many pieces as possible, but only your best work. Therefore, please try to stick to the maximum number.
By submitting the declaration of authorship, you confirm that you alone created the works included in your application portfolio. To do so, simply provide an informal letter that includes your address, the date, and your signature, in which you state that you are the sole author of the submitted works.
Yes, please upload your application portfolio—containing about 20 pieces of your work—as a single PDF file in the "Workbooks" or "Portfolios" section. There is no other way to submit your work.
Aptitude Test
You will receive an email invitation to the second part of the aptitude test about 14 days in advance.
The aptitude test, to which you will be invited if you pass the portfolio review, will take place on July 1 and 2, 2027, at the Faculty of Design.
No, you must appear in person to take the qualifying exam.
No, no alternative date will be offered.
No, as your application portfolio is already on file at the Faculty of Design in the form of a PDF file, you no longer need to bring it with you.
Applications from Abroad
International applicants must have their school certificates from their home country recognised by Uni-Assist.
Uni-Assist prepares a preliminary assessment of your university entrance qualifications, checks your school certificates and converts them to the German grading system.