The course

Aim of the course

The education offered by the university combines artistic-practical and theoretical-academic approaches: modern training in design must be comprised of practice and theoretical consideration. As well as developing the ability to express themselves professionally in modern design languages, students will also acquire skills in working in an interdisciplinary manner and developing complex information and communications strategies. Students will be gradually introduced to the task of playing a responsible role in design and implementation processes in a globalised world.

Teaching content

The Communication Design course at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle is oriented towards professional practice and the requirements of design work in a changing society.Communication Design deals with the transformation, structuring and presentation of information for various areas of human activity. This also includes the establishment and design of communications processes and systems, alongside familiar disciplines such as photography, graphic design, typography, corporate design etc. The intermediary role of designers is of central importance in our knowledge-based society.The development of the course at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle integrates the latest societal trends into teaching. The study of interdisciplinary design fundamentals plays just as important a role as the reflection of our media age, which is dealt with as a focal point of theoretical work. .

Course of study

The course of study is oriented towards societal practice of communication design. Common ground and common work in fundamentals with the Art teaching area are a particular feature of this training. The linking of academic/theoretical areas and artistic-design fundamentals in the foundation course provides a solid, broad base for interdisciplinary thinking, planning and activity later on.

In the first year of study, the focus is on design fundamentals that are shared by many disciplines and which are common to all courses in the Design faculty. Teaching areas in design fundamentals: Colour Light Space, Interactive Design, Material Form Object, Sculpture and Study of Natural Forms, Lettering and Typography, Drawing.

In the second year of study, subject-specific elements are added to the curriculum. These prepare students for project work during the main study period. Subject-specific training in areas such as: Typography, Illustration, Lettering, Photography, Electronic Media.

In the main study period, the students will then apply the skills learned in the foundation course. They can choose from the following major areas: Corporate Design, Photography/Digital Imaging, Electronic Media, Illustration/Graphic Design, Communication Design/Typography.

Theoretical and aesthetic aspects serve as inputs into work in conception and design, while the framework conditions for contemporary production methods are investigated during implementation. Courses in related fields are also offered here. There are comprehensive theoretical course elements in History of Art/Design, Media Psychology, Aesthetics etc. 

Prerequisites

General qualification for university entrance, and artistic suitability. Three-month pre-university practical experience period in a communications-oriented company such as a publisher, design office, market analysis, advertising or media agency, photo studio etc. Basic photography and computer skills. 

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Brief information

• Solid fundamental skills in design and art
• Subject-specific project
• Accompanying course elements in sciences and theory