Berlin School of Business and Innovation is in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA). As a result of this partnership, BSBI is able to offer a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. UCA is an acclaimed creative institution in the UK that ranks highly in all three of the major UK league tables. The university has also been ranked 13th out of all UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2020; and ranked no.7 in the 2021 Guardian League Tables for Business, Management & Marketing.

Central elements of the BA Graphic Design course include typographic skills and the focused application of design principles, which respond to practical design challenges in highly versatile markets. Structured teaching also encourages independent learning and project management. Students will engage in studio time, seminars and workshops but also supplementary activities such as gaining industry experience, all within Europe’s most exciting leading creative industry hub of Hamburg.

The programme is delivered 100% on-campus with full access to state-of-the art facilities. Students will also have additional access to programme and reading materials via the University for the Creative Arts platform.

You will earn a bachelor’s degree with 120 UK credits per year (equivalent to 60 ECTS per year). This helps student mobility in the EU when it comes to transferring credits from one higher education institution to another.

In partnership with the highest-ranking creative education institutions, we aim to attract the most creative minds to generate expert professionals who will be equipped with the creative and practical solutions required in professional graphic design careers.

The majority of your work will be completed in groups and on-going support will be provided through the use of structured, targeted individual tutorials and online tutorials. The learning and teaching will consist of a variety of elements such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, animated/non-animated video, practical work, seminars and trips. The assessment strategy will include individual/group reports and/or presentations, case studies, essays, portfolio development, reflective journals and experiential work-based activities. Teaching takes place Monday to Saturdays, during morning, afternoon, or evening sessions. Please note: each year is divided into three terms.

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION IN ART DESIGN AND MEDIA

• English for Academic Purposes, Research and Study skills
• Exploring Practices, Process, Materials and Techniques
• Investigating Specialist Practice
• Final Major Project

YEAR 1

• Methods and Processes
• Typography and Principles of Visual Communication
• Historical and Contextual Methods

YEAR 2

• Design Direction
• Contextual Research and Theory
• Study Abroad Exchange (optional)

YEAR 3

• Contextual Research and Critical Perspectives
• Final Major Project
• Professional Practice

BSBI, in partnership with leading creative institution, University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is offering the opportunity to enrich your vocational qualification with this Year 3 direct entry bachelor’s degree in just a year.

The course will enable you to reach your full design potential with the help of industry experts. You’ll build a strong portfolio of powerful software skills and demonstrate effective thinking methods to navigate the challenges of today’s creative industry.

The bachelor’s degree in graphic design is ideal for those looking to enhance their expertise, confidence and skills in graphic design. You’ll become equipped with the latest skills in digital design software in order to produce an industry-standard portfolio for future career opportunities.

This Year 3 direct entry programme is tailored to students looking to build upon their knowledge of the graphic design industry and clearly communicate their creative ideas through a final major project.

Modules

• Contextual Research and Critical Perspectives
• Final Major Project
• Professional Practice

International route

• Delivery: On campus 
• Duration: 3/4 years (international route)
• Campus: Hamburg, Germany
• Degree awarded by University for the Creative Arts

Year 3 Direct Entry

• Location: BSBI Hamburg Campus
• Duration: 1 year (full time)
• Awarding Body: University for the Creative Arts

Upon successful completion of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course students should be able to:

Knowledge

• Apply good knowledge of English to communicate relevant international, cultural, contemporary knowledge and historical, theoretical and professional contexts.
• Understand and formulate unique ideas into convincing concepts for the industry.
• Generate research and apply technological, theoretical and detailed knowledge of graphic design.
• Understand various emerging and contemporary developments and debates in the communications industry.
• Confidently identify the sources of risk that affect projects and come up with strategies for managing those risks to get the best results from the projects.

Application to the industry

• Apply autonomy to deliver primary and secondary research involving the identification and use of relevant resources
• To remain focused on upcoming employment opportunities within today’s dynamic and versatile market 
• Combine practical training with independent study, to reach full design potential and respond effectively to changing briefs and client’s needs
• Evaluate and apply a range of methods to respond to evolving and emerging technological changes in design applications to support opportunities in your creative practice

Skills

• Enhance understanding of critical engagement within the creative arts industry
• Apply profound graphic design principles and technical skills in relation to associated industries and environments
• Present and communicate compelling ideas, concepts, sustained research and teamwork efforts
• Stay career minded and sustain your own networkability

BSBI’s industry focused environment provides the ideal support to our students in their personal and professional development. Upon successful completion of the BA Graphic Design course, you’ll be able to pursue the following graphic design careers:

• Graphic designer
• Branding/corporate designer
• Packaging designer
• Editorial designer
• Web and app designer
• UI/UX designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• Video director
• Visualiser/visual creative

Foundation International Route Option

Minimum Age: 17 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 11 years of schooling)

How to Create an Exceptional Portfolio will be available in this integrated international route foundation in art design and media course to guarantee you a direct progression into your BA degree course.

Academic Qualifications: ECCTIS UK equivalent to GCSE

BA (Hons)

Minimum Age: 18 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 12 years of schooling)

For direct Year 1 BA entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal.

Academic Qualifications: A school leaving certificate with a pass to pursue higher education in Germany e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or Matura. Alternatively, an international baccalaureate, international school leaving certificates, BTEC/national diploma or advanced vocational certificate of education will be accepted.

If you do not meet the above academic requirements, applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Year 3 Direct Entry

Graduates from a vocational academy/institute are not required to present a portfolio upon certified successful completion of their vocational training and are eligible for a direct entry into year 3.

Same is applicable for students who completed HND in Graphic Design, Illustration or Animation or direct year 3 progression upon successful completion of level 5/Year 2 by a UK awarding body.