BA (Hons) Graphic Design

IN HAMBURG

BSBI is constantly striving to bring new opportunities and challenges to its students.

Throughout this BA Graphic Design degree, our aim is to foster new talent into creative leaders within the commercially oriented field of graphic design. From typography to visual corporate identity, you’ll meet the demands for UI/UX design solutions, websites and digital publishing.

The four-year international route programme includes a foundation year, which will introduce you to the fundamentals of the creative industry and will give you the opportunity to refine a career path. You’ll build a strong portfolio needed to progress directly into your BA degree, whilst being prepared to use English language in an academic context.

Programme Overview

Get a clear picture of what the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program is all about and what you'll learn.

Programme Fee

See the breakdown of the program fees to plan your investment.

Key Programme Information

Discover essential BA Graphic Design programme information, such as duration and admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

Discover the necessary qualifications and documents needed to apply.

Programme Structure

Explore the BA (Hons) in Graphic Design programme's structure, including the coursework and supplementary learning experiences.

Programme Overview

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.

Programme Fee

Price 2026: €10,425 (International and EU)

Special offers: Up to 20% savings for International Students | 10% savings for EU Students

*Terms and conditions apply. 

The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement.

SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS PROGRAMME BY APPLYING TODAY.

FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY HERE >>

Portfolio Scholarship Competition

Students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and the chance to receive a scholarship on tuition! This competition is valid on the Faculty of Creative Industries programmes being offered at the Hamburg campus.

Best Portfolio (Study for Free!)

1 Student | 100% Scholarship on Tuition

Second Best Portfolio

10 Students | 50% Scholarship on Tuition

Third Best Portfolio

20 Students | 40% Scholarship on Tuition

Find out more about how to apply here.

Programme Structure

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.

Modules

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

Study in

Hamburg

  • Delivery: On campus 
  • Duration: 3/4 years (international route)
  • Intakes: February, October 
  • Campus: Hamburg, Germany
  • Degree awarded by University for the Creative Arts
  • Price 2026: €10,425 (International and EU)
Discover more

Download Factsheet>>

The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement

Learning Outcomes

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
Download Factsheet

Career Progression

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

BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps graphic design students and alumni reach their career goals and realise their potential. The Service offers specialised support and aims to build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers.

Visit the Careers Service website.

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.

English Language Requirements:

Access to Proof of English Guide (UCA) here.

You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:

  • Create an account here
  • Select the programme and intake you want to apply for
  • Complete all sections of the online application
  • Submit online application
  • Our Admissions Team will liaise with you with regards to next steps

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

Key Facts
Location: BSBI Hamburg Campus
Duration: 1 year (full time)
Intakes: October
Awarding Body: University for the Creative Arts
Price: BA 2025 October €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
Price: Foundation International Route 2025: February/October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)

Entry Requirements
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.

English Language Requirements:
Graduates from a Schengen zone vocational academy/HND/ Level 5 progression by UK awarding body are not required to present an IELTS language test but required to pass BSBI English diagnostics test which will be provided by BSBI for direct entry year 3 BA Degree.

Computer Equipment

Your Portfolio Submission

For year 1 entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal. Before submitting your artwork, please have a look through the Portfolio Cookbook

What is a Portfolio?

  • Your portfolio is a collection of your best work. We want to see what inspires you, how you develop your work, your creative thinking processes, how and what you create and what makes you a unique creative individual.

What Should My Portfolio Contain?

  • Your portfolio might contain sketches and paintings, digital art and design. It might also contain sound work, short films.
  • Upload up to 12 pieces of work which can include audio or video files.

How do I Submit My Portfolio?

  • We’ll only be accepting portfolios digitally. You can do this once you’ve applied via our online submission system within the Applicant Portal.
  • You can also link to external websites such as Vimeo and YouTube.

Further information on how to compile and upload your portfolio will be provided by our admissions team via our admissions portal once you have applied.

Learn all about what Hamburg has to offer as an international study destination by clicking here

Hear from our students and alumni


Learn more about their BSBI journey

  • "BSBI creates a fun and interactive environment where it opens conversations and doors to create new connections."

    Aya
    UAE

  • "Improve my ability to understand different cultures, live with people from other backgrounds, and enhance my language skills."

    Matteo
    Italy

  • "The BSBI faculty's genuine passion for the subject and student success cultivates an enthusiastic and engaged learning environment."

    Liubov
    Russia

  • "BSBI and the knowledge I’ve acquire here has supported me to develop my soft skills, with a focus on management and projects."

    Karla
    Dominican Republic

The Virtual Student Lounge

BSBI offers you the opportunity to attend our Virtual Student Lounge to help you gain an insight into life at the school. Through a video call consultation, you’ll be able to get a virtual campus tour, learn more about our programmes, bursaries and scholarships, and get answers to any questions you might have regarding the admission procedure.

You’ll also be able to discover more about living and studying in Europe’s start-up capital, Berlin and find out more about the services on offer at BSBI.

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FAQs

BSBI offers various scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to support their academic journeys. Some of the scholarships include the BSBI Women in Tech Scholarship, the Leadership and Enterprise Scholarship and the BSBI Portfolio Scholarship competition. Learn how to apply for a scholarship at BSBI here.

The bachelor's degree in graphic design at BSBI is shaped around the future of graphic design careers to enable the development of in-demand skills and essential knowledge. Our strong industry connections provide opportunities for students to pursue internship opportunities, network with industry professionals and build a platform for successful graphic design careers.

The BA Graphic Design programme offers a unique student experience, through the collaborative learning approach and emphasis on creative projects. The BSBI Hamburg campus is a hub of diversity and holds events for students to network with experts in the design industry.

The graphic design bachelor’s degree programme is taught 100% from BSBI’s state-of-the-art Hamburg campus. Delivered by industry experts and taught mostly in a collaborative style, the BA Graphic Design programme provides students with ample opportunities to develop in-demand skills like communication, creativity and strategic decision-making.

In addition to the diverse student body representing over 100 nationalities, BSBI offers dedicated support services for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, including career guidance, language assistance and regular extracurricular events.