The Visual Communication Institute HGK FHNW, in Basel offers internationally accredited curricula on the Bachelor, Master and PhD level reflecting the rich tradition of the Basel School of Design in particular and Swiss Graphic Design in general.

Both Master programs are based on the following assessment: In the context of the digital flood of images, expanded qualifications are required. A design practice based purely on craftsmanship or technical skills no longer meets the demands of visual communication, nor does a reflection on visual messages entirely derived from theory. Connecting design practice with iconic- and media theory, generates new qualifications in the conception and design of visual messages for the context of a current, digitalized, iconic communication.

Master of Arts in Visual Communication and Iconic Research

At the center of our MA program Visual Communication and Iconic Research stands the interrelationship of practice-oriented design with Image/Media Research. The program is for students with a bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or Cultural Studies. Graduates with a design oriented background, major in complex issues of design in combination with Image/Media Research and Image/Media Theory. Graduates with a Cultural Studies background, major in the strategic and conceptual issues of Visual Communication. Practical and analytical “image competence” is developed through collaborations in interdisciplinary project teams. The degree prepares graduates for work in various areas of visual communication, cultural fields, as well as teaching or research at a college level. The degree program is a collaboration of The University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Academy of Art and Design (FHNW/HGK), Visual Communication Institute in exchange with partner Institutions in Switzerland and abroad.

Connecting Iconic Practice, Iconic Theory, and Iconic Research

In the context of the digital flood of images, expanded qualifications are required. A design practice based purely on craftsmanship or technical skills no longer meets the demands of visual communication, nor does a reflection on visual messages entirely derived from iconic theory. Connecting design practice with iconic- and media theory generates new qualifications in the conception and design of visual messages for the context of a current, digitalized iconic communication. For students with a fine art background, these qualifications consist of the expansion of practical design skills to include models from theory and research. Conversely, students with a university degree will augment their analytical skills with knowledge of design and the creative process. The combination of iconic practice, iconic theory, and iconic research forms the profile of the MA in Visual Communication and Iconic Research.

Interdisciplinarity: Design Practice and Culture Studies

According to our governing principle, the deepening of practical and theoretical knowledge in the field of the image is central to the master’s program. In light of the range of disciplines that take part in reflecting on images, a close exchange between students with practical and theoretical backgrounds is a primary goal. The master’s program occupies an international position and incorporates the network of the Basel School of Design as well as the networks of the partner institutions.

Tuition MA: Students from Switzerland: CHF 700.– per semester. Students from the EU: CHF 1000.– per semester. Students from other countries:CHF 5000.– per semester
Accredited by the British Skill Funding Agency (PCDL listed institution).

Application Deadline

The Master’s Program in Visual Communication and Iconic Research and the International Master in Design begin in September. The application deadline for our MA is April. Submitting applications in advance of this deadline is encouraged.

Goals for Students with a Bachelor of Fine Arts

• Intensive experience with reflective design processes and methods in the context of complex projects

• Augmented theoretical-analytical skills through knowledge acquisition in the field of iconic- and media theory

• Increased aptitude for the methods of scholarship

• Theoretically supported, practical research experience (inquiry by design) in iconic and design research

• Heightened facility for the discussion of images