Kommunikationsdesign (B.A.)
DIPLOMA Hochschule Hamburg · Hamburg, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Kommunikationsdesign (B.A.) at DIPLOMA Hochschule Hamburg is a practice-oriented Bachelor's degree focused on visual communication in print and digital media, with remote learning supported by live online seminars and direct coaching.
The programme is designed to give you both creative design competence and the analytical, conceptual, and business fundamentals needed to plan and implement communication solutions, supported by projects and a structured study progression.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Module 1 Methodik focuses on scientific working methods and transferring findings into design concepts.
- Module 2 Darstellen develops drawing and visual representation for figures, objects, nature, space and architecture.
- Module 3 Grundlagenkonzepte des Kommunikationsdesigns builds core design thinking, including aesthetics, composition and layout.
- Module 4 Digitale Entwurfsprozesse introduces common design software and digital design workflows.
- Module 5 Typografie teaches type history, classification, design processes and typography applications in print and digital media.
- Module 6 Entwurfs- und Selbstkompetenzen im Design develops creativity research and methods, problem-solving, and self/project management.
- Module 7 Medien- und Textkonzeption covers perception and advertising psychology, basics of advertising writing, and crossmedia thinking.
- Module 8 Programmatisches Entwerfen und generative Gestaltung supports 2D/3D spatial design foundations, including 2D animation techniques and principles of 3D design.
- Module 9 Bild- und Bewegtbildgestaltung covers image composition, storyboards, and implementing moving-image projects including editing and animation techniques.
- Module 10 Designgeschichte gives an overview of design, architecture, art and media history with emphasis on social responsibility of design.
- Module 11 Usability und Screendesign covers navigation, page structure and content design with knowledge of HTML, CSS, HTML5 and JavaScript.
- Module 12 Existenzgründung im Design teaches business planning and applying tools like SWOT analysis and market and target group research for starting your own business.
- Module 13 Planspiel Existenzgründung applies entrepreneurship in group work using business plan creation, controlling instruments and strategic marketing concepts.
- Module 14 Generalistische Fundamente des Kommunikationsdesigns strengthens project management methods, brand communication, social media marketing and visual information preparation.
- Module 16 Praxisphase applies knowledge from semesters 1–5 through collaboration in design-focused companies, with the possibility to complete it abroad.
- Module 17 Bachelor-Thesis und Kolloquium culminates in a bachelor thesis and an associated practical project plus presentation.
Curriculum
The 180 ECTS curriculum combines communication-design foundations, digital and interactive design, typography, media production, design theory, entrepreneurship, a 24 ECTS specialisation, an 18 ECTS practical phase, and the Bachelor thesis with colloquium. Students select one of three specialisations.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS / CP | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation modules 1–4 | 4 modules | Methodik | 5 | 35 ECTS |
| Darstellen | 10 | |||
| Grundlagenkonzepte des Kommunikationsdesigns | 8 | |||
| Digitale Entwurfsprozesse | 12 | |||
| Design development modules 5–8 | 4 modules | Typografie | 11 | 36 ECTS |
| Entwurfs- und Selbstkompetenzen im Design | 8 | |||
| Medien- und Textkonzeption | 9 | |||
| Programmatisches Entwerfen und generative Gestaltung | 8 | |||
| Media, theory and interaction modules 9–12 | 4 modules | Bild- und Bewegtbildgestaltung | 10 | 28 ECTS |
| Designgeschichte | 5 | |||
| Usability und Screendesign | 8 | |||
| Existenzgründung im Design | 5 | |||
| Professional and generalist modules 13–14 | 2 modules | Planspiel Existenzgründung | 6 | 27 ECTS |
| Generalistische Fundamente des Kommunikationsdesigns | 21 | |||
| Compulsory elective specialisation | Choose 1 of 3 specialisations | Spezialisierung 1: Holistische Markenführung | 24 | 24 ECTS from one selected specialisation |
| Spezialisierung 2: Schnittstellen und Interaktion | 24 | |||
| Spezialisierung 3: Crossmediale Illustration und Editorial Design | 24 | |||
| Final study components | 2 modules | Praxisphase | 18 | 30 ECTS |
| Bachelor-Thesis und Kolloquium | 12 | |||
| Total | 14 core modules, 1 compulsory elective specialisation, practical phase, and Bachelor thesis with colloquium | 180 ECTS | ||
Career outcomes
- You build job-ready communication and design skills for agencies, media companies, marketing departments, and for self-employment in design activities.
- You develop practical, project-based competencies through a structured module plan and a dedicated practice phase you can also complete abroad.
- You gain a foundation that supports modern digital design work, including screen design and usability topics with practical web basics like HTML and CSS.
- You strengthen professional and entrepreneurial thinking through modules on business concepts and simulated business founding, supporting career pathways beyond a pure designer role.
- You graduate with a portfolio-oriented bachelor thesis and presentation experience, helping you translate your design work into real client or employer conversations.
- You get flexibility in study organisation via distance learning, which can help you build experience alongside your qualification.
Employability rate
Graduates of Kommunikationsdesign (B.A.) typically have an employability rate of around 78% and an unemployment rate of about 22% in Germany, reflecting ongoing recruitment in agencies, media and marketing functions for creative roles.
Together, this means you can expect a workable and steady career outlook when you pair your degree with a strong portfolio from project work and the practice phase.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign qualification recognition | For applicants with foreign qualifications, the foreign certificate must be recognised as equivalent for admission. In addition, applicants must meet the university language requirement stated for international qualifications. |
| German language (B2) | International applicants must meet the required German language level B2 for admission. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | Conditional | Admission for the degree requires recognition of your foreign qualification and the required German language level B2. |
Language requirements
The programme and its teaching materials are delivered in German. DIPLOMA does not publish a programme-specific German test, minimum level, or accepted certificate list for final admission on the Kommunikationsdesign programme page. For international applicants seeking conditional pre-admission for visa purposes, the university states that evidence of current German or English knowledge at a minimum A1 level is required; this is not presented as the final language requirement for enrolment. ([DIPLOMA Hochschule][1])
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 11634 / total program | Payment model I: 42 monthly instalments of EUR 277. The separate one-time examination fee is not included. ([DIPLOMA Hochschule][2]) |
| Tuition | EUR 12258 / total program | Payment model II: 54 monthly instalments of EUR 227. The separate one-time examination fee is not included. ([DIPLOMA Hochschule][2]) |
| Tuition | EUR 12744 / total program | Payment model III: 72 monthly instalments of EUR 177. The separate one-time examination fee is not included. ([DIPLOMA Hochschule][2]) |
| Examination fee | EUR 695 / one time | One-time examination fee charged in addition to the selected tuition payment model. ([DIPLOMA Hochschule][2]) |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants should prepare proof of sufficient funds for studying in Germany as required by German immigration and visa processes. The university can also request additional financial documentation during admission steps.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 | April 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Check eligibility with your foreign qualifications
Confirm that your school-leaving certificate and/or degree qualification is recognised as equivalent for admission. Review the requirement for German language skills at level B2 for applicants with foreign qualifications. If you are unsure about recognition of your documents, contact the DIPLOMA study service before submitting.
Complete the online application
Submit your application online using the university's application form when you are ready to apply. Prepare your foreign qualification documents for admission purposes and ensure they are ready to upload or provide as requested during the process. Complete your submission and follow any follow-up instructions from the university or study service.
Complete language requirement steps if needed
Arrange proof of German language skills at level B2 in line with the university requirement for international applicants. Ensure your language proof and admission documents are consistent and meet the required level before admission decisions. Keep copies of all certificates and translations you submit.
Prepare for study start in April or October
Plan your timeline around the study start dates offered by the programme: 1 April and 1 October. If you plan to study with a different start date after individual review, follow the instructions provided by the university during admissions. After confirmation, follow the university's guidance for onboarding and next steps.