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Visual Communication BA

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The role of a graphic designer is to communicate information; to arouse interest, increase understanding and influence through imagery, text and language. Continuous technological development is on media channels and the profession takes them into account. 

  • Open for applications

    January 6th, 2025

  • Application deadline

    April 8th, 2025

  • Applications answered

    May / June 2025

  • Registration fee

    More information

  • Name of programme

    Visual Communication BA

  • Name of degree

    BA

  • Units

    180 ETC

  • Duration of study

    6 semesters – 3 years

Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of instruction.

About the programme

Emphasis is placed on introducing students to diverse methods of the design process, promoting critical creative thinking, and preparing students to face contemporary challenges with design methods. 

In the program, students deal with different manifestations of the profession, such as typography, illustration, information design, font design, web design, motion design and marking, which are used in the diverse context of the market and culture. Students work on a variety of publications, both for print and digital media, and learn to develop their own vision and voice as graphic designers. The designer as an analyst and doer is an important guiding principle in the program and the students' social responsibility is strengthened in every respect. 

The profession takes into account the technological advances that take place in society, but there is a constant development in communication channels and the way information appears to us in everyday life. 

Among the projects that the students do can be mentioned Ways and shapes where students find a visual channel for their BA thesis topics. The aim of the course is to develop students as researchers and support them to use diverse methods for communication. The course concludes with the publication of a book and website containing the students' research.  

Study structure

The three-year program has 180 credits and is divided into theory, technology and workshops. Teaching takes place in lectures, in workshops and in the student's workspace, where each student has their own facilities. The program is local, taught in Icelandic, and the student is responsible for their own academic progress. The student-centered program gives everyone room to approach the projects according to their own interests and strengths, while the teacher's role is to guide the design process and tools and support the student in his or her own search for knowledge. The focus is on the student's conversation with teachers and fellow students, where their own work and that of others are interpreted and put into context. Learning assessment is a written review and is based on passing/failing.   

After graduation

After completing their studies, students should be able to work independently and creatively on different projects in the field of graphic design, either in advertising or design agencies, with companies or independently. The program also prepares students well for continuing studies at the MA level. 

Application and admission process

To apply for a bachelor's degree in graphic design, an electronic application is filled out, the requested data is attached, and the application fee must be paid. When these steps have been completed and when it has been ascertained that the applicant has submitted all the necessary information and supporting documents, he will receive confirmation by e-mail that the electronic application is valid and received.

Below are specific instructions for certain aspects of the application.

Open for applications

January 6th, 2025

Application deadline

April 8th, 2025

Applications answered

May / June 2025

Price list

More information

Special instructions for the design department

  • The electronic application is filled out in the application portal.
  • Note: you must fill in all fields marked with a star and attach the requested documents, pay the application fee and confirm the application.
  • A certified copy of the diploma (a photocopy is not valid) with a stamp from the relevant school and a scanned curriculum vitae and attached to the electronic application.
  • A material folder/portfolio must be submitted, at the latest April 8th, 2025
  • If supporting documents are not in order, the applicant will receive a mail and the option to correct the application.
  • The applicant receives confirmation that the electronic application is valid.
  • 1. Folder / Portfolio

    Required
    Please note that you must choose between a physical or electronic portfolio. 
    If you are applying to multiple study programs or departments, you must submit an application and portfolio for each study program/department.
    Folder submission deadline:
    Submission deadline for material or electronic folder is April 8th, 2025If it is a physical folder, it should be delivered or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:
    • Iceland Academy of the Arts, Department of Design
    • Stakkahlíð 1
    • 105 Reykjavik
    If a folder is sent by mail, the postmark must be dated no later than April 8, 2025. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope should be marked with Application design.
    Note that the admission process is anonymous, but we ask you to carefully read the instructions below regarding the labeling of a folder:

     

    Folder meaning:
    1. If your portfolio is physical, you must include a sheet of paper clearly stating your full name and social security number. This sheet will be removed before the admissions committee receives the portfolio.
    2. If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and ID number. This information will be changed before the admissions committee receives the portfolio.
    Folder contents:
    Applicants should collect samples of their work in a folder in physical or electronic form.
    The works should reflect the student's personal vision, shed light on his main topics of interest, and from them it should be possible to read what talent he has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.
    It is not necessary that all the works are completed or fully developed; on the contrary, it is important that they also include any design process, sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All works shown should be the authorship of the applicant. If a work has been done in a group or collaboration, it is necessary to state this.
    The applicant must assess for themselves what fits within the portfolio, but it is important that it reflects their abilities, skills, and vision for the profession through creative work.
    Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other electronic documents, is defined as additional material and is not guaranteed to be viewed.

     

  • 2. Cover letter

    Required

    Applicants should explain their reason for applying to the relevant study programme. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.

  • 3. Admission process

    An admissions committee is appointed for each program to evaluate applications and select from a group of applicants. The committee is composed of the program director in question and one or two experts in the relevant field.
    The admission process is as follows:
    1. Applications are evaluated by an admissions committee. Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment are placed in a sample group and invited for an interview.
    2. Applicants meet with the admissions committee for an interview where their interest in their prospective studies, their attitude, and their attitude towards the profession are explored. Applicants can request an electronic interview if they are unable to attend in person.
    Special projects:
    The admissions committee is authorized to request a special project from the applicant if it is deemed necessary.
    Application results:
    All applicants will be sent an electronic response to their applications in May/June. The decisions of the admissions committees are final and there is no obligation to provide a further explanation for the refusal of admission.
    Applicants who are offered a place at the school must pay a registration fee of ISK 75.000, which is sent to their online bank account.
  • 4. Admission requirements

    It is assumed that the applicants have completed a matriculation exam or similar studies.

  • 5. Exemptions

    The University of the Arts is authorized to grant admission to the school to those applicants who possess knowledge and experience that is considered adequate preparation for a bachelor's degree program at the school.
    In such a case, the applicant must meet both of the following requirements:
    • Have completed no fewer than 105 credits from the older upper secondary education system or 150 upper secondary education credits according to the new system
    • Demonstrate excellent skills, knowledge, and vision for the profession through a submitted portfolio.

Special instructions for the design department

  • 1. Folder / Portfolio

    Required
    • Please note that you must choose between a physical or electronic portfolio. 
      If you are applying to multiple study programs or departments, you must submit an application and portfolio for each study program/department.
      Folder submission deadline:
      Submission deadline for material or electronic folder is April 8th, 2025If it is a physical folder, it should be delivered or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:
      • Iceland Academy of the Arts, Department of Design
      • Stakkahlíð 1
      • 105 Reykjavik
      If a folder is sent by mail, the postmark must be dated no later than April 8, 2025. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope should be marked with Application design.
      Note that the admission process is anonymous, but we ask you to carefully read the instructions below regarding the labeling of a folder:

       

      Folder meaning:
      1. If your portfolio is physical, you must include a sheet of paper clearly stating your full name and social security number. This sheet will be removed before the admissions committee receives the portfolio.
      2. If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and ID number. This information will be changed before the admissions committee receives the portfolio.
      Folder contents:
      Applicants should collect samples of their work in a folder in physical or electronic form.
      The works should reflect the student's personal vision, shed light on his main topics of interest, and from them it should be possible to read what talent he has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.
      It is not necessary that all the works are completed or fully developed; on the contrary, it is important that they also include any design process, sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All works shown should be the authorship of the applicant. If a work has been done in a group or collaboration, it is necessary to state this.
      The applicant must assess for themselves what fits within the portfolio, but it is important that it reflects their abilities, skills, and vision for the profession through creative work.
      Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other electronic documents, is defined as additional material and is not guaranteed to be viewed.

       

  • 2. Cover letter

    Required

    Applicants should explain their reason for applying to the relevant study programme. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.

  • 3. Admission process

    An admissions committee is appointed for each program to evaluate applications and select from a group of applicants. The committee is composed of the program director in question and one or two experts in the relevant field.
    The admission process is as follows:
    1. Applications are evaluated by an admissions committee. Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment are placed in a sample group and invited for an interview.
    2. Applicants meet with the admissions committee for an interview where their interest in their prospective studies, their attitude, and their attitude towards the profession are explored. Applicants can request an electronic interview if they are unable to attend in person.
    Special projects:
    The admissions committee is authorized to request a special project from the applicant if it is deemed necessary.
    Application results:
    All applicants will be sent an electronic response to their applications in May/June. The decisions of the admissions committees are final and there is no obligation to provide a further explanation for the refusal of admission.
    Applicants who are offered a place at the school must pay a registration fee of ISK 75.000, which is sent to their online bank account.
  • 4. Admission requirements

    Applicants are expected to have completed a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • 5. Exemptions

    The University of the Arts is authorized to grant admission to the school to those applicants who possess knowledge and experience that is considered adequate preparation for a bachelor's degree program at the school.
    In such a case, the applicant must meet both of the following requirements:
    • Have completed no fewer than 105 credits from the older upper secondary education system or 150 upper secondary education credits according to the new system
    • Demonstrate excellent skills, knowledge, and vision for the profession through a submitted portfolio.

Upcoming events in the design department