Visul Communication BA
The role of a graphic designer is to communicate information; to arouse interest, increase understanding and influence through imagery, text and language There is constant technological development in communication channels and the profession takes them into account.
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.
About the program
Emphasis is placed on introducing students to diverse methods of design processes, 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, image description, information design, font design, web design, movement design and marking that are worked with into a diverse context of market and culture Students work on various types of publishing, both for print and digital media, and learn to develop their own vision and voice as graphic designers The designer as an analyst and perpetrator is an important guiding principle in the program, and students' social responsibility is strengthened in every respect.
The profession takes into account the technological progress that takes place in society, but there is constant development in communication channels and how information appears to us in our daily lives.
Among the projects that students work on can be mentioned Passage and form where students find visual channels for their BA thesis topics The aim of the course is to empower students as researchers and support them to use a wide range of methods for communication Completing the course with the publication of a book and a website containing student research.
Study structure
The three-year course is 180 credits and is divided into theory, technology and workshops Teaching takes place in lectures, in workshops and in the student's work area where each has its own facilities The program is local, taught in Icelandic and the student is responsible for their own academic progress The student-centered program gives each one the scope 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 their 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. Assessment is a written review and aims at the stand/fall.
After completing his studies
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 studios, at companies or independently The program also prepares students well for continued study at the MA level.
January 16, 2026 Simulate gallery, Hverfisgatu
January 17, 2025 Between Gallerý Ingólfsstræti
January 17, 2025 Between Gallerý Ingólfsstræti
Application and admission process
To apply for a bachelor's degree in graphic design, an electronic application is filled out, the requested data is included, and the application fee must be subsequently paid. Once these steps are completed and once it has been ascertained that the applicant has submitted all necessary information and supporting documents, he receives confirmation by email that the electronic application is valid and received.
If the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements for study programs is below the minimum criteria will not be included in the course for the coming school year. Are applicants informed of this as soon as possible and the registration fee refunded, if it has been paid.
Below are special instructions for certain aspects of the application.
Open for applications
January 14, 2026
Application deadline
13 April 2026
Applications answered
May /June 2026
Price list
Special instructions for the design department
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1st Folder/Portfolio
DutyNote that you have to choose between a physical or electronic folder/portfolio.If you are applying for more study programs or departments, you must submit an application and a folder for each study path/department.Folder submission deadline:Substantive submission deadline or electronic folder is 13 April 2026. In the case of a physical folder, it must be returned or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:-
Iceland Academy of the Arts, Design Department
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Stakkahlíð 1
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105 Reykjavík
If a folder is sent by mail, a postmark must be dated at the latest 13 April 2026. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope marked with Application design.We ask you to read carefully the instructions below regarding folder labeling:Folder tagging:-
If your folder is physical, you need to include a sheet with it that clearly states your full name and social security number.
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If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and social security number.
Folder contents:Applicants must 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 skills he has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.It is not necessary that all the works be completed or implemented to the fullest extent, on the contrary, it is important that there is also any design process, sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All the exhibited works are to be the author's work of the applicant If a work has been done in group work or collaboration, it is necessary to state that.The applicant himself has to assess what fits within the folder, but it is important that it reflects his ability, skills and vision of the profession through creative work.Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other documents electronically, is defined as additional content and it is not guaranteed that it will be viewed. -
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2. Cover letter
DutyApplicants explain the reason for the application in the relevant study path. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.
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3. Admission process
An admissions committee is appointed for each study path that evaluates applications and selects from among the applicants. The committee is made up of the professional director of the relevant study path together with one to two experts in the relevant field.The admission process is as follows:-
Applications are evaluated by the admissions committee Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment make it to the sample group and are invited for an interview.
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Applicants meet with the admissions committee in an interview where their interest in prospective studies, their attitude and attitude towards the profession is 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 deemed necessary.Application results:All applicants will be sent an electronic response to applications in May/June. The results of the admissions committees are final and it is not obligatory to give a more detailed explanation of the refusal to stay at school.Applicants offered school accommodation must pay a registration fee to confirm the school accommodation. See information about registration fee.Starting in autumn 2026, tuition fees will be imposed on applicants from countries outside the EEA, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland. More information about school fees. -
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4. Admission requirements
General admission requirements are matriculation, final exam from secondary school at the third qualification level,equivalent exam from a foreign secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits fromaccredited college Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certified copiesfrom the study history summary.Admission to the school may be granted to applicants with knowledge and experiencewhich is considered adequate preparation for bachelor's degree studies at the school See more „exemptions for admission“Admission committees evaluate applications based on submitted data as well as interviews and/or entrance examsthe fields that apply. The dean appoints an admissions committee for each study path in consultation withprofessional managers and admissions committees work according to the procedures presented to applicants. -
5. Exemptions
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants with knowledge and experiencewhich is considered adequate preparation for bachelor's studies at the school.Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements can apply for an exemption if they havecompleted, for example, numerous credits at secondary school level, completed other final exams such as on 4.qualification level or have other preparation that can prepare the person for studies onuniversity level in the relevant study path. Applications for exemption from generaladmission requirements are assessed by professionals within the relevant department The result of the assessment ofexemption applications are final. When evaluating applications, synergistic factors are consideredregarding grades in studies at secondary school level, education in arts, further education,work experience and participation in social work Each case is examined separately and can interactthese factors affected the outcome Applicants are encouraged to account for all of itwhich they believe may be subject to their application for exemption from general admission requirementsprogress.Admission committees evaluate applications based on submitted data as well as interviews and/or entrance examsthe fields that apply. The dean appoints an admissions committee for each study path in consultation withprofessional managers and admissions committees work according to the procedures presented to applicants.