In all areas of our crisis-shaken society, we face collective and complex challenges. We believe that Designers can play a vital role in constructively meeting these challenges and shaping the world of tomorrow.
That’s why our study program “Interdisciplinary Communication Design” aims to educate personalities who are characterised by the ability to reflect, think critically and act on their own responsibility. Technical skills (photography, graphic design, film, etc.) are trained through interdisciplinary courses and projects in which students address social issues. Even more importantly, the competency to cross-link these skills and address challenges in a conceptual and interdisciplinary way is taught.
Through courses and workshops provided by major actors on the international scene, the students become seasoned in the various fields of this discipline – art direction, interaction design, interactive applications (web and mobile), installations, motion design, as well as communication and digital identity. Involvement in exhibitions, publications or assignments commissioned by institutions provides an actual immersion into the labor world. Students also benefit from a wide range of theoretical courses like Philosophy, Sociology, Economics etc.
The skills and projects acquired throughout the curriculum serve to produce a portfolio in line with the highest standards.
Interdisciplinary projects can be undertaken in the following design areas:
+ Clothes and Textile
+ Law and Politics
+ Economics and Business
+ Art and Culture
+ Society and Social Affairs
Students can choose whether they would like to study on-site in Frankfurt, online or in a hybrid structure.
The bilingual course of studies ends with a state exam which is academically equivalent to a high-level Bachelor's degree. It allows students to progress to Master's studies should they wish.
Professional practice qualification ensures students are ready for meaningful and rewarding work lives and prepares them to shape their careers as a new kind of entrepreneur.
Graduates benefit from the broad network the Academy has in the international labor market, especially in Germany and other European countries such as Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland. Already during their final year, 86% of our students are anchored in an employment situation.
Our approach to education is based on the fundamental principle that learning happens in relation to others. Practically, the program is structured through eight semesters over four years. They are defined by two levels of study:
The foundation studies are shaped by three key elements:
1. Establishing the foundations of communication design skills, revealing your own design language.
2. Nurturing the basis for critical making.
3. Reflective practice through small group working with peers and faculty.
The main studies are a ‘laboratory’ for thinking, making and experimenting with others. It dynamically supports students in learning how to develop innovative design solutions. Being structured through project classes, it brings together specialists and connects students to work on real and complex design tasks. Enabling ongoing work with others, conceptual, technical, and social competencies are simultaneously refined.
Have more specific questions? Talk to one of our current students or staff members to find out what life at the Academy of Visual Arts is like.
Hi, I'm Martin. I study at the Academy of Visual Arts, Frankfurt in the 7th semester. My focus is editorial design in combination with photography.
Hey, I'm Verena, an undergraduate lecturer specialising in composition and poster design. With me, students learn how to develop their own creative language.
Hi, I'm Ana, I'm a 5th semester student majoring in Materials and Products, I'm particularly interested in Social Design with a focus on animal welfare and the environment.
Academy of Visual Arts, FrankfurtOstparkstrasse 47-49 | 60385 Frankfurt am Main | Phone +49 69 439938 | The Frankfurt Academy is a state-recognized supplementary school within the meaning of Section 176 of the Hessian School Act.
