International Graphic and Digital Media Bachelor

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Artevelde University of Applied Sciences campus Hoogpoort

Program Overview

This program is designed for students who want to turn creativity into a profession, especially in graphic design, branding, and digital media. You learn how to communicate ideas visually in a way that works for real companies, campaigns, and global audiences.

It suits students who enjoy design, storytelling, and visual creativity and want to build a strong portfolio while working on real-world creative projects in an international environment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Creative Foundation

In the first year, you focus on learning the essentials of design and visual communication. You develop skills in industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, while also learning typography, layout design, and basic image editing. Alongside this, you are introduced to how visual ideas are shaped into clear and effective messages.

Year 2 – Developing Ideas into Strategy

The second year is where your creativity becomes more structured and strategic. You start working on branding, storytelling, and visual identity projects, learning how design connects with audience psychology and business goals. You also collaborate on international projects, which helps you understand how design works across different cultures and markets.

Year 3 – Specialisation & Real Industry Experience

In your final year, you choose a direction such as branding design or advertising design, depending on your interests. A major part of this year is your internship experience, where you work in a real company either in Belgium or abroad. You also complete a final portfolio project that shows your personal creative identity and professional readiness.

Focus Areas

Visual branding, graphic design, typography, advertising design, UI/UX basics, motion graphics, digital storytelling, brand identity development

Learning Outcomes

You graduate with strong creative and technical design skills, the ability to build professional branding concepts, a polished industry-ready portfolio, and confidence working in international creative teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is a professional bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) aligned with European creative industry standards, preparing you directly for work in design studios, advertising agencies, and digital media companies.

Reputation (Employability & Industry Relevance)

Artevelde is known for its hands-on, practice-focused education. Students graduate with strong portfolios and often move into roles in branding agencies, advertising firms, and international creative studios, thanks to its strong industry connections and internship opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, the Bachelor in International Graphic and Digital Media is designed to immerse students in a hands-on learning environment that bridges theory with real-world application. Students gain practical skills through a variety of engaging projects, collaborative work, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools. This program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in meaningful ways.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of experiential learning opportunities:

- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern computer labs equipped with the latest graphic design and digital media software.
- Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), as well as tools for web design and digital media production.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on real-life projects that simulate professional environments, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable work experience through internships with local and international companies, allowing you to apply your skills in a professional setting.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to design studios, media companies, and exhibitions, providing insights into the industry and networking opportunities.
- Research Laboratories: Utilize dedicated labs for research and experimentation in graphic design and digital media, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Access to Libraries and Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including digital archives and databases, to support your studies and projects.
- Collaboration with Institutes: Engage with industry partners and guest speakers, offering you a glimpse into the latest trends and practices in graphic and digital media.

These experiential learning components are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of graphic and digital media. For a detailed overview of the facilities available at Artevelde University, you can check out the facilities list [here](https://www.arteveldehs.be/en/facilities).

Embarking on this journey will not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for a successful career in the creative industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Artevelde, learning feels less like traditional studying and more like working inside a real creative studio. From the beginning of the programme, you are constantly designing, creating, testing, and improving your work through hands-on projects that reflect real industry expectations. You don’t just learn design tools—you use them in real assignments, group projects, and client-style briefs that help you build a professional portfolio step by step.

A big part of your learning also comes from collaboration and industry exposure. You work with other students on creative projects, get feedback from lecturers with professional experience, and gain international perspectives through exchange-style projects and internship opportunities in Belgium or abroad. Everything is designed to help you move smoothly from classroom learning into the creative industry.

This is supported by strong practical facilities and industry-standard tools that make your experience very close to a real design environment:

You work daily with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro) for professional-level design, branding, and media production
You use multimedia labs where you create digital visuals, layouts, and interactive design work in a studio-like setting
A professional photo studio helps you develop photography skills and visual storytelling for campaigns and branding
Access to video and media production spaces allows you to work on motion design, filming, and digital content creation
Print and production facilities let you turn digital designs into real-world outputs like posters, packaging, and branding materials
Regular group projects simulate real agency teamwork, where you collaborate across cultures and design styles
International projects and exchanges expose you to different design approaches and global creative standards
A compulsory internship in Belgium or abroad gives you real industry experience working in a professional design environment
Creative workshops and design studios help you experiment, refine ideas, and build a strong personal portfolio
Access to university learning spaces and resources supports research, inspiration, and creative development throughout the programme