BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a four-year creative degree that equips students with both practical and theoretical skills in visual communication, preparing them to create compelling design solutions across print, digital, branding, and multimedia platforms. It suits students who are passionate about visual problem-solving, typography, layout, narrative design, and creative expression, combining foundational design principles with industry-relevant project work and a professional internship.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students complete the Foundations Program, which introduces conceptual and critical thinking, basic design principles, and the vocabulary of creative disciplines before they enter major-level coursework. Through units like Principles of Design, Visual Literacy, and History of Art/Design, learners begin to understand how visual elements communicate meaning, how to observe form and composition, and how creative concepts are developed from idea to sketch to design. This year nurtures productive work habits, critical reflection, and introduces essential tools for creative practice.

Year 2:
In the second year, students move into core graphic design subjects such as Typography, Layout and Publication Design, and Illustration, where they apply visual language to structured communication problems. These modules teach students how to manipulate type, image, and space with purpose, producing effective compositions for both print and digital media. Additional coursework in Research Methods and Visual and Textual Narrative Strategies strengthens analytical and conceptual skills that underlie successful design projects.

Year 3:
The third year develops students’ professional competencies with subjects such as Time-Based Media, Advanced Digital Printing, and Photography for Designers, where they explore motion, sequence, and image production in more complex visual contexts. Students are encouraged to experiment with digital workflows, hybrid media, and multimedia outputs that reflect real-world design environments. This year often includes collaborative studio projects that simulate agency-style briefs, bridging individual creativity with teamwork and project coordination.

Year 4:
In the final year, students synthesise their learning through a Senior Project and portfolio development that showcase their design expertise across multiple media. A 5-week Internship places students in professional settings, giving immersive experience and industry contacts, while elective and advanced studio modules deepen specialisation in areas such as branding, interactive design, or motion graphics. Culminating work is exhibited or presented, demonstrating both creative vision and professional readiness.

Focus areas (in a string):
Typography, layout and publication design, visual narrative strategies, illustration, photography for designers, time-based media, advanced digital printing, multimedia production, portfolio development.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply core design principles and visual communication strategies; produce creative solutions for print and digital media; integrate research and visual narrative thinking; create professional portfolios; work with time-based and multimedia formats; and demonstrate readiness for professional practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program meets and exceeds established international accreditation criteria through the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at AUS and is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, ensuring standards consistent with global design education benchmarks.

Reputation (employability rankings):
AUS is ranked among the Top 200 globally for art and design subjects and is widely recognised as home to the UAE’s leading design programs, enhancing graduate visibility with employers in creative industries such as advertising, branding, publishing, digital agencies, and multimedia production.