Study visual communication abroad

Visual communications students learn how to convey messages through creative mediums, like images, photographs, and paintings. It’s a vast field that blends together several disciplines, including graphic design, photography, fine art, and animation.

You’ll study the theories and concepts behind effective communication and put what you’ve learned into practice by working on real client briefs. By experimenting with various communication modes, you’ll master your own original style and develop the technical skills needed to make your mark in this competitive industry.

By earning your degree abroad, you’ll gain a global insight into the ever-evolving world of visual communications. You’ll see how visual communication methods are adjusted to suit the needs of different cultural audiences, equipping you for success on the international stage.

Bachelor’s degrees in visual communications can be studied over three years, but four-year BA programs including a 12-month placement are also common. Participating in internships is one of the best ways to build relevant experience and professional connections.

If you’re planning on completing your undergraduate degree in the US, you’ll likely study a four-year bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA). Unlike most American liberal arts degrees, BFAs contain fewer general studies modules in favor of a more intensive visual communications focus.

After finishing your bachelor’s program, you can enroll in a postgraduate course. MA programs normally require one year of full-time study, whereas master of fine arts (MFA) degrees can take between 18 and 24 months. PhDs in visual communications are available, but these will add several extra years to your studies.

To provide students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the field, teaching methods normally include lectures, seminars, tutorials, studio-based workshops, and computer labs.

The extensive range of elective modules offered as part of visual communications programs makes it easy to tailor your degree to your interests. That said, most universities insist that students take core units in the following areas:

• Understanding visual culture
• Visual skills
• Illustration
• Typography
• Graphic design
• Motion graphics
• History of visual communication
• Digital media

Since businesses and organizations across the globe depend on the expertise of visual communicators for their branding, marketing, and interaction with consumers, your career options will be virtually endless.

Your creativity and communication skills will be particularly valuable to sectors, including digital media, publishing, advertising, and journalism. Here are some of the exciting and fast-paced positions you could pursue:

• Graphic designer
• Web designer
• Painter
• Creative director
• Photographer
• Multimedia consultant
• Animator
• Digital artist

If figuring out what to do after graduation is proving tricky, it’s worth talking to your university’s careers office. They offer free and professional advice regarding work experience, resume writing, employment opportunities, and much more.