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Study visual communication abroad
An in-depth guide to studying visual communication as an international student.
Explore visual communication programs abroad
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PhD programs in
visual communicationNo programs listed
Visual communication degrees 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.
Visual communication program structure
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
Visual communication program structure
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
Alternative communication degrees
Best universities to study visual communication
How to study visual communication abroad
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Visual communication study abroad programs
Visual communication undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in visual communication
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Art, Visual Communication Design - BFA University of Hartford, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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45,144 USD
Fee in university's local currency 45,144 USD
- Start date
- May, January
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Design: Visual Communication - BA (Hons) (with foundation) Technological University Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Annual tuition fee
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13,750 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,500 EUR
- Start date
- September, January
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Visual Communication - BA Florence University of the Arts, Italy
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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7,533 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,300 EUR
- Start date
- January, May, September
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Visual Communication - BA (Hons) Arts University Bournemouth, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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23,315 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,950 GBP
- Start date
- October
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Visual Communication - BA Seattle Pacific University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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44,604 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,604 USD
- Start date
- September, March, January
Diploma in visual communication
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Digital Media and IT: Visual Communications - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,467 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,404 CAD
- Start date
- September
Visual communication graduate programs
Master's in visual communication
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Design (Visual Communication Design) - MDes Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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29,168 USD
Fee in university's local currency 29,168 USD
- Start date
- August
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Visual Communication - MA York St John University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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17,537 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Visual Communication - MA Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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19,670 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
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Visual Communication - MA (with foundation) Technological University Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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13,750 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,500 EUR
- Start date
- September, January
Future visual communication careers
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.
