Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Home

    Study visual communication abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying visual communication as an international student.

    Find visual communication programs

    Explore visual communication programs abroad

    See other programs in visual communication

    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

    Best countries to study visual communication

    Best universities to study visual communication

    See all universities offering visual communication programs

    How to study visual communication abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Visual communication study abroad programs

    Visual communication undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in visual communication

    • false

      Art, Visual Communication Design - BFA University of Hartford, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      45,144 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 45,144 USD

      Start date
      January, May
      Show program overview about Art, Visual Communication Design
    • false

      Design: Visual Communication Design - BDes (Hons) Massey University, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,442 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,630 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Design: Visual Communication Design
    • false

      Visual Communication - BA Florence University of the Arts, Italy

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,415 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,300 EUR

      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Visual Communication
    • false

      Visual Communication - BA (Hons) Arts University Bournemouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,306 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,950 GBP

      Start date
      October
      Show program overview about Visual Communication
    • false

      Visual Communication + Change - BFA Linnaeus University, Sweden

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      32,775 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 285,000 SEK

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Visual Communication + Change
    See all bachelor's degrees in visual communication

    Visual communication graduate programs

    Master's in visual communication

    • false

      Design (Visual Communication Design) - MDes Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,168 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,168 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Design (Visual Communication Design)
    • false

      Visual Communication (Advanced Practice) - MA Teesside University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      20 months
      Annual tuition fee
      10,313 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,500 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Visual Communication (Advanced Practice)
    • false

      Visual Communication - MA York St John University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      17,531 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,750 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Visual Communication
    See all master's degrees in visual communication

    Diploma in visual communication

    • false

      Design: Visual Communication Design - GradDip Massey University, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,442 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,630 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Design: Visual Communication Design
    See all postgraduate diplomas in visual communication

    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.