Who is the Distance Learning Media Design programme at IU suitable for?

With your B.A. in Media Design, you could work as a Screen Designer, a Media Designer in Print, or a Motion Designer.
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The distance learning programme in the field of Media Design at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to turn creative ideas into innovative media projects and learn media design at an academic level. It is particularly aimed at individuals interested in media design who want to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical project skills. The programme is especially suitable for creative minds who are passionate about print, online, and mobile design as well as audiovisual media. It is also suitable for working professionals who want to academically advance flexibly alongside their jobs. Therefore, the distance learning programme offers a attractive option for high school graduates as well as experienced professionals or career changers with a completed education to earn a recognised bachelor's degree.

Admission Requirements

General higher education entrance qualification (A-levels), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or university of applied sciences entrance qualification: Direct admission to the programme is possible with these qualifications.

Artistic aptitude test: For students starting from 01.04.2024 onwards (and usually for all those wishing to study Media Design), an artistic aptitude test must be completed. You will create a basic portfolio to showcase your creative talent and motivation.

Studying without a high school diploma:

• Direct entry is possible with a completed master craftsman's certificate or an advanced training qualification (e.g. IHK specialist or business administrator).
• With at least two years of professional training and at least three years of work experience (full-time), you can start with a trial study or potentially enter directly after successfully passing the artistic aptitude test. The specific assignment depends on the focus of your training and work experience.

German language skills: Proof of German language skills (at least level B2, e.g. through TestDaF, DSH1, Telc, or ÖSD) is required for the German-language programme if your previous qualification was obtained abroad.

Recognition of previous achievements: Previously completed training or further education, study achievements, and relevant professional experience can be credited towards the programme (following individual assessment), leading to time and cost savings.

Special features: There is no numerus clausus (NC). The programme can be started at any time, and IU also offers a non-binding trial month to get to know the study concept.

Note: Students who obtained their high school diploma or technical college entrance qualification at a Waldorf school or at Berufskolleg Baden-Württemberg may need to present a recognition for studies outside the federal state to the relevant authority.

What personal prerequisites and qualities are recommended?

• Creativity and interest in design: You should enjoy innovative ideas, design, and creating media content.
• Technical affinity: Openness to digital tools, design software, and new technologies is advantageous.
• Self-organization and self-motivation: Independent learning, time management, and goal orientation are particularly important for success in distance learning.
• Communication skills: Since group projects and presentations are part of the programme and theoretical communication models are covered, openness to exchange is helpful.
• Design background: Previous training in design or a creative field is not mandatory, but practical or academic experiences in the design field can facilitate entry.
• German language skills: Solid knowledge of the German language is expected for the programme, as all learning materials, exams, and communication are predominantly in German.

The Bachelor's distance learning programme in Media Design is ideal if you are creative and committed, seeking a subject-specific programme with a strong practical orientation, and value flexible, location-independent learning.

What Do You Learn in the Bachelor Distance Learning Course in Media Design at IU?

The Bachelor's degree program in Media Design at IU International University provides you with a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in the field of media design – from traditional print media to web and mobile design, and interactive and audiovisual media. The teaching is practice-oriented: Numerous portfolio courses and projects accompany the learning process, allowing you to gradually build up a sophisticated design portfolio.

• Foundations of Visual Design: You will learn how to communicate purposefully using design elements, colours, typography, and layout. This includes modules such as "Basic Design Principles: Seeing and Understanding", "Typography: Discovering/Applying Type", and "Visual Staging".
• Digital Media and Interactivity: You will delve into the development of digital formats, including web design, human-computer interaction, user interface design, and the design of interactive and mobile media. Topics also include mobile media design, data visualization, and cross-media design.
• Technology and Software Competence: Modules such as Basics of Print and Layout Systems, Image and Video Editing, and Microelectronics for Designers provide software skills (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud) as well as the technical background of media productions.
• Practice-Oriented Portfolio Work: Eight portfolio courses facilitate the transfer between theory and practice. You will work on real projects in areas such as graphic design, web design, design of audiovisual media, or mobile design, and document the entire design process.
• Specialisations: Through elective modules, you can further specialise in areas such as communication design, user experience, online/social media marketing, digital media production, or even augmented reality, internet of things, as well as AI and game design.
• Additional Skills and Science: The curriculum includes communication sciences, media psychology, storytelling, media law, seminar "Society and Digital Media", and personal skills.

You will conclude the degree with a bachelor's thesis in which you address a comprehensive media-related issue directly relevant to professional practice.

How Does the Distance Learning Course in Media Design at IU Work?

The Bachelor in Media Design (B.A.) at IU is designed as a purely online distance learning program with maximum flexibility. You can start anytime without deadlines and choose from three time models:

• Full-time study (36 months): For those who want to study quickly. If needed, the program can be extended by up to 12 months free of charge.
• Part-time I (48 months): Particularly suitable for professionals or individuals with less time per week.
• Part-time II (72 months): For maximum time extension and minimum monthly rates.

All study materials are provided digitally and are available to you at all times in the online campus and the IU Learn app – many scripts are also available as printed booklets. Interactive learning formats such as videos, podcasts, live tutorials, and the AI-based learning assistance "Syntea" complement the material.

• Examinations: You can take all exams flexibly online around the clock or traditionally in exam centres. There are exams, papers, project work, and portfolios.
• Practical Relevance: Many modules are designed around projects, allowing you to plan, develop, and complete specific design projects – from the conceptual phase to presentation.
• Support: In addition to professors and over 1,000 tutors, study coaches and the career service are available to assist you.
• Self-Organization: You determine your own learning pace, can complete modules in a custom sequence, and have no mandatory attendance.
• Trial Month: At the start of the studies, you can test the IU program free of charge for one month.

What Career Paths Are Available After the Bachelor in Media Design?

The degree "Bachelor of Arts in Media Design" offers many career opportunities in the creative, media, and digital industries. There is a high demand for professionals who can handle both creative tasks and technology competently. Typical career fields include:

• Motion Designer: Developing time-based media for advertising, film, gaming, or exhibitions – including 3D animation and rendering.
• Mobile User Interface Designer: Designing apps and mobile applications, prototyping, and optimizing the user experience.
• Exhibition Designer: Conceiving and realizing exhibition formats – from spatial design to multimedia presentation.
• Other Career Options: Web designer, media designer for print or online, multimedia producer, cross-media designer, social media manager, project manager in digital publishing, UX researcher, or freelance designer.

With relevant professional experience and specialization, career paths in agencies, publishing houses, media companies, IT firms, startups, branding agencies, or corporate communications are also possible. Through elective modules such as Game Design, Augmented Reality, or AI Design, you can specifically prepare for future fields in the creative industry.

Costs and Financing Options for the Distance Learning Course in Media Design at IU

The monthly costs vary depending on the time model:

• Full-time (36 months): from €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): from €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): from €259 per month

• Total Costs: Between approximately €15,063 (full-time) and €19,347 (part-time II), including graduation fee.
• Graduation Fee: One-time graduation fee of approximately €699 at the end of the studies.
• Included: Access to all materials, learning platforms, online exams, tutorials, and counseling. Study materials are provided free of charge, no hidden additional costs.

Various financing options are available: BAföG, educational loans, installment plans, education funds, scholarships (e.g., from IU), and tax deductibility for working professionals. For pre-study achievements recognized during the program, you save £30 per ECTS. Note current discount promotions and IU offers – these can significantly reduce costs. Additionally: Option for sabbatical semesters, free extension, and an non-binding trial month.