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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Communication Design under the number 1103319. - 3 flexible time models from full-time to part-time for every life situation
- interesting specializations, such as in Interactivity & Multimedia or Augmented Reality
- innovative learning concept with IU Learn app and digital teaching events
- various project modules to help you build a portfolio during your studies
Who is the distance learning course in Communication Design suitable for?
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The distance learning course in Communication Design at IU International University is aimed at all those who have a passion for design and want to professionally engage with visual communication in print, online, video, and space. You are in the right place for this course if you want to solve creative problems, are interested in trends in design, media, and technology, and want to learn contemporary communication design - whether you have just completed your (secondary) school leaving certificate, are already in professional life, or are looking to reorient yourself. The flexible distance learning course is also ideal for professionals, career changers, self-employed individuals, and international applicants, as it adapts to various life situations.
Detailed Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor's program in Communication Design is possible through various paths:
General or subject-specific university entrance qualification (Abitur): With an Abitur, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or a technical college entrance qualification (school and practical part), you can start your studies directly.
Studying without a (secondary) school leaving certificate: Even without a traditional school leaving certificate, you can be admitted if the following conditions are met:
- You have completed a master craftsman's examination or a recognized advanced training (for example, IHK specialist) certification.
- You have completed at least a two-year recognized vocational training in Germany and subsequently gained at least three years of professional experience (full-time). Depending on your professional background, entry may initially be as a trial study.
Artistic aptitude test: An artistic aptitude test is required for the program. Here, you demonstrate your creative talent and motivation through a basic portfolio.
Applicants with international qualifications: International qualifications are individually examined for equivalence (for example, Anabin).
German language proficiency proof: Proof of your German language skills (at least level B2, e.g., through TestDaF, DSH, Telc, or ÖSD) is required for the German-language program. The certificate must not be older than five years.
Special regulations apply to qualifications from Waldorf schools or foreign systems - for questions regarding recognition, it is best to contact the IU's student advisory service.
Personal Requirements: Important Soft Skills and Competencies
In addition to formal admission criteria, IU International University recommends certain personal qualities and prior knowledge for your success in distance learning:
- Creativity and design motivation: Enjoy creative thinking, interest in design, colors, typography, as well as digital and analogue media.
- Technical understanding and openness to digital tools: Initial experience with graphic software, apps, and digital applications is advantageous but not mandatory.
- Self-organization and willingness to learn: For successful distance learning, it is important that you work independently and can organize your learning times responsibly.
- Curiosity and communication skills: Enjoying exchange, both in the interactive online campus and in collaboration with lecturers and fellow students.
- Practical relevance: Openness to practically testing theory in the numerous projects of the program and building a portfolio.
- Goal orientation: Motivation to engage with current societal, technological, and aesthetic developments in design.
Do you already have professional experience in the creative field? Have your previous achievements recognized to shorten your studies and lower the fees!
You can also find all information about the requirements, content, specialization options, and costs in your personal information package for the online study in Communication Design. With the brochure, you will also receive access to a demo account for myCampus, the IU's online campus. Request brochure now...What contents and skills does the communication design distance learning program impart?
In the Bachelor's Communication Design program at IU International University, you will acquire comprehensive skills in visual communication across various channels. The study contents cover print, web, mobile, video, infographics, spatial design, and presentation. A particular emphasis is placed on linking theoretical knowledge with practical projects: you will work on numerous design tasks and build a significant portfolio during your studies.
- Foundations and theory: In the first stage of studies, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in media and communication sciences, basic design, design theory, typography, supplemented by academic work.
- Practical module and projects: Starting from the first semester, you will work on real design projects, including print and digital design, corporate design, UI/UX design, and application design.
- Methodological skills: Design thinking, designing ergonomic user interfaces, and collaborative work are discussed and practically applied.
- Current topics & media law: You will be taught electronic media formats, digital applications, media psychology, and the most important legal foundations for designers.
- Individual specializations and focuses: You can choose from a variety of specialization tracks or at least two elective modules (e.g. audio-visual design, didactic design, cross-media design, or spatial design), and further focus on topics such as e-learning, event management, online and social media marketing, business start-ups, or user experience.
- AI skills: In a dedicated AI module, you will learn how artificial intelligence is changing the design process and how these tools can be utilized.
- Practical theory-practice transfer: Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on direct practical application, including portfolio courses where you develop design projects from idea to final product (using programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud).
At the end, there is the Bachelor's thesis where you independently work on a major design or research project.
How is the Communication Design program at IU structured?
The program is strictly organized into modules. You will complete modules worth 5 ECTS points each and finish them with (online) exams, term papers, practical projects, or presentations. With a total of 180 ECTS points, you will obtain the recognized degree Bachelor of Arts.
- Three time models: Choose between full-time study (6 semesters/36 months), part-time I (8 semesters/48 months), or part-time II (12 semesters/72 months). Switching between models during the program is uncomplicated.
- 100% flexible and digital: Learn completely online - no matter where you are, with a digital campus, learning app, video lessons, and digitally provided scripts.
- No presence requirement: All your teaching events and exams can be completed independently of location. Optionally, you can participate in live online seminars, tutorials, and study groups.
- Portfolio phases and project courses: There is at least one practical project related to each topic block, which counts as portfolio work. This way, you collect project-based evidence and work samples for your future applications.
- Individual specialization: The study plan includes a selection of various elective modules and specializations that correspond to your personal interests and career goals.
- Support and community: You will be supported by tutors, professors, study coaches, and the career service. The digital community offers exchange and support around the clock.
- Flexible examination: Exams can be taken online around the clock. Alternatively, you can write exams at test centers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or abroad through the Goethe-Institut.
You decide at what pace you learn and in what order you take the modules - ideal for professionals and those seeking maximum flexibility.
What career prospects do you have after the Communication Design studies?
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Design, various opportunities in the creative and media sector are available to you. Typical fields of work include:
- Design agencies and creative studios: As a communication designer, you work on the visual conception of brand and advertising appearances, campaigns, corporate design, or cross-media projects.
- Editorial offices, publishers, companies: In media companies, editorial offices, and corporate communication, you design print products, infographics, or digital appearances on the web and social media.
- Specialized activities: As a UX/UI designer, web designer, illustrator, infographic designer, 3D artist, or in the field of didactics and e-learning design, you can find jobs in the education sector or in technology companies.
- Self-employment: Many graduates start their own design agency, work as freelance designers, or start their own businesses.
- Special assignments: Exhibit and spatial design for trade shows, events, or exhibitions, corporate publishing, development of multimedia concepts and applications.
Thanks to the intensive project phases during the studies, you will have a practice-tested portfolio that enhances your chances of coveted career entries. Soft skills such as teamwork, independent project management, and digital media competence are also an integral part of the training.
What does the Communication Design distance learning program at IU cost - and how can it be financed?
The program is subject to fees, with the costs depending on the chosen time model. Currently (depending on promotions and discounts):
- Full-time (36 months): from approximately 399 euros per month
- Part-time I (48 months): from approximately 344 euros per month
- Part-time II (72 months): from approximately 259 euros per month
The total costs range between approximately 15,063 and 19,347 euros, including a one-time graduation fee of about 699 euros. Books, scripts, software, and the use of digital infrastructure are included in the price. Travel or accommodation costs are not usually incurred due to the purely digital format.
- Financing options: You can finance the program through BAföG (under certain conditions), student loans, or an educational fund (e.g. Chancen eG). Installment payments are possible, and the fees are often tax-deductible.
- Discounts & promotions: IU regularly offers discount promotions and starter bonuses.
- Cost savings through recognition: Previous achievements from education or work may be credited - you save about 30 euros per ECTS point.
Lade… 
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Communication Design? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University or the editorial team will answer you.
Hi Evan!
Starting a BA in Communication Design at 36 can absolutely be a good idea, and in many contexts you’ll be taken seriously precisely because you’re not “fresh out of school” (depending on how quirky the company likes things to be, of course). Credibility is often driven more by your portfolio, real project experience, and how you communicate your process.
How employers would see it
Portfolio: If your work is strong and you can explain decisions (concept, target group, constraints, iterations), age becomes a non-issue.
Determination: Successfully completing a degree program alongside one's job demonstrates self-discipline, organizational skills, and perseverance.
Your advantage: You already have industry routines (client communication, deadlines, feedback loops). That often reads as “low risk hire”.
Also, the degree helps in specific situations: HR filters, public sector roles, larger corporates, international applications, and when you want to move into more strategic roles (brand, UX/UI, product design, design management).
When a BA is especially worth it for you
You want a structured “level-up” beyond day-to-day production work: concept, theory, research, design thinking, cross-media, UI/UX.
You want to pivot (e.g., into UX/UI, interaction, AR/XR, instructional design) and need a formal framework plus new portfolio pieces.
You’re aiming for roles where a recognised Bachelor is explicitly listed as a requirement.
What matters specifically in IU’s Communication Design BA (distance learning)
It’s built around lots of project modules, so you can graduate with a substantial portfolio (that’s the strongest argument for employability).
It’s flexible (different time models, fully online), which fits well if you’re working already.
There is an artistic aptitude test/portfolio requirement — for you that’s likely a plus, because you can bring real work and show maturity in your projects.
A potential caveat:
If you already have a strong portfolio and you’re mainly looking for “a new challenge”, a full BA is a big commitment (time + roughly 15k total fees). In that case, a shorter, more targeted upskilling route (e.g., UX, motion, brand strategy, AI in design, product design) can sometimes deliver a faster, low-threshold career boost. The BA makes most sense if you want the formal degree and the complete, structured training.
Hi Edward — yes, it can be realistic, but I would not plan it at full-time pace. With a full-time job and two young kids, the safer setup is: choose a part-time model, build in buffer, and accept that some weeks will only be “keep the routine alive” weeks.
The important thing about IU Communication Design is the type of workload. It is not only reading and preparing for exams. In design modules, you often have to produce something: layouts, visual systems, concepts, presentations, project files. That kind of work needs longer focus blocks than a normal reading session.
In our German-language Fernstudi.fm interviews, this came up several times.
Tamara, who studied Media Design at IU with a young child and self-employment, described a very practical rhythm: early mornings for study or work, fixed focus days, and then everything stops once the child wakes up. She also said that illness phases with her child were the moments where studying became hardest.
Gabriel Gorbach, a learning coach, makes a similar point: with children, rigid study plans often fail. You need flexible planning, buffer and a “what if the week collapses?” rule.
Dr. Julia Simon also stresses that studying with family often means lowering perfectionism and working with a 80/20-rule rather than trying to master everything perfectly.
Start in the slowest part-time model. You can still speed up later. Starting too fast usually creates pressure before you know how study, work and family actually interact.
Use two types of study time. Short blocks of 30–60 minutes work for reading, tutorials, notes and admin. But design projects need one longer weekly block, ideally 2–4 hours, for real production.
Put study time into the family calendar. Not just your own calendar. Everyone at home should know when you are unavailable — and when you are fully available again.
Treat design projects like client work. Define a weekly deliverable: “two layout versions”, “first wireframe”, “colour system draft”, “final export”. Without a stop point, design work can expand endlessly.
Have a minimum week. For chaotic weeks, set a fallback target: three short sessions just to review material, tidy notes and decide the next step. That prevents losing the thread completely.
Use your marketing background. Branding, campaigns, storytelling, social media assets and UX thinking overlap with Communication Design. That will not remove the workload, but it can reduce ramp-up time.
Two watch-outs: first, do not try to make every submission portfolio-perfect. With kids, “good, finished and submitted” sometimes beats “almost perfect, but late”. Second, tool friction is real. Set up your software, folders, templates and export workflow early, because short study windows are easily lost to file chaos.
So: manageable, yes — but only with a part-time pace for starters, family support and realistic expectations. Because the bottom line of experiences so far is: The risk is not that the course is impossible. The risk is planning as if every week were calm.
The interviews mentioned above are in German, but they might be useful if you want more lived experience around distance learning with children and work. The browser and YouTube translation tools should work quite well for this.