Graphic Design

Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Nykarleby (Jakobstad 2011)

As of autumn 2010, the Design degree programme takes on an entirely new form where you can choose between Spatial Design and Graphic Design. The programme, which will give you a Bachelor’s Degree in Design, comprises 240 credits and takes 4 years to complete.

Within the Graphic Design programme you will become familiar with the various branches of the graphic design trade, with an emphasis on visual communication.

The studies consist of, among other things, graphic design, typography, communication studies, design management, image management, photography and motion graphics. Other branches are illustration, information planning and branding.

As a graphic planner you can work for example with printed material design, advertising, websites and packaging, as a private entrepreneur or within an advertising or media agency.

The objective of the degree programme is to provide you with a broad, professionally oriented knowledge base in graphic design, media, photography and motion graphics, with a focus on idea, image and communication. The studies aim to develop your individual expression and technical skills as well as your responsibility for completed projects. The major part of your studies will be project-based teaching which gives you a good insight into the profession as well as useful contacts to the labour market.

Portfolio method

The portfolio method will be used throughout your studies as a learning support. Study material is collected in portfolios and used for general assessment, individual tutoring and as an evaluation tool for the work process as well as for your own projects.

Work placement

Work placements are usually in Finland but students have also had work placements in Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, the UK, New Zealand and the US. During this practical experience period you will work together with individual professionals of the trade or within a design company. The work placements comprise 30 credits, or approximately 20 working weeks.

International collaboration

During your studies you will have the opportunity to study abroad for a certain period of time. Novia University of Applied Sciences has cooperation agreements with universities and polytechnics in the other Nordic countries, Europe and Asia. Within the Erasmus programme the Design programme has exchange agreements with Instituto Superior de Humanidades Technologas in Lisbon (Portugal), Art Academy Latvia (Latvia), Muthesius Kunsthochschule (Germany) and Hochschule Luzern Design & Kunst (Switzerland). Our students and teachers often participate in international fairs and/or study tours.

Final project

The objective of the final project is for you to develop and demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge and skills. The final project is an independent project consisting of three parts:

1. An independent product or a challenging assignment by an external orderer.
2. Written documentation.
3. Public presentation and exhibition of the final project.