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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION

STUDY AT THE UAE'S #1 UNIVERSITY FOR DESIGN

Are you ready to embark on a journey of design? Look no further than our four-year Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication program. This exciting program will help you build a solid foundation in graphic design, communication theories and visual problem-solving strategies, preparing you for real-world design opportunities.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Get ready to dive into a range of exciting courses that explore typography, layout, research methods, visual and textual narrative strategies, and more. From time-based media to art history, illustration to critical theory, digital and traditional printing to photography, our program covers all the essential elements to shape you into an intelligent, reflexive and creative graphic designer.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Four years full-time • first year Foundations Program • 69 credits of studio courses (about half of your total coursework) •  optional minor programs • 5-week internship •  portfolio development  • senior exhibition

The Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication program at AUS exceeds established international accreditation criteria.

View our catalog for the program sequence and course outlines.

THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

As a first-year student, you begin your CAAD education with a Foundations Year Program, which all students in the Visual Communication program must complete before advancing into their major field of study. You are mentored by a dedicated academic advisor who guides you in scheduling and course selection, and creating the educational journey you desire. 

The Foundations Year supports the critical transition from a high-school to a college experience. You will be introduced to conceptual and critical thinking skills, and learn how to apply the specific terminology we use within creative disciplines. You will also gain a basic understanding of design principles, while nurturing positive and productive working habits and self-discipline.

TAKE COURSES LIKE

typography • layout • research methods • visual and textual narrative strategies • time-based media • art history • illustration • screen-printing • critical theory • digital and traditional printing •  photography

THE LIBERAL ARTS MODEL

All undergraduate programs at AUS are based on the liberal arts model, which allows you to take courses in many disciplines outside your major field of study. This approach means that you will gain a broad general educational foundation in other areas that interest you and complement your studies, while still having the opportunity to take a deep dive into your major. 

REGIONALLY AND GLOBALLY RANKED

The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) is widely respected as being home to the UAE's top programs in architecture and design. Learn more.

MINOR PROGRAMS

At CAAD you can broaden your design expertise by choosing one or more minor areas such as film, illustration and animation, photography, product design and design management. These specialized courses will expand and complement your discipline-related knowledge. They will also enrich your portfolio or show reel and apply your skills in a wider range of projects and future roles.

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A minor in film will open up a whole new world of creativity for you, while complementing your studies in your major discipline.
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From book covers to video games, and online magazines to full-length animated films, there are endless opportunities for a minor in illustration and animation to be put to use.
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A minor in design management will give you the skills to apply design thinking and strategic management knowledge as you seek to effectively lead the creative process, and equip you to work effectively within a creative team.
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Through our minor in photography, you will receive both technical instruction and develop your creativity in order to skillfully produce your own portfolio of photographic works. 
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A minor in product design will provide you with an intensive and interactive studio experience as you apply technical skills and design theory to create and exhibit your own portfolio of unique designs.

GOT QUESTIONS?

CAREERS IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION

WHERE CAN A DEGREE IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION TAKE YOU?

You will graduate with a cohesive body of work directed toward professional creative industries, an independent studio practice and/or entrepreneurship. You also will join an outstanding cohort of CAAD alumni, who continue to develop award-winning graphic designs for the region and the world.

CAREER PATHS

Our graduates work within various fields. They are graphic designers, museum curators, animators, and art and creative directors in advertising agencies, the music industry, theaters and film production studios. They might develop and oversee the development of visual solutions for brand identity, information graphics, posters, brochures, print collateral, web design and motion graphics. Others may design for public service industries, or create illustrations for books and graphics, or design interfaces for mobile phones and the web. 

With an understanding of both the business and creative aspects of running a design firm, many graduates choose to start their own creative companies. They thrive in local and regional markets, setting new trends and serving as leaders within creative industries.

CAAD GRADS FIND JOBS WITH

Art Dubai • BBDO • Brand Union • Expo 2020 • Fikra Design Studios • FN Design • iNG • James • Landor • Leo Burnett • Maraya Art Center • Mobius • Ogilvie • Saatchi & Saatchi • Sharjah Art Foundation • Slash • Thomas Klein • Tinkah

OR CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AT

Basel School of Design • Central Saint Martins • Domus Academy • New York Film Academy • Pratt Institute •  Rhode Island School of Design • Royal College of Arts •  Savannah College of Art and Design • School of Visual Arts • The London Film School • University of Illinois at Chicago

MEET OUR ALUMNI

DANA ALHANBALI

LAYAL MOOTI

HEBA ALNABULSI

MEET OUR FACULTY

STUDIO CULTURE AT CAAD

Our studio classroom goes beyond textbooks and lectures, and learning takes on a whole new dimension. You will find a space buzzing with creativity and collaboration, and you will be actively engaged in hands-on projects, guided by caring and passionate professors, industry experts and fellow students who bring diverse perspectives.
 
Watch below to get a glimpse of the vibrant studio classroom that awaits you.

STUDENT WORK

CAAD ON INSTAGRAM

THE CAAD EXPERIENCE

START WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION

Foundations is a unique and rigorous program that introduces you to the fundamentals of design and prepares you for all fields of study that are offered in CAAD. Over two semesters, you will be encouraged to develop a basic critical and practical understanding of design principals, experimenting with and exploring materials, tools and techniques to provide you with a strong background in basic design.

Learn more.

LEARN FROM AWARD-WINNING FACULTY

At CAAD, our faculty members are highly qualified and critically acclaimed in their fields. They are passionate about guiding you through an engaging and interdisciplinary learning journey. Beyond the classroom, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and design teams on real-world projects, gaining valuable insights and experiences that will set you apart.

Meet our faculty.

GET INTO OUR CULTURE OF MAKING

CAAD Labs are at the center of our "culture of making" and our commitment to providing comprehensive design education. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment in their practice of cross-disciplinary design and facilitate the production of full-scale design right here on campus at AUS.

Learn more.

FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE

Immerse yourself in the unique CAAD experience at AUS. As a visual communication student, you'll be part of a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Engage in guest lectures, visit local art collections and professional agencies, join cultural clubs and participate in student-led workshops. The possibilities for inspiration are endless, and you can catch a glimpse of our vibrant community on our Instagram page.

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF DESIGN ABROAD

Every year, CAAD offers students the opportunity to expand their design studies through study tours to destinations such as Denmark, Spain and Italy. 

AUS students are also able to study for up to two semesters abroad through our International Exchange Office.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS

Upon graduation, you'll have a cohesive body of work that demonstrates your skills and creativity to the professional creative industries.

Whether you're interested in working as a graphic designer, museum curator, animator, art director or creative director in advertising agencies, film production studios, or the music industry, our program will prepare you for a range of exciting career paths. Many of our graduates choose to start their own creative companies, becoming leaders within their local and regional markets.

View examples of student work from our senior showcase Six Degrees.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

CONTACT US

General inquiries
infoartdesign@aus.edu

Head of Department
Dr. Zinka Bejtic
Tel +971 6 515 2809
zbejtic@aus.edu

Administrative Assistant
Sunitha Kallai
Tel +971 6 515 2850
skallai@aus.edu  

AUS ON INSTAGRAM