MA in Visual Communication

We love to experiment and ask questions. We develop visual media to communicate and to exchange ideas, thoughts and emotions. We engage with socially relevant topics: we question and research, analyze and design, advance visual culture, develop visual media formats for future forms of communication, and look for ways to translate content and make it visible.

Language	German or English
Duration	4 semesters
Credits	120 ECTS
Degree	Master of Arts (MA)
Costs	↪Tuition
Important Information	↪ Application ↪ Language Proficiency ↪ Visas ↪ Contact

Learning Objectives

The master’s program combines two levels: designing media, such as publications, websites, apps or exhibitions, and creating images, with the camera as well as through drawing, code, AI or experimental methods. Students choose their own topics and, in doing so, develop their own position as designers. They learn what every good project needs: a precise question, thorough research, a concept that connects form and content, and careful execution.

We situate the work theoretically, in art and design history, media theory and current discourse. It is important to us that students communicate their projects convincingly. We develop many of our questions in dialogue with other disciplines – with science, art or music. In the process, it becomes clear how design can be effective where other forms of expression reach their limits.

Our graduates conceive and lead visual communication projects independently: in the creative industries, for organizations and institutions, in art and culture, or as freelancers. The program also provides a foundation for artistic research and an academic career, for example in a PhD program.

Program Structure

The program lasts four semesters. In each of the first three semesters, the focus is on a studio (Atelier), in which students work on their own project for the entire semester. Each studio begins with an introduction to its theme. Students develop their projects further in labs and thematic blocks. We support them with regular one-on-one supervision and courses on theory and methodology. Excursions and workshops complement the program. At the end of the semester, students present their practical work together with a theoretical reflection.

Alongside the studio, students choose skills courses in which they deepen specific design and technical skills. The module Aesthetics and Context covers cultural theory, aesthetics, art and design history, media theory and writing. Electives can be taken at any recognized university in Austria or abroad. Through lecture series, exhibitions and international symposia, we bring designers, artists and researchers to the department.

The fourth semester is devoted to the master’s thesis. It consists of an artistic master’s project and a written part that documents and reflects on the project. The topic is agreed upon with the supervisor. The program concludes with an oral examination before an expert committee.