Content and structure

Course content.

In the Master’s Major in Visual Communication, students expand their design expertise to include conceptual, critical and methodological skills, in order to reorient their design practice, take leading roles in the creative industry, or take the first steps towards an academic career path (e.g. in teaching). During their studies, students adopt an exploratory, future-oriented approach and strive to develop new insights, methods and/or aesthetics. The course focuses on reflective and multi-perspective approaches (expanded practice): students are prepared to question their own creative practice and are open to new perspectives. The agile focus of the programme also enables them to acquire knowledge in related areas (e.g. fine art, media or social sciences) or in relation to new technologies. 

The Master’s degree is structured into four semesters. In the first year, students focus on experimental, knowledge-generating design processes through collaborative multidisciplinary design projects. In the second year, students develop their Master’s thesis supported by their tutors.  

Course structure.

Development of the thesis  

The first module area provides the foundation for the final project (Master’s thesis) in the second year. In these modules, students develop an independent, research-based design stance, work on and materialise an individual final project (thesis), and explore different types of writing and mediation. The modules include Enquiry and Exploration 1–2, Thesis Development 1–2, Thesis Mentoring 1–2, Writing and Reflection, and Excursion 1–2. 

Practical work  

The second module area provides the designerly foundation of the course and enables the project-based exploration of current topics as well as design strategies and approaches in the field of visual communication. The specific compulsory modules include Design Process 1–3 and Studio 1–4. 

Theory  

The third module area enables theoretical reflection and exploration of current topics together with design strategies and approaches in the field of visual cultures. It includes the specific compulsory module Visual Culture 1–3. 

Interdisciplinary theory and practice  

The fourth module area teaches advanced design practices in a range of interdisciplinary Major courses and provides in-depth insights into other design sectors or knowledge fields. 

Final project  

The final module area consists of a Master’s thesis, along with the compulsory modules «Thesis Theory» and «Thesis Practice». 

Skills acquired in the course.

When you graduate, you will be able to: 

  • Analyze complex design questions and communicate research findings;

  • Explore relevant issues in visual communication in a research-oriented manner and generate new insights;

  • Use a multifaceted aesthetic and methodological repertoire to produce application-oriented or experimental results;

  • Successfully undertake complex design projects involving the relevant stakeholders and positions;

  • Develop relevant contributions to discourses on visual communication;

  • Develop an individual design attitude based on a strong sense of responsibility, reflective-critical and interdisciplinary thinking, as well as a strategic approach to action;

  • Use the acquired knowledge and skills in a responsible professional capacity, in advanced higher education, or when collaborating on research projects.

Admissions requirements.

The Master’s Major in «Visual Communication» is suitable for students who are open to design challenges or who would like to answer questions related to the design discipline. They are interested in research-oriented approaches, are open-minded and proactive – and are keen to get involved in social developments.  

Prospective applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent university degree in a design or design-related discipline. The teaching languages are English and German. The written part of the thesis may be written in English or German. 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Students will be a part of an inter/multidisciplinary environment, and gain access to a range of internal, external, local and international networks. They will cooperate with renowned companies and institutions in modules and projects. 

These include, for instance: Museum Rietberg Zurich, University Zurich, Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), Museum for Design Zurich, Swiss Radio and Television, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU), University Hospital Zurich, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig.  

Moreover, modules, projects and final projects can relate to the Visual Communication research focus of the Institute for Design Research at ZHdK, which specializes in basic research and historical-cultural research in the field of visual communication. 

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of benefits.

  • Great opportunities to actively shape your future: ZHdK offers state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary and yet highly specialized training.  

  • Our campus (Toni-Areal) is an educational and cultural hub that unites all creative disciplines under one roof and is unique across Europe. 

  • ZHdK is home to vanguard projects and events. 

  • You will benefit from a wide range of professional networks and collaborations with the creative industries, as well as with other national and international educational institutions.