Welcome to Fontys university of applied sciences. We are happy that you have taken an interest in the minor Graphic Design!
Graphic design is the most pervasive art in our world today. It is spread throughout the branches of almost every entity in our lives. Take a look at the logo of your favorite jeans, the website you are browsing or the advertising signs you pass by while traveling. Graphic design is meant to beautify, to solve problems of communication, to create awareness, to inform, to inspire and to entertain. Simply put: graphic design touches everything we see and do. It is the art of visualizing ideas.
The Graphic Design minor at Fontys Marketing and Communication is a blend of communication studies and liberal arts education with a balanced focus on conceptual, creative and technical skills. You will shape stories and messages that are creative and thought provoking, but also well researched and well executed. The minor in graphic design provides the necessary skill set needed in visual communication and the tools to contribute and work with marketing campaigns and creative professionals. Interdisciplinary courses in communication and art will help you develop your ability to verbalize creative ideas on a variety of platforms.
Download brochure Graphic Design 2024 - 2025The Graphic Design minor at Fontys Marketing and Communication is a blend of communication studies and liberal arts education with a balanced focus on conceptual, creative and technical skills.
The programme offers you many ways to build an impressive portfolio, as you will be working on design projects for actual organizations. The minor in Graphic Design requires 4 days of study/work a week (inspiration sessions, project work, skills labs, coaching, field trips, design conference) and will supplement majors from communication, marketing, computer science, business etc.
This programme is a fixed programme of 30 ECTS. No prior knowledge is needed, motivation is most important. Because we work in project groups on assignments, it is mandatory to attend all courses of the programme.
Programme structure
The program consists of 30 credits (ECTS), equivalent to 840 hours of study, divided into three units:
Commercial - You will be working (individually and in teams) on design projects for actual organizations. Acquisition, briefings, brainstorms, design, project management, pitching and billing are part of this unit. All projects, including the creative and business processes, will be bundled in group file: the process book.
Conceptual - You will be working on a personal design project within the theme Design for Good. You will create your own story and choose your own visuals to tell that story. Your project will be showcased in an exhibition for academic and non-academic audiences. The creative process will be documented in a concept guide.
Graphic Journey – During this project you will design your own graphic journey. What are your graphic learning goals, how will you work on these and where do you hope to be at the end of the minor? You design a document in which you record your journey. At the end of the minor you have a conversation about your journey with the coaches.
Throughout the minor you will have classes on an array of subjects, and gain knowledge and skills instantly applicable on your projects. Topics include:
- Graphic Design Industry
- Visual Language
- Adobe Software
- Analogue Media
- Typography
- Photography
- Color Psychology
- Art History
- Brainstorming
- Concepting
- Persuasion
- Ethics
- Coaching
- Entrepreneurship
We always try to organize a studytrip.* For example: in 2023 we visited OFFF Barcelona, one of the world’s most inspirational conferences for the design and creative industries. Speakers are key disruptors and influencers in their field driving everything from huge global campaigns to inspiring personal projects. *Disclaimer: the study trip is subject to reservation due to availability, financial reasons or other unforeseen circumstances.
How will your course program be recognized by your home university?
We will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. When you pass all three
projects you will receive 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognized throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognized and transferred into the records kept by your home university.
Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange Officer at your Home University. This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once we have accepted the nomination, you will receive an e-mail with all neccessary information how to complete your application proces. Students will be informed of their acceptance or refusal within two weeks.
Important dates
| Deadline for nomination (by partner University) | 1 November |
| Deadline for applying | 15 November |
Part of your application is a motivational letter. Please answer the following questions in your motivational letter:
- Who are you?
- Why are you applying for the minor Graphic Design?
- What do you want to learn during the programme?
- Could you rate your own design skills?
Programme coordinator
Ms. Marlinde Caspers
E-mail: graphicdesign@fontys.nl
International Desk Fontys Marketing and Communication
International coordinators / nominations:
Ms. Janneke Aussems
E-mail: fmc-internationaldesk@fontys.nl
Contact incoming students / Mobility Online workflow:
Ms. Katelijn Busser
E-mail: fmc-internationaldesk@fontys.nl
Address
Fontys Marketing and Communication
Stappegoor Campus (building P4)
Prof. Goossenslaan 1-02
5022 DM Tilburg
The Netherlands
Post address: P.O. Box 90903, 5000 GD Tilburg, the Netherlands