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Graphic Design part-time
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Course

Course

The unique part-time Bachelor’s Graphic Design is a four-year course that trains students to become graphic designers at higher vocational (HBO) level. Thanks to its carefully structured, coherent curriculum, you will conclude this part-time course with the same diploma as a full-time Bachelor’s student.

The course will shape you into an autonomous designer with the ability to investigate what the client needs and how to meet these needs.

The curriculum consists of visual subjects, theoretical subjects (which are partly taught online), workshops and practice-oriented learning. The common thread throughout the curriculum is independent research. You will learn to work according to two phases of design: research (exploration) and product development. At the end of the first phase, you arrive at an initial concept. In the second phase, you go through several steps take the initial concept all the way through to a detailed design (final product). In addition to independent research, all subjects are closely tied to overarching themes, which in turn are linked to trends in the industry and society at large. Within each theme, you'll carry out inspiring assignments that will help you learn, develop and gain the skills you need to excel as a graphic designer.

The part-time Bachelor’s Graphic Design is taught at the ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Zwolle. The characterful building also houses other courses in the field of design and visual arts. The Bachelor’s course Theatre in Eduction and two master courses are located in the same building. Studying in this inspiring environment will enrich your perspective and sharpen your vision.

What will you learn during ArtEZ's part-time Bachelor’s Graphic Design?

In four years, through the components context, practice and design, you will develop into a designer with a firm grip on design and a distinct style. Independent research is at the core of the course.

Context

You will learn to design with meaning. Everything has a purpose. The theoretical subjects Philosophy and Art & Design History are closely tied to Graphic Design's practical component, providing you with a solid theoretical basis for this part of the course. In addition, working with current issues in society will allow you to discover how you can be of significance to the world around you through your work.
Building relationships with the outside world and the professional field is an important part of the curriculum. Therefore, you will present your work to industry professionals and the public at the end of each production block.

Practice

In the workshops you will work on developing technique, craftsmanship and digital skills. The subjects Communication and Study Career Counselling focus on research, refining your ambitions, and  developing personal skills, such as organising and planning, communication, presenting and reflecting on your work, applying for a job, and entrepreneurial skills.  

Design

Independent research is at the core of the Graphic Design course. You will learn to apply research steps and principles, translate findings into a practical concept, and develop your concept into a product.   
Elementary subjects such as Image and Typography feed the individual research process. In these courses you will learn the fundamentals of the graphic design profession. You can then go on to apply these techniques in your independent research.

The course mainly teaches you to work within a concept. As a designer you don't just put an item there just because you feel like doing so. Everything has a purpose. In addition to professional knowledge, you also learn a lot about yourself as a person and a designer. You learn to look at things in a new way.
Babette van Huis, alumna

Study load

The course starts in February. Classes are taught weekly, on Monday and Wednesday from 6.00 to 9.00 p.m. (possibly partly online) and on Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. for the entire duration of the course (4 years). In addition, you will spend approximately six hours per week on assignments (at home, at work or in an ArtEZ studio or workshop).
 
We also offer the option to participate in project weeks or excursions organised by the full-time Graphic Design course. Participation in these activities is on a voluntary basis.

On camera

Course structure

  • The first year consists of two semesters. Each semester consists of two eight-week modules with a distinct theme. The themes are linked to current societal trends and developments, and provide guidance, space and depth. In each module, you will work on concept and product development and be taught subjects such as Typography and Image. You will also follow the theoretical subjects Philosophy and Art & Design History, and have ample opportunity to work on traditional techniques and to improve your digital and personal skills. After an initial instruction, you can get to work yourself in our well-equipped workshops.  

  • The first year consists of two semesters. Each semester consists of two eight-week modules with a distinct theme. The themes are linked to current societal trends and developments, and provide guidance, space and depth. In each module, you will work on concept and product development and be taught subjects such as Typography and Image. You will also follow the theoretical subjects Philosophy and Art & Design History, and have ample opportunity to work on traditional techniques and to improve your digital and personal skills. After an initial instruction, you can get to work yourself in our well-equipped workshops.

  • In the second year, you are taught the same subjects as in the first year, but you go into greater depth. Creating meaning plays an important role in the respect. What contribution can graphic design make?

  • With your gaze directed outwards while staying true to your personal vision or theme, you continue to refine your artistic ambitions. You apply the in-depth knowledge and understanding that you have acquired to your independent research.

  • The fourth year is concluded with a design assignment. For this assignment, you are required to formulate a research question, conduct theoretical and artistic research, and make a final (visual) project.

Own studios and workshops

During your studies, you can work undisturbed in our own studios. This is a place where you can safely leave or hang your work. The studios are shared with students of the part-time and full-time Bachelor’s courses Graphic Design, so they also act as meeting places where you can talk to each other about your work and learn from each other. The studios are open daily from 4.00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8.30 a.m.  
 
There are also well-equipped workshops, photo studios and animation studios, where you can further hone your craftsmanship and digital skills. 
 
The academy building also houses studios of other art courses and a media centre.

Who are your lecturers?

The lecturers on the Graphic Design course are designers from the professional field, who work at the academy one day a week.

ArtEZ finals

All Graphic Design students showcase their work during the ArtEZ finals in Zwolle. A visit to these graduation exhibitions is highly recommended if you are considering studying Graphic Design.