Within this programme, you build a well-stocked toolkit in which practice and theory form an integrated whole. You learn design, concept and strategy, and you take classes in typography, photography, film, illustration, animation, interactive media and the corresponding software. Crossmedia Design is broad at its core, but not generalist. As a student, you experience a great deal of freedom without a sense of detachment, with your own fascinations as the starting point. This is how you grow into a skilled designer with a clear vision and identity.
Each study year consists of two semesters with both practical and theoretical classes. You conclude every semester with an assessment.
In the first year (the propaedeutic phase), you work in a class-based setting. You explore a wide range of visual tools, including those available in our workshops, and you develop your visual ability and artistic quality through subjects such as text, concept, image, handmade and material. You also take courses in theory and philosophy, and you learn to express yourself in the Writing Academy.
In the first year, you may apply for the Honours Programme as an additional, theory-focused track alongside the Crossmedia Design curriculum.
In the second year, the focus lies on exploring the possibilities of different design questions and media. Assignments in the first half of the year are short and intensive, helping you become familiar with all design facets, forms of expression and design processes. In the second semester, the projects become longer and you combine different media and methodologies. From this point onwards, you can also start an individual research project, for example in our BioLab.
In both the first and second year, considerable attention is given to formulating and receiving critique. This helps you learn to reflect and to take a position of your own, which is essential for the rest of the programme.
Based on your interests and talents, you choose from a wide range of short and long projects in the first half of the third year. This project structure gives you the space to work from your own perspective on diverse design challenges. You learn to work within (changing) design teams and to take on a meaningful role. You take responsibility and develop your own specialisation, strategy and working approach. You create a portfolio so you can take part in an internship or an exchange at an academy abroad during the second half of the year.
Crossmedia Design students have previously interned at studios and organisations such as KesselsKramer, Foam, Volkskrant Magazine, Mediamatic, Flow Magazine, NOS, Jung von Matt and Saatchi & Saatchi. For internships we work with an extensive network ranging from local studios to renowned international design agencies. Some alumni even receive job offers from their internship placements.
In the first half of the fourth year, you have plenty of space to work on theoretical research and personal projects. This offers you the opportunity to deepen or broaden your practice in whatever direction you need for your further development.
In the final semester, you focus fully on your final exam, which consists of a portfolio (print and online), a written thesis and a graduation project in a medium of your choice. You present your project at the end of your studies during the ArtEZ finals in Enschede.