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Design

Creatief, Kunst, Expressie

Duration

2 years

Level

Associate DegreeLimited part-time

Outlook

Stabiel

What will you learn?

(Design) In the AD Design program, you develop yourself into a versatile designer who transforms creative concepts into concrete visual solutions. You learn to work with professional design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), as well as prototyping tools and 3D software. The program combines graphic design, user interface design, brand identity, and basic principles of product design. You work on real assignments for companies and learn to work project-based within deadlines. Typically, you create designs for websites, apps, logos, corporate identities, packaging, and marketing materials. What makes this AD unique compared to a full bachelor's degree is the focus on directly applicable skills and quick entry into the job market. You do practical internships at design agencies, advertising agencies, or internal marketing departments where you gain real-time experience. The program is ideal for creative MBO graduates who want to quickly start working in the design world, but also seek theoretical foundation for their creative process.

Required Education

For admission to AD Design, you need at least an MBO-4 diploma, preferably in a creative field such as Media Designer, Graphic Designer, or DTP specialist, but other MBO-4 programs are also accepted. With a HAVO diploma, you are directly eligible, with the Culture & Society (C&M) profile being most suitable due to subjects like visual arts and cultural artistic education that provide a good foundation for design principles. Economics & Society (E&M) can also be suitable due to its focus on marketing and communication. VWO students are of course also welcome. Many schools ask for a portfolio with your own creative work during intake, even though this is not a hard requirement. Sometimes there is an orientation interview to assess motivation and creativity. As alternative admission, you can be accepted with an MBO-3 diploma plus relevant work experience or through a 21+ test, where you must demonstrate affinity with design.

Core Subjects

Career Prospects

After completing AD Design, you can immediately start working as a junior graphic designer, web designer, UI/UX designer, or marketing employee at design agencies, advertising agencies, company communication departments, or as an independent freelancer. Your starting salary is usually between €2,200 and €2,800 gross per month, depending on your portfolio and the region where you work. With a few years of experience, you advance to medior positions with salaries between €2,800 and €3,500. You can specialize in digital design, branding, packaging design, or motion graphics. For further career development, you can continue to the third year of a full HBO bachelor's program in Communication & Multimedia Design or Industrial Product Design, which gives you access to senior design positions, art director roles, or starting your own design agency.

Impact of AI on this program

AI generates increasingly better visual content and designs, but the AD Design sector revolves around human expression, imagination, and authenticity. Artists who use AI as a tool strengthen their work. Originality and conceptual thinking become more important.

Where can you study this?

Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht

UtrechtHBO
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