Illustration (BA) SRH University

Drawing is your passion; you think in images. Our Berlin-based Illustration BA programme will teach you to visualise messages and draft blueprints while developing your personal style. Learn to apply your drawing skills in a professional context.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Visuals serve as the central communication medium in our BA Illustration programme. In this programme, you’ll learn to tell stories through drawing and to convey messages through imagery. You will also develop an understanding of the interplay between image and text, and you will learn methods and techniques of research, conception and visual implementation. Informed by storytelling principles, you’ll develop your own designs for a variety of illustration projects including graphic novels and children's books.

Manual printing techniques such as silkscreen, risography and etching make up the curriculum along with digital applications and software, typography, editorial design and editorial illustration. You will learn to transport your illustrations to three-dimensional spaces and make them interact with their environment. Thereby, you will help shape tomorrow’s design solutions today.

Our programme encourages you to work with professional clients on real assignments. You will find yourself visiting illustration and animation studios on a regular basis for a chance to experience what it's like to work in the creative industries.

First semester

• Design Basics I
• Design Basics II
• Design Basics III
• Design / Communication Sciences
• Media Lab
• Elective

Second semester

• Illustration Basics I
• Illustration Basics II
• Illustration Basics III
• Design / Media Sciences
• Character Design
• Elective

Third semester

• Animation I
• Animation II
• Visual Essay
• Artistic Research I
• Concept Art
• Elective

Fourth semester

• Narrative Illustration I
• Narrative Illustration II
• Narrative Illustration III
• SRH Lab
• Editorial Design I
• Elective

Fifth semester

• Internship in Germany or abroad
• Independent Illustration Project

Sixth semester

• Editorial Illustration I
• Editorial Illustration II
• Research Colloquium
• Artistic Research II
• Practical Project / Project-Oriented Work
• Elective

Seventh semester

• Portfolio I
• Portfolio II
• Entrepreneurship + Media Law
• Writing Workshop / Colloquium
• Bachelor's Thesis

Internship in the fifth semester

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• Portfolio with approx. 20 own creative works
• English language proficiency
• CV
• Copy of your identity card or passport

None

Students may purchase a discounted semester ticket or a discounted "Deutschlandticket" for public transport.

Working as a non-EU citizen: In possession of a valid German residence permit for study purposes, you are allowed to work for up to 120 full days (full day = eight hours per day) or 240 half days (half day = four hours) during the calendar year. However, freelance work is not permitted. Internships that are mandatory for the successful completion of your studies at SRH do not count towards the above-named 120 full days.

Employment that is considered “student part-time work” ("studentische Nebentätigkeit", e.g. employment as a student worker at a university or in a university-related organisation or "Werkstudent" activities at companies that are related to your studies) can be done without any time restrictions.

• SRH offers partial scholarships for talented international students.
• EU students can also benefit from our range of "study now – pay later" financing options.
• Please check our website for more information here.

Our Career Service supports students and alumni in planning their careers and sharpening their professional profile. Our service portfolio includes:

• Consultation services for students
• Career trainings and workshops
• Annual "Career Day" with job fair and workshops
• Support in finding a job or an internship for graduates and students

We do not own any student dormitories or hostels. However, we provide assistance in selecting accommodation prior to and after your arrival in Berlin.

We are the SRH University, part of the non-profit SRH Holding based in Heidelberg.

We offer state-accredited Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programmes in English and German. Our curricula are built around the CORE Principle, emphasising hands-on, project-based learning in five-week blocks. Our programmes focus on management and logistics, engineering and architecture, computer and data science, hospitality and therapy, design and creative industries, and music and film.

With 17 campuses across Germany, we host a diverse student body from over 140 countries, contributing to our vibrant international atmosphere.

Our approach includes practical work experiences and professional networking opportunities, preparing students for successful global careers.

Berlin, Germany's capital, is a hub for politics, media, science, and education. It's the country’s largest city, offering a vibrant cultural scene with rich nightlife and historical sites. Berlin's dynamic start-up scene is attractive to tech and creative industries. Despite rising costs, it remains affordable compared to other Western European capitals.

Cologne is known for its relaxed culture, famous cathedral, and rich Roman history. It offers a vibrant academic and cultural scene with excellent job opportunities in media and other industries. Cologne is well-connected, making it easy to explore nearby cities.

Dresden combines a vibrant cultural scene with affordable living costs. Known for historical sights like the Zwinger and Semperoper, it offers good job prospects in microelectronics and IT. Its scenic location and rich cultural events make it an attractive city for students and young professionals.

Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, is a major trade and logistics hub in north-western Europe. With a high standard of living and moderate costs, it offers career opportunities in IT, media, logistics, and renewable energy sectors. Famous for its harbour and nightlife, Hamburg is a city rich in water-related and cultural activities.

Heidelberg is known for its romantic ambiance and vibrant cultural and academic atmosphere. The city offers a picturesque landscape ideal for outdoor activities, with strong sectors in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academia.

Leipzig is an economic hub with a growing population, offering career opportunities in technology, digitalisation, and life sciences. It has a vibrant music and cultural scene and remains one of Germany's more affordable major cities.

Stuttgart is a centre for technology and innovation, home to companies like Mercedes Benz and Porsche. It offers excellent educational and career prospects in engineering and sustainable technologies, supported by a vibrant cultural scene.

Munich, Bavaria's capital, is a leading German hub for economy, science, and education with high living standards. Home to top universities and research, it excels in high-tech industries, offering great careers. Near the Alps and lakes, it provides rich leisure options. Though pricier, its appeal and opportunities make it a desirable place to study and work.