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Skoða vefinn á ÍslenskuVisual Communication BA
The role of a graphic designer is to communicate information; to arouse interest, increase understanding and influence through imagery, text and language. Continuous technological development is on media channels and the profession takes them into account.
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of instruction.
About the programme
Emphasis is placed on introducing students to diverse methods of the design process, promoting critical creative thinking, and preparing students to face contemporary challenges with design methods.
In the program, students deal with different manifestations of the profession, such as typography, illustration, information design, font design, web design, motion design and marking, which are used in the diverse context of the market and culture. Students work on a variety of publications, both for print and digital media, and learn to develop their own vision and voice as graphic designers. The designer as an analyst and doer is an important guiding principle in the program and the students' social responsibility is strengthened in every respect.
The profession takes into account the technological advances that take place in society, but there is a constant development in communication channels and the way information appears to us in everyday life.
Among the projects that the students do can be mentioned Ways and shapes where students find a visual channel for their BA thesis topics. The aim of the course is to develop students as researchers and support them to use diverse methods for communication. The course concludes with the publication of a book and website containing the students' research.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The three-year program has 180 credits and is divided into theory, technology and workshops. Teaching takes place in lectures, in workshops and in the student's workspace, where each student has their own facilities. The program is local, taught in Icelandic, and the student is responsible for their own academic progress. The student-centered program gives everyone room to approach the projects according to their own interests and strengths, while the teacher's role is to guide the design process and tools and support the student in his or her own search for knowledge. The focus is on the student's conversation with teachers and fellow students, where their own work and that of others are interpreted and put into context. Learning assessment is a written review and is based on passing/failing.
After graduation
After completing their studies, students should be able to work independently and creatively on different projects in the field of graphic design, either in advertising or design agencies, with companies or independently. The program also prepares students well for continuing studies at the MA level.
January 16, 2026 Herma Gallery, Hverfisgata
January 17, 2025 at Milli Gallery Ingólfsstræti
January 17, 2025 at Milli Gallery Ingólfsstræti
Application and admission process
To apply for a bachelor's degree in graphic design, an electronic application is filled out, the requested data is attached, and the application fee must be paid. When these steps have been completed and when it has been ascertained that the applicant has submitted all the necessary information and supporting documents, he will receive confirmation by e-mail that the electronic application is valid and received.
If the number of applicants meeting the admission requirements for the study programme falls below the minimum threshold, the programme will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this decision as soon as possible, and any confirmation fees paid will be refunded.
Below are specific instructions for certain aspects of the application.
Open for applications
January 14th, 2026
Application deadline
April 13th, 2026
Applicants notified
May / June 2026
Price list
Special instructions for the design department
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1. Folder / Portfolio
RequiredPlease note that you must choose between a physical or electronic portfolio.If applying to more than one programme or department, a separate application and portfolio must be submitted for each.Folder submission deadline:Submission deadline for material or electronic folder is April 13th, 2026If it is a physical folder, it should be delivered or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:-
Iceland Academy of the Arts, Department of Design
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Stakkahlíð 1
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105 Reykjavik
If a folder is sent by mail, the postmark must be dated at the latest April 13, 2026. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope should be marked with Application design.We ask that you carefully read the instructions below regarding folder labeling:Folder markings:-
If your folder is physical, you need to include a sheet of paper clearly stating your full name and social security number.
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If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and ID number.
Portfolio contents:Applicants should collect samples of their work in a folder in physical or electronic form.The work should reflect the applicant’s personal vision and key interests, demonstrating their ability for original creation and presentation of ideasIt is not necessary that all the works are completed or fully developed; on the contrary, it is important that they also include any design process, sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All works shown should be the authorship of the applicant. If a work has been done in a group or collaboration, it is necessary to state this.The applicant must assess for themselves what fits within the portfolio, but it is important that it reflects their abilities, skills, and vision for the profession through creative work.Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other electronic documents, is defined as additional material and is not guaranteed to be viewed. -
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2. Cover letter
RequiredApplicants should explain their reason for applying to the programme. The cover letter must not exceed one page. .
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3. Admission process
An admissions committee is appointed for each programme and consists of the programme director and one to two subject-area experts.The admission process is as follows:-
Applications are evaluated by an admissions committee. Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment are placed in a sample group and invited for an interview.
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Applicants meet with the admissions committee for an interview where their interest in their prospective studies, their attitude, and their attitude towards the profession are explored. Applicants can request an electronic interview if they are unable to attend in person.
Special assignments:The admissions committee is authorized to request a special project from the applicant if it is deemed necessary.Results:All applicants will be sent an electronic response to their applications in May/June. The decisions of the admissions committees are final and there is no obligation to provide a further explanation for the refusal of admission.Applicants who are offered a place on the school campus are required to pay a registration fee to confirm their place on the school campus. See information about registration fee.Starting in the fall of 2026, tuition fees will be charged to applicants from countries outside the EEA, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Switzerland. More information about tuition fees. -
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4. Admission requirements
General admission requirements are a matriculation examination, a final exam from an upper secondary school at the third qualification level,equivalent to a degree from a foreign upper secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits fromrecognized university. Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certified copies ofof the curriculum vitae.Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school. See more details on "Exceptions for Admission"Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation withdepartment heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants. -
5. Exemptions
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school.Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply for an exemption if theycompleted, for example, numerous credits at the secondary school level, completed other final exams such as at the 4th grade.level of proficiency or have other preparation that can prepare the person for study atuniversity level in the relevant study programme. Applications for exemption from generaladmission requirements are assessed by professionals within the relevant department. The result of the assessment ofexemption applications is final. When assessing applications, interacting factors are taken into account, includingtaking into account grades in secondary school studies, education in the arts, further education,work experience and participation in community service. Each case is examined separately and may interactthese factors may have affected the outcome. Applicants are encouraged to explain all of thiswhich they believe can be used to support their application for exemption from general admission requirementsadvancement.Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation withdepartment heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants.