Faculty of Art and Design
Communication and Design
Applications open
Tuition and study format
Academic year: 2026/27
Intakes and application dates
- 2026/2027 Ön BaşvuruApplications openJanuary 1, 2026 — August 31, 2027
Programme information package
The programme's definition and learning outcomes, as the university publishes them in its official information package.
Programme definition
History
The Department of Communication and Design was established in 2012. In 2020, it underwent a curriculum change and adopted the name Department of Communication and Design. The 2024-25 Curriculum is actively used.
Qualification Awarded
Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Bachelor's Degree in their field of study.
Level of Qualification (Short Cycle , First Cycle , Second Cycle, Third Cycle)
The undergraduate program consists of 240 ECTS credits and the necessary ECTS credits and level descriptors are determined according to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) at Level 6 (Bachelor) and the Turkish Qualifications Framework at level 6 qualifications for the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA). In addition, the level descriptors meet the qualifications at level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLF). Bachelor's Degree (EQF-LLL Level 6).
Specific Admission Requirements
For Turkish citizens: Students are admitted to the program through centralized placement based on their SÖZ (equivalent to verbal) exam scores. Students placed in the program by OSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center) are required to complete their financial obligations and finalize their registration by the announced registration dates. Foreign nationals: Foreign students are admitted in accordance with the criteria determined by the University Senate. Please refer to the relevant webpage for further information. Horizontal Transfer: A student who has started studying in an equivalent program domestically or internationally may apply for horizontal transfer. The acceptance of the student is examined and evaluated individually before the start of the semester, taking into account the conditions of each student and the degree they are applying for. Please refer to the relevant legislation. Nişantaşı University Associate and Bachelor's Degree Horizontal Transfer Directive. Regulation on Transition Between Associate and Bachelor's Degree Programs, Double Major, Minor, and Inter-Institutional Credit Transfer in Higher Education Institutions The student who wishes to enroll in the department must complete the processes determined by the university's academic and legal regulations and must have successfully completed the exams determined by ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center). A student who has started studying in an equivalent program domestically or internationally may apply for horizontal transfer. The acceptance of students is individually examined and evaluated before the start of the semester, taking into account the conditions of each student and the degree they are applying for. Within the framework of university-approved student exchange programs with defined boundaries through agreements, students from abroad can take courses offered by the department.
Specific Arrangements For Recognition Of Prior Learning (Formal, Non-Formal and Informal)
Students' previous education and achievements can be recognized in accordance with the "Regulation on Recognition of Prior Learning, Course Equivalency, and Adaptation Principles" of Istanbul Nişantaşı University, and exemptions from the necessary courses can be provided accordingly. Please use the following link to access the regulation:
Qualification Requirements and Regulations
Students in this program are required to successfully complete all courses in the existing curriculum, totaling 240 ECTS credits, achieve a minimum weighted grade point average of 2.00 out of 4.00, and fulfill mandatory internship requirements (On-the-Job Professional Practices).
Profile of The Programme
Vision: As a newly established department, our vision is to cultivate fully equipped students by enhancing application skills on communication-based knowledge. We aim to make our department a nationally preferred choice and to foster qualified students on an international level through international cooperation/exchange programs. Mission: Our mission is to enhance the ability to apply theoretical knowledge while learning by combining theory and practice. We aim to ensure the use of theoretical knowledge in practical applications and to cultivate students with both traditional and innovative design competencies. Goal/Objective: Our goal in our department, where theory and practice are integrated, is to educate students who have a strong theoretical background, developed design skills, closely follow technological advancements, and are proficient in relevant programs. General Information: Communication and Design is an interdisciplinary field that primarily seeks to address communication issues using visual language. Within the scope of the curriculum, the ability to produce and process graphic, photographic, typographic, illustrative, 2 and 3 dimensional, animated and interactive images is developed with a creative and original approach. The department curriculum is updated at regular intervals by following digital and technological innovations.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates With Examples
Our department graduates can demonstrate their communication skills and work as designers in communication, media and advertising units, agencies and media organizations in the public and private sectors.Due to the professional profile, it has the opportunity to work nationally/internationally freelance. Graduates can also work as academicians in relevant departments of universities if they continue their postgraduate education.
Access to Further Studies
Graduates who successfully complete the undergraduate program in this department can pursue master's and/or doctoral studies in the same department or apply to postgraduate programs in other fields. Candidates who have completed their undergraduate education can enroll in postgraduate programs provided they obtain a valid score in the ALES exam, have sufficient proficiency in English language, and pass the science exam.
Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
At the beginning of the semester, students who register for the relevant course must have attended at least 70% of the theoretical classes and at least 80% of the practical classes to be eligible to sit for the final exam at the end of the semester. Students are subjected to mid-term and end-of-semester exams for each course. The contribution to the final grade is 40% for the mid-term exam (which may include scores obtained from assessment tools such as assignments, laboratory exams, quizzes, etc.), and 60% for the end-of-semester exam. You can click on the name of each course listed in the curriculum below to access the assessment and evaluation criteria for each course. You can also review the relevant regulations and guidelines. Nişantaşı University Associate and Bachelor's Degree Education, Teaching, and Examination Regulation. Examination and Success Evaluation System Directive. Nişantaşı University Foreign Languages Department Education, Teaching, and Examination Regulation. Nişantaşı University Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center (Nişantaşı TÖMER) Education, Teaching, and Examination Regulation.
Graduation Requirements
For students to be eligible for graduation, they must have successfully completed all courses listed in the curriculum (totaling at least 240 ECTS credits) and achieved a minimum overall weighted grade point average of 2.00 out of 4.00 at the graduation stage.
Mode of Study (Full-Time, Part-Time, E-Learning )
Tam Zamanlı
Address, Programme Director or Equivalent
Head of Departmant: Dr.Öğr.Üyesi. Begümhan GÖKTÜRK e-mail:begumhan.gokturk@nisantasi.edu.tr Contact:+90(212)2101010 Adress:Neotech Kampüs, Maslak Mah., Taşyoncası Sok. No: 1V ve No: 1Y, 34398 Sarıyer/İstanbul
Facilities
Communication and Design is a four-year undergraduate program that provides education on theory, practice, and design principles. Alongside communication theory education, the program includes courses focusing on both traditional and computer-aided production. The curriculum of the department, structured around creating impactful communication, encompasses fundamental courses that form the backbone of communication and communication design, such as design, visual communication, typography, illustration, animation, photography, computer-aided design, image and sound editing, introduction to communication sciences, and mass communication theories. These courses are supplemented with elective courses tailored to the needs of art and design. The Communication Design department is equipped with facilities such as PC and MAC laboratories for computer-aided courses, studios for editing and photography courses, and design workshops where students can creatively transform their ideas into reality through practical applications. The department's courses are conducted by an expert faculty who shape the industry, in physically well-equipped spaces such as studios, design workshops, MAC and PC laboratories.
Programme outcomes
- Defines concepts based on advanced theoretical and/or practical knowledge in the field of communication and design, and recognizes the basic principles and elements of design.
- Recognizes the multimedia environments that have developed with modern technology in communication design, and knows the purpose, methods and techniques of using these environments.
- Knows the interaction of the field of communication and design with its related sub-disciplines and understands interdisciplinary issues.
- Has knowledge of national and international standards, procedures, rules and legal documents on communication, design and professional ethics.
- Has the ability to use the tools, methods and techniques required for communication design applications and programs based on advanced computer skills.
- Has the ability to visualize abstract and concrete concepts with a creative, innovative and original attitude.
- It has the ability to produce and process graphic, photographic, typographic, illustrative, 2 and 3 dimensional, animated and interactive images with a creative and original approach in accordance with its purpose.
- It organizes and implements projects and activities for its environment with a sense of social responsibility and sustainability.
- Develops communication and design projects by integrating theory and practice. Gains experience in applying research, planning, problem solving, project and crisis management, presentation and evaluation processes during the project development process.
- Has the ability to visualize her/his ideas in a memorable way by using aesthetic and artistic elements in her/his designs.
- Enriches her/his message and makes it eye-catching with the multiple meanings and ways of seeing she/he develops by utilizing the power of semiotics in her/his designs
- He/she possesses the ability to critically evaluate communication design projects and products based on his/her advanced knowledge and skills.
- He/she has the ability to prepare an effective portfolio consisting of various design projects he/she has developed and to successfully present his/her work in this portfolio.
- Closely follows technological innovations that are developing and diversifying day by day, such as digital technologies such as augmented/extended/virtual reality and artificial intelligence-based/supported design tools, and knows how to use these new technologies within communication design applications.
- When utilizing artificial intelligence technology in communication design projects, they recognize potential aesthetic and ethical issues and complete their designs in the best possible way based on their theoretical and practical knowledge of the field.
Programme outcomes and the Turkish Qualifications Framework
Each line is an item of the Turkish Qualifications Framework; the numbers beside it are the programme outcomes that meet it.
KNOWLEDGE
- 1
Possess advanced level theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks with updated information, practice equipments and other resources
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 8 · 12 · 13 · 15
SKILLS
- 1
Use of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge within the field
Programme outcomes5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 12 · 13 · 15 - 2
Interpret and evaluate data, define and analyze problems, develop solutions based on research and proofs by using acquired advanced knowledge and skills within the field
Programme outcomes5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15
COMPETENCES ( Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility )
- 1
Conduct studies at an advanced level in the field independently
Programme outcomes8 · 9 · 11 · 13 - 2
Take responsibility both as a team member and individually in order to solve unexpected complex problems faced within the implementations in the field
Programme outcomes8 · 9 · 13 - 3
Planning and managing activities towards the development of subordinates in the framework of a project
Programme outcomes7 · 8 · 9 · 13
COMPETENCES ( Learning Competence )
- 1
Evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired at an advanced level in the field with a critical approach
Programme outcomes3 · 9 · 12 · 13 · 15 - 2
Determine learning needs and direct the learning
Programme outcomes9 · 12 · 13 · 15 - 3
Develop positive attitude towards lifelong learning
Programme outcomes12 · 13 · 14 · 15
COMPETENCES ( Communication and Social Competence )
- 1
Inform people and institutions, transfer ideas and solution proposals to problems in written and orally on issues in the field
Programme outcomes1 · 3 · 12 · 13 - 2
Share the ideas and solution proposals to problems on issues in the field with professionals and non-professionals by the support of qualitative and quantitative data
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 6 · 10 · 11 · 13 - 3
Organize and implement project and activities for social environment with a sense of social responsibility
Programme outcomes7 · 8 · 9 · 13 - 4
Monitor the developments in the field and communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B1 General Level
Programme outcomes1 · 3 · 4 · 13 · 14 - 5
Use informatics and communication technologies with at least a minimum level of European Computer Driving License Advanced Level software knowledge
Programme outcomes2 · 5 · 7 · 10 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15
COMPETENCES ( Field Specific Competence )
- 1
Act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethic values on the stages of gathering, implementation and release of the results of data related to the field
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 - 2
Possess sufficient consciousness about the issues of universality of social rights, social justice, quality, cultural values and also, environmental protection, worker's health and security
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15