Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
About This Programme
A studio degree in visual communication, typography, branding, editorial, packaging and digital design, building a professional portfolio. Prepares graduates for careers in graphic design, branding, UX and creative direction.
Course Highlights
- Six-studio design sequence (GRD 201–406)
- Two-course typography spine plus a dedicated Arabic Type Design course
- Covers illustration, photography, and environment/experience/interaction design
- Required internship in graphic design
What You'll Study
A studio-based program: six design studios build typographic, illustration and interaction skills, including a distinctive Arabic type-design course, with a required internship (GRD 397).
First Year - Design Foundations (30 credits)
- DES 111 Descriptive Drawing I3 credits
- DES 121 Introduction to Architecture, Art and Design History3 credits
- DES 131 Design Foundations I3 credits
- MTH 100 Fundamentals of Logic and Geometry (or higher GER-MTH)3 credits
- WRI 101 Academic Writing I3 credits
- DES 112 Descriptive Drawing II3 credits
- DES 122 Modern Developments in Architecture, Art and Design3 credits
- DES 132 Design Foundations II3 credits
- WRI 102 Academic Writing II3 credits
- GER-Core History and Culture of the Arab World3 credits
Second Year (30 credits)
- GRD 201 Design Studio I3 credits
- GRD 213 Illustration Drawing3 credits
- GRD 231 Typography I: Normative Typographic Principles3 credits
- DES 231 History of Design3 credits
- ENG 203 / ENG 204 Writing about Literature or Advanced Academic Writing3 credits
- GRD 202 Design Studio II3 credits
- GRD 221 Photography Basics3 credits
- GRD 331 Typography II: Complex Typographic Systems3 credits
- DES 232 Research Methodologies for Design3 credits
- GER-STA Statistics3 credits
Third Year (36 credits)
- GRD 301 Design Studio III3 credits
- GRD 328 Arabic Type Design3 credits
- GRD 361 The Design Profession3 credits
- DES 360 Critical Discourse in Design3 credits
- GRD 302 Design Studio IV3 credits
- GRD 342 Environment, Experience and Interaction Design3 credits
- IEN 301 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mindset3 credits
- GER-Core Culture in a Critical Perspective; GER-COM Communication6 credits
- Major Electives9 credits
- GRD 397 Internship in Graphic Design (summer)0 credits
Fourth Year (30 credits)
- GRD 401 Design Studio V6 credits
- GRD 406 Design Studio VI6 credits
- GER-Core Human Interaction and Behavior; Arts and Literature6 credits
- GER-Core General Education requirement3 credits
- GER-SCI Natural Sciences6 credits
- Free Electives3 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants below the English threshold may enter via the Achievement Academy Bridge Program.
Careers
Graduates work as graphic, brand, editorial and UI/interaction designers, illustrators and art directors, including bilingual Arabic/Latin type work.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
UAE CAA-licensed program (CAAD, Department of Art and Design)
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall; also Spring & Summer intakes)
Typical Offer
85%+ secondary-school average (best years), IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80; math completed in the final 3 years at grade B or equivalent
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Art & Design
Campus
Sharjah
Course Type
Graphic design degree
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 110,876/yr
Apply online at apply.aus.edu. A non-refundable application fee of AED 400 + 5% VAT applies, and a AED 5,000 seat-reservation deposit confirms your place. AUS offers extensive merit, need-based and athletic scholarships.