Self-test for Communication Design HF: Is this course right for me?
Test here whether a job as a communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) suits you and whether a HF course to become a "dipl. communication designer HF" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) look like?
Communication designers HF (formerly designers HF communication design, specializing in visual design*) are employed by consulting firms in the communication industry, recording and production studios or by larger companies in marketing, communication or advertising departments. They may also work freelance in a studio. They are usually a member of an interdisciplinary team of marketing specialists, photographers, programmers, etc., where they can also take on specialist and management tasks (e.g. project management).
Communication designers HF Visual Design use media "codes" (e.g. slogans for brands) to convey messages about products, brands or services and thus achieve the desired effect on the relevant target groups. To this end, they conceive, stage, design and realize various means of communication such as newspapers, books, posters, flyers or (online) advertisements. Visual designers HF have a significant influence on everyday culture.
Communication designers HF (formerly designers HF communication design, specializing in visual design) hold regular meetings with clients. This is where they find out exactly what the customer wants and what the brief is. As a first step, they develop ideas based on the brief, create visual drafts and a concept. At an early stage, they incorporate current developments (e.g. more sustainable printing technology) and visions for the future. They then present the design and concept to the customer. Customer feedback is incorporated into the subsequent development of a prototype. They present the prototype to the customer and incorporate their suggestions and further ideas into its further development, etc. During this process, visual designers HF advise the customer on the realization.
In their work, communication designers HF are in constant contact with various experts - including on cultural and social trends and technological progress.
*Note: The profession of "Communication Design HF" was previously called "Designer HF Communication Design" (abolished as of 2022) and before that "Visual Designer HF (abolished as of 2021). The professional field of activity is very diverse. Accordingly, various specializations or fields of activity have emerged. The following specializations currently exist:
- Animation and motion design
- Film and audiovisual media
- Photography
- Interaction Design / Interactive Media Design
- Design & Commercial Art
- Communication design in space (spatial design)
- Illustration and comic
- Visual design
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a qualified communication designer HF, visual design?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the HF degree course in Communication Design HF, Visual Design suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
Studying at a university of applied sciences (HF) in communication design (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) is suitable for
- People who want to further develop their strategic, conceptual and visual skills and abilities.
- People who want to create a solid foundation for their design career.
Communication designers HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding (software skills: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Virtual Reality etc.)
- Media affinity
- Creative and design skills
- Willingness to experiment
- Flair for art, creation and design
- Independent and reliable way of working
- conceptual skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Customer and service orientation
- Confident and professional demeanor
- Organizational skills
- quick comprehension, thirst for knowledge
- Communication skills and foreign language skills
- Team and conflict management skills
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the target groups mentioned, you cannot aim for the federal HF diploma directly. There are various ways to enter the art, design and creation sector. Take a look atthis pagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of a Communication Designer HF, Visual Design. Keep an eye out for other further training courses. You can find numerous courses and suitable providers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the HF degree course in Communication Design with a specialization in Visual Design
Admission requirements for the HF course in communication design (formerly HF communication design, specializing in visual design) are determined by the universities of applied sciences.* The admission requirements are set out in the study regulations of the respective HF. As a rule, the following admission requirements apply:
- Secondary level II qualification (EFZ**, vocational baccalaureate, baccalaureate from a grammar school, degree from a technical or commercial secondary school) or tertiary qualification (BP, HFP, Bachelor FH/UH, Master FH/UH, CAS, DAS, MAS) advantageously in a creative professional field
Or
- Exceptional and proven creative talent (admission "sur dossier")
And
- Basic knowledge and basic skills in visual design***
And
- Several years of practical experience in visual design or a related field.
And
- Admission procedure (may vary from school to school): Letter of motivation, submission of a portfolio/personal work portfolio/sketchbook, homework assignment and personal aptitude interview
Possible further conditions:
- Some schools have a limited number of places per year.
- A relevant practical activity in communication design of at least 50% during the course of study is often required.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The universities of applied sciences must adhere to existing framework curricula when designing the details of their courses. The HF courses are then federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
** Basic vocational training in a creative field is desirable, such as graphic designer EFZ, polydesigner 3D EFZ, photographer EFZ, mediamatician EFZ, designer advertising technology EFZ, etc.
*** Many schools offer preparatory courses for participants with no previous design training or with some missing qualifications, which are mandatory in such cases. An appointment for the admission procedure will only be made once these compulsory courses have been completed.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, then take a look at theFramework curriculum"Communication Design HF".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for communication designers HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specialization in visual design), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the insurance sector, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you lack the necessary previous or basic design knowledge and the HF of your choice does not offer any corresponding preliminary courses, then look for a suitable course. Underthis linkyou can quickly and easily find a selection of creative preliminary courses and suitable providers.
If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, then take a look at theFramework curriculum"Communication Design HF".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for communication designers HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specialization in visual design), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the insurance sector, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you lack the necessary previous or basic design knowledge and the HF of your choice does not offer any corresponding preliminary courses, then look for a suitable course. Underthis linkyou can quickly and easily find a selection of creative preliminary courses and suitable providers.
Subject matter and content of the training
The universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their courses for prospective communication designers HF (formerly designers HF communication design, specializing in visual design). The course content covered can therefore vary from HF to HF.
In principle, however, all HF are based on the "Communication Design HF" framework curriculum dated 24.10.2022. The Swiss Graphic Designers Association (SGV), Swiss Graphic Designers (SGD), Viscom, Swiss Professional Photographers and Film Designers (SBF) and the Directors' Conference of Swiss Design Schools (SDS) are behind this. They are the sponsors of the framework curriculum and are responsible for the creation of the framework curriculum and its periodic review in terms of up-to-dateness and quality.
The following topics are frequently covered in the HF program:
- Editorial, corporate and interaction design
- Branding
- History of art, culture and design
- Presentation technology
- Production technology
- Marketing (social media, content, SEO)
- Conceptual work
- Drawing
- Photography and visual worlds, moving images
- Typography
- Layout
- Idea and analysis
- Creative communication and dialog
- Leadership skills
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught. Suitable alternatives could be, for exampleherefind.
Obviously, the typical course content on the path to becoming a communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) is not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the school, training location and training model. In general, the following costs can be expected for the 4-6 semester HF course:
- Enrollment fees/fees for the admission procedurebetween CHF 50 and CHF 200.
- Course feesbetween CHF 8,900 and CHF 17,400 for students residing in the canton where they are studying*.
- Examination fees and fees for the diploma thesisThe costs for the examinations or diploma thesis are not always included in the course fees. You may have to expect examination fees of around CHF 400 and fees for the diploma thesis of around CHF 250 to CHF 2,000.
- Additional costsSome providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents, material costs, excursions, seminar weeks or exam repetitions. Find out about the additional costs directly from the provider of your choice.
Note: Most schools allow you to use the infrastructure outside of lesson times. Please clarify this directly with the school of your choice.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. The following requirements apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton (students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees)
- The course is on the list of eligible courses, which can be viewed on the website of the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 8,900-17,400 for course fees?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Duration of study, number of lessons, training model and learning effort
- Duration of studyThe HF course in Communication Design HF (formerly known as Gestalter/in HF Kommunikationsdesign, Vertiefung Visuelle Gestaltung) has a modular structure and generally lasts 6 semesters (depending on the provider and training model, the full-time course can also be completed in just 4 semesters).
- Number of lessonsThe course comprises 3600 learning hours for students with a relevant EFZ. For students without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours increases to 5400. Learning hours include, for example, attendance times, time for independent learning, individual work, group work, events, learning assessments and qualification procedures, as well as time to put what has been learned into practice and supervised work placements. How these learning hours are ultimately divided up in terms of time is decided by the respective school.
- Training modelsThe program is offered as a part-time or full-time course including internships.
- Teaching format: Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning).
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons as well as for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than 6 semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
Degree, diploma and title
The degree course in communication design HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) concludes with a diploma examination, which is usually made up of the results of the previous semester examinations and a diploma thesis/project work. For some HFs, the diploma thesis must be presented to a group of experts and then defended in a discussion.
Responsibility for conducting the examination lies with the schools, which is why the final examination procedure can vary from school to school. For example, at some schools the diploma thesis is written after the subject lessons in the last semester, at others during the subject lessons.
In the practice-oriented diploma thesis, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge, skills and networked thinking. They write the thesis in individual or group work.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Certified Communication Designer HF".
In French: "Designer diplômée ES en communication visuelle / Designer diplômé ES en communication visuelle"
In Italian: "Designer dipl. SSS in design visivo / Designer dipl. SSS in design visivo"
In English (recommendation, but not a protected title): "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Visual Design"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the diploma exam?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
No, the course leading to a federal HF diploma in communication design (formerly HF communication design, specializing in visual design) is not right for you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Further training as a communication designer HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you will learn a lot more about further education and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Communication design HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design)"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Communication design HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design)"
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Communication design HF (formerly designer HF communication design, specializing in visual design)"