Visual Communication Design

EO1: To develop proficiency in design principles and practices, students will apply human-centered research to create brand identities, wayfinding systems, publications, packaging, interactive media, web/mobile interfaces, and data visualizations.
EO2: To foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, students will develop visual reasoning, organizational skills, and information theory to create visuals that effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
EO3: To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, students will integrate liberal arts, humanities and sciences to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to address evolving market challenges.
EO4: To enhance technical competence, students will master advanced computing and digital media tools to produce high-quality visual communications that meet professional standards.
EO5: To understand historical and theoretical contexts, students will gain a deep understanding of the historical development of visual communication and its role in society.
EO6: To prepare for professional practice, students will undertake internships, capstone projects, and portfolio development to become ready for careers in design across various sectors.

The Faculty of Communication at International Cyprus University began admitting students in 1997 with three departments: Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, and Radio and Television. Following a one-year English preparatory program, the Department of Visual Communication Design commenced its academic activities in the 2006–2007 academic year.
The curriculum is designed to align with the fast-evolving nature and requirements of the media and communication sector. It combines theoretical courses that deepen students' academic foundations with practical courses that develop professional skills in visual communication design in 2D and 3D animation. Students are encouraged to synthesize theory and practice, create original projects, and develop analytical thinking and research competencies.
To strengthen industry engagement and provide real-world experience, students are required to complete two separate summer internships, each lasting 20 working days, at institutions producing content in visual design, or at other platforms involved in audiovisual and design content production. These internships help students reinforce their learning through hands-on experience, preparing them for professional careers after graduation.
In addition to its full-time academic staff, the department benefits from part-time instructors from the media sector who bring practical insights into the classroom. The program also hosts guest speakers, including prominent media professionals and academics, who share their expertise with students.
Students who have interest in other media skills have the opportunity to work as assistants in the university's radio and television studios. CIU FM, the university radio station broadcasting 24/7 on FM 107.2, offers hands-on training in radio programming, broadcasting, and station management.
Student projects—produced as part of coursework or independently—are actively supported, and participation in national and international competitions is strongly encouraged.
The Visual Communication Design Program has been accredited for five years, starting from July 14, 2024, by the FIBAA, the international body authorized to conduct external evaluations and grant accreditation in communication education.
This accreditation affirms the program’s compliance with international educational standards and its commitment to continuous improvement. Students benefit from a modern, industry-relevant curriculum that enhances critical thinking, creative production, and ethical responsibility. For graduates, holding a degree from an accredited program enhances professional recognition and competitiveness in both local and international job markets.

In order to graduate from the undergraduate program, students must successfully complete all courses in the curriculum totaling 240 ECTS (129 national credits) with a minimum grade of D/S, complete two summer trainings with the required duration and quality, and achieve a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00.

TRNC citizens and TR citizen candidate students who have completed their entire high school education in TRNC. They are placed in undergraduate programs in line with their success in the CIU Student Placement and Scholarship Ranking Exam and the programs they prefer. Students who are successful in the exam can register from the TRNC Marketing Office. International Applicants can directly apply online to our undergraduate programs using the application portal.

The rapid growth of visual communication design, advertising, and social media industries, along with the increasing demand for local journalism, design and advertising, highlights the essential role of the Visual Communication Design Department. Our department contributes significantly to the future of media and communication in our country.Graduates who successfully complete their coursework and internships can work in various media organizations, including radio and television networks, film production companies, design studies and other platforms involved in audiovisual and design content creation. Students who graduate from the Department of Visual Communication Design can gain the opportunity to work in many areas of the communication sector, with the interdisciplinary intellectual and creative skills they have gained and their skills to master new communication technologies. In addition, students can orient themselves towards the academic field if they wish. With the existing cooperation with media organizations, agencies and printing houses, the students of the department have the chance to gain experience in real business life during their education.

The assessment and evaluation methods applied for each course are defined in the "Course Teaching Plan" prepared by the relevant instructor(s) and included in the course information package. Provisions related to examinations and course achievement grades are implemented in accordance with the relevant articles of the CIU Regulations on the Principles of Examination and Evaluation of the Associate and Undergraduate Degree Programmes.https://sis.ciu.edu.tr/regulations-and-forms/regulations/211?ZhKoCbpKgH6FNZQJJA3CxT2giXRZNt2aJoWO

The Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) Taxonomy is a widely used framework for systematically categorizing the progressive complexity of students' understanding of a subject. It serves as a tool for educators to assess cognitive development, design effective learning activities, and structure assessments that align with increasing levels of comprehension and critical thinking.

TYYÇ1: Possess advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks containing up-to-date information in the field, practical tools, and other resources.

TYYÇ2: Ability to use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field.

TYYÇ3: Ability to interpret and evaluate data, identify and analyze problems, and develop solutions based on research and evidence, using advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field.

TYYÇ4: Ability to independently conduct advanced research related to the field.

TYYÇ5: Ability to take responsibility, both individually and as a team member, for solving complex and unforeseen problems encountered in field-related practices.

TYYÇ6: Ability to plan and manage activities for the development of those under one's responsibility within the framework of a project.

TYYÇ7: Ability to critically evaluate advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field.

TYYÇ8: Ability to identify learning needs and guide their learning.

TYYÇ9: Develop a positive attitude towards lifelong learning.

TYYÇ10: Be able to inform relevant individuals and institutions on matters related to the field; convey thoughts and proposed solutions to problems both verbally and in writing.

TYYÇ11: Be able to share thoughts and proposed solutions to problems on matters related to the field with both experts and non-experts, supported by quantitative and qualitative data.

TYYÇ12: Be able to organize and implement projects and activities for the social environment with a sense of social responsibility.

TYYÇ13: Be able to use a foreign language at least at the B1 General Level of the European Language Portfolio, to keep up with information and communication with colleagues.

TYYÇ14: Be able to use computer software and information and communication technologies at least at the Advanced Level of the European Computer Driving License required for the field.

TYYÇ15: Act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural, and ethical values in the collection, interpretation, application, and dissemination of data related to the field.

TYYÇ16: Having sufficient awareness on the universality of social rights, social justice, quality culture and protection of cultural values, environmental protection, occupational health and safety.

T1. Has knowledge of art culture and aesthetic topics.
T2. Has knowledge of art history specific to the relevant art field.
T3. Has knowledge of art and design materials.
T4. Has knowledge of art and design methods and techniques.
T5. Has knowledge of legal regulations and procedures in the relevant art field.
T6. Has knowledge of interdisciplinary interaction that the relevant art field is associated with.
T7. Has knowledge of research methods.
T8. Has knowledge of artistic criticism methods.
T9. Has knowledge of art and science ethics.

A1. Ensures the integration of theory and practice.
A2. Uses methods and techniques related to the relevant art field.
A3. Evaluates the interaction of sub-disciplines within the relevant art field.
A4. Has analytical interpretation skills.
A5. Develops the ability to perceive, think, design, and implement multi-dimensionally.
A6. Concretizes sensory perception.

R1. Takes responsibility for individual or group work related to the field and carry out the assigned task or execute it independently.
R2. Takes responsivity as an individual or team member in practices related to the field.
R3. Uses her/his creative and powerful features as an individual.

L1. Questions their own work.
L2. Thinks analytically and critically.
L3. Embraces the concept of lifelong learning.

C1. Shares work related to their field by defining the target audience.
C2. Has the communication skills to explain their work to society.
C3. Effectively and accurately conveys topics related to their field to specialists or non-specialists using visual, written, and verbal communication methods.
C4. Uses a foreign language to follow information in their field and communicate with colleagues (European Language Portfolio General Level: B1 Level).
C5. Uses information and communication technologies together with computer software at least at the European Computer Driving License Advanced Level as required by their field.

P1. Is aware of national and international values in art and design.
P2. Can transform abstract and concrete concepts into creative thinking, innovative and original works.
P3. Has the sensitivity to successfully carry out work in their field.
P4. Has aesthetic awareness.

Program-specific TYYÇ and Program Outcomes are given in the annex as tables.