Making ideas visible, designing products, developing brands - if you would like to study in the Faculty of Design at The Hochschule Niederrhein for the winter semester 2026/2027, you can still register for the artistic-design aptitude interview until 15 March 2026.
In the aptitude interview, applicants present a portfolio of their own design work and give an insight into their creative approach. At the beginning of April, all applicants will receive an invitation with further information about the process.
Participation in this interview is a prerequisite for the Communication Design and Product and Object Design degree programmes. During the interview, applications present a portfolio of their own work and are given the opportunity to present their creative signature in person. Invitations to the interview will be sent out to all applicants at the beginning of April.
"We are not looking for perfect portfolios, but curious people with their own ideas. During their studies, we support our students in developing their creative attitude and turning initial concepts into convincing projects," says Nicolas Beucker, Professor of Public and Social Design and Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Design.
Communication design: making ideas visible
The Communication Design degree programme is all about making content, messages and information visually tangible. Students work with typography, image design, illustration, motion design, photography and digital media. They develop visuals for brands, design magazines and books, conceptualise campaigns or design interactive applications.
The studies combine design foundation courses with practical orientation projects. In studios and PC pools, students work with the latest design software, realise their own concepts and learn how to present ideas professionally. The creative work is complemented by theoretical content such as design history, media theory and communication strategies.
From the third semester onwards, the focus is on project-oriented work in collaboration with external partners. An integrated internship semester provides additional insights into agencies, companies or cultural institutions.
Product and object design: from the idea to the prototype
In the Product and Object Design degree programme, students develop things that shape everyday life - from furniture and lighting to consumer products and experimental objects or concepts for public spaces.
In addition to design and creation, materials science, construction and sustainability play a central role. Students learn not only to sketch ideas, but also to realise them spatially and functionally. Well-equipped workshops are available for this - including wood and metal workshops, modelling workstations and digital production facilities.
The studies begin with artistic and technical foundation courses and gradually lead to complex design projects. Students work in a practical, experimental and often interdisciplinary manner. Designs are realised as models or prototypes and critically discussed. An internship semester is also an integral part of the seven-semester studies programme.
Area of specialisation Game Design
Since last winter semester, students on both degree programmes have been able to take the area of specialisation Game Design. The specialisation focuses on the design of serious games and indie games with social relevance and combines artistic and conceptual skills with modern technologies and a clear foundation of values. The aim is to develop game worlds that are thought-provoking, open up discussions and creatively address topics such as climate protection, social justice, inclusion and digital ethics.
Application and further information
The application for the aptitude interview is still possible until 15 March 2026. Prospective students can find further information on the application, process and requirements for the portfolio at: www.hs-niederrhein.de/design/studieninteressierte/bewerbung-ba/
