Employment Opportunities

Graphic design graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities due to their skills in visual communication, technical proficiency, and creative problem-solving. Common roles include graphic designer, brand designer, marketing designer, creative director, art director, web designer, freelancer, design consultant, entrepreneur, publishing and media editorial designer, book designer, and design educator. These roles showcase the diverse applications of graphic design skills across various industries, providing graduates with numerous pathways to pursue a fulfilling career. The diverse applications of graphic design skills across various sectors make them a valuable asset to any business.. Graduates of Graphic Design also have the chance to continue their career in academic institutions, by attaining Master and PhD degree.

Educational Objectives

The following program educational objectives outline the career and professional accomplishments that our graduates are expected to achieve after graduation:

1. Professional Competence : Graduates will establish themselves as competent professionals in the graphic design industry, demonstrating mastery of design principles, techniques, and industry-standard tools.
2. Creative Innovation : Graduates will be recognized for their ability to generate innovative and effective visual solutions to complex communication challenges, demonstrating their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Leadership and Collaboration : Graduates will take on leadership roles within their organizations or as entrepreneurs, effectively managing projects and teams, and collaborating with clients and colleagues to achieve common goals.
4. Ethical Practice : Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to ethical design practices, considering the social, cultural, and environmental impact of their work, and promoting inclusion and accessibility in design.
5. Continuous Learning : Graduates will engage in lifelong learning, staying current with evolving design trends, technologies, and methodologies, and pursuing advanced education or professional development opportunities to enhance their skills.
6. Effective Communication : Graduates will effectively communicate design concepts and strategies to diverse audiences, including clients, stakeholders, and team members, through both visual and verbal means.
7. Professional Advancement : Graduates will achieve career growth and advancement, securing positions of increasing responsibility and influence within their organizations or as independent designers, consultants, or business owners.
8. Global and Cultural Awareness : Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of global design trends and cultural diversity, applying this knowledge to create designs that resonate with a wide range of audiences and contexts.
9. Technical Proficiency : Graduates will maintain proficiency in the latest design technologies and software, leveraging these tools to create high-quality digital and print media.
10. Portfolio Development : Graduates will build and maintain a professional portfolio that showcases a broad range of their work, highlighting their versatility, creativity, and technical skills to potential employers and clients.

These educational objectives ensure that graduates of the graphic design program are well-prepared to achieve significant professional accomplishments and contribute positively to the field of graphic design.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcome - Course Relationship Matrix

Degree Awarded

This is a first cycle degree program in Graphic Design (240 ECTS). On successful completion of the Graphic Design program and gaining competencies, a student will be awarded the Bachelor of Graphic Design (BA).

Graduation Requirements

An undergraduate student is entitled to graduate if they satisfactorily complete all required courses attains a sum of credit-hours (135 Crd – 240 ECTS) amounting to at least the minimum required for graduation, has a CGPA of 2.00 or above and is financially of good standing. Graduation is conferred by the University Senate upon the recommendation of the Faculties. The Diplomas are prepared by the Registrar`s Office, and indicate the name of the Program, the date of graduation, and the degree obtained.

Course Description

Compulsory Courses

First Year – Fall Semester

ARC101  Basic Design Studio

This studio provides both a conceptual and practical introduction to design and introduces students to basic design principles, design theory and concept development. Through assignments students develop an understanding and appreciation of the design elements such as point, line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color, and design principles such as balance, proportion, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition,   rhythm, variety, harmony and unity.

GRA121  Lettering & Typography I

Typographic design systems, the aesthetic functional and conceptual use of lettering for printing, typographic uses of various visual media and technical methods.

PA131 Photography

This is a non-technical course where students are encouraged to explore how the photographic image is constructed and circulated within the broader social, cultural and political context.  Numerous contemporary photographers and their works are critically analyzed and evaluated in order to ascertain their works' impact in society. Students are then asked to choose an area of interest and produce their own photographic (digital and print format) images.

ARC141  History of Art and Culture

This course provides students a broad understanding of the ancient, medieval, and post-renaissance world through an analysis of art and culture. This course places an emphasis on the great complexity and interconnectivity of socio-political and cultural facts and employs an anthropological view to the history of art.

PA111 Drawing I

Drawing is an important tool for artists and designers in any field. Not only a tool for visual representation, it is also a valuable tool for developing clarity of thought in relation to the subject/object in question.  This course develops perceptual skills and introduces the basic principles of composition, form, line, perspective and volume.

TURK001/TFL101  Turkish I

Identification of the position of the Turkish language among World Languages; Turkish-speaking Lands of the World; An account of the historical development of Turkish; The teaching of writing, sentence structure and the grammar of the language. Special emphasis on explaining and teaching of writing styles. Classroom tasks of in-depth analysis of specimen books by Turkish writers.

First Year – Spring Semester

GRA102  Introduction to Graphic Design Studio 

Students study design fundamentals including elements, principles and visual response. Classes will consist of theory presented in the form of lectures and applied practice. Course content will be related to the units of instruction including design fundamentals, creative problem solving, and craftsmanship. Students will develop solutions to their assignments through the process of conceptual sketches and thoughtful execution as it applies to 2 dimensional design.

GRA122  Lettering & Typography II

The artistic and technical problems of typographic design, typographic layout techniques, letterform design, portfolio studies on logos and signs. (Prerequisite: GRA 121).  

PA112 Drawing II

Explore ways to articulate and build visual space through the various conceptual uses of drawing. Techniques range from drawing the still life to abstraction.(Prerequisite: GRA 111).  

PA132 Color Theory & Practice

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of color from the perspective of visual composition, and helps students to recognize how color choices can enhance or undermine an intended message. The class will explore the basic principles of color theory as well as its history and theorists.  Students will learn to apply this information to the practice of art and composition through projects and brief research papers.

TURK002/TFL102 Turkish II

Introduction and exposition of the Turkish Sentence structures and descriptive styles for the purpose of enhancing speaking skills. By means of written and oral discourse, the realization of student-centered tasks for the development of précis, examination and critical skills of the student.

Second Year – Fall Semester 

GRA201         Graphic Design Studio I

This course introduces students to the field of "Graphic Design" through exercises on poster design, logo, logotype, brochure, bulletin, book cover and web design. The course aims to provide the basic information about these design processes and improve the ability to communicate ideas through a simple and effective visual language. (Prerequisite: PA102).

GRA221 Computer Applications for Graphic Design

Students obtain experience using software to design illustrations and page layouts with the support of their understanding on design principles and strategies. Five programs are focused on: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Experiences on using this software are required. Additionally, Flash and Dreamweaver will also be taught. Emphasis of this class is placed on producing sophisticated and professional design work as well as broadening students' experience on applying software. A cooperative learning environment is encouraged.

GRA267 Basic Illustration

Ways of interpreting a subject through pictures. Black and white and color illustrations. Interpretation of graphic subjects through pictures.

GRA223 Vector Design 

In this course, students will be introduced to and develop vector (linebased) graphics using industry-standard application(s). Topics covered will include examining the theory behind vector graphics, investigating the advertising and print industry's use of this type of graphic, creation of graphics from simple to increasingly complex, as well as development of a portfolio of vector art.

PA231 Fundamentals of Painting

The focus of this course is on exploring mediums in the discipline of painting, such as pastel, watercolor, acrylics, oils. Equally important is developing a personal visual vocabulary whilst enhancing creative innovation and artistic expression. Topics include subject matter, composition, color, and the use of various materials.

NH001 National History I

Starting with the second half of the 19th century and coming to date; not a chronological presentation but rather dwelling into social political and economic reasons of events. To show how history functions as a social memory. Special emphasis is put upon national histories of both Turkey and T.R.N.C., presenting ideas and principles of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Second Year – Spring Semester  

GRA202 Graphic Design Studio II

This studio course enables students to develop their observation, imagination, creativity, visual sensitivity, and working knowledge of design elements by solving a series of visual communication problems with a variety of media and materials. Students extensively use computer as a tool to create, modify and present visual messages effectively. (Prerequisite: GRA201).

GRA268Commercial Illustration

In the class, the students will learn to use their fineart and design skills in dijital environment and then creating ready to use illustrations to be used in print and broadcast media.

GRA242 History of Graphic Design

The evolution of graphic communications from prehistoric times until the invention of movable typography. The origins of printing and typography in Europe. The impact of industrial technology upon visual communications. The growth and development of modern graphic design. History of Turkish graphic art.

GRA222 3D Modeling Design 

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of 3D digital modeling. Students are given instruction in 3D modeling techniques including: production of geometric and organic surfaces and forms using NURBS, polygon construction and sub-divisional surfaces. The primary 3D modeling and rendering software used in this course will be Maya which is a commercial standard for 3D modeling

NH002 National History II

A continuation of NH001

Third Year – Fall  Semester   

GRA301 Graphic Design Studio III

This course covers products that constitute the visual identity design of a brand or corporation, as defining parts of a whole. Through assignments and theoretical lectures, the course aims at advancing the understanding of marketing communications of a corporation/brand that is advertised via means of mass communication. Students are encouraged to develop their own styles and further their visual thinking ability. (Prerequisite: GRA202).

PA311 Experimental Media

This is a course designed to expand the perceptual horizons in art-making. It involves experimenting with different materials and processes that may best suit the artist's concept and the underpinning motive-s to be offered for publication/exposition. All the conceptual and practical skills learned to that point may be drawn upon as appropriate.

Third Year – Spring Semester  

GRA302 Graphic Design Studio IV

The course is a study of design, advertising and the promotion of a product line with an emphasis on product and consumer relations. With theoretical approaches and practical assignments, the course is a study of the structures of marketing communications of a corporation/brand that is advertised via means of mass communication. (Prerequisite: GRA301).

PA 312 Visual Codes  

This is a theorical course where students will be introduced to the field of semiotics in relation toanalyzing visual signs and symbols. It will involve students in getting to know terms an terminologies used in visual communications. This will help to grasp the importance of clarity in the use of visual signs and sybols for effective communication.

Fourth Year – Fall Semester 

GRA 401 Graphic Design Studio V

The course focuses on advertising and promotion of a product line with an emphasis on product and consumer relations. The aim of the course is to teach technical and theoretical information through assignments and to study the marketing communications of a corporation/brand that is advertised via mass communication. (Prerequisite: GRA 302).

PA441 Analysis of Art & Design

This course offers a historiography of the discipline of art history and an introduction to the methods of research used to analyze, interpret, and understand art and visual culture. Sessions are allocated to the critical analysis of formalist, iconographic, feminist, Marxist, and semiotic approaches, among others. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to current art historical theory and practice.

GRA 403 - Graduation Research and Preparation 

Students in Graphic design are required to complete a major graduating project, this course will prepare them to find their area of interest and develop their theoretical premise, the problem / issue, the program and the parameters of their project. Students must complete a draft of the Graduate project proposal by the end of these semester. The proposal should state and define the area of their inquiry, the project’s rationale, objectives, and methods to be followed during the project. In this course, they will learn how to write academically without plagiarism while they will get to know different styles of writings and research. This course will be the base of their graduation project and the graphic design solution. (Prerequisite: GRA302).

Fourth Year – Spring Semester       

GRA 402 Graphic Design Studio VI

The course aims at advancing the subjective relationship that the student has developed with design processes. The project topic should be approved both by the student and Graphic Design Department Thesis Jury. The project consists of solutions to the design problem at hand, a written report and a presentation to the jury. (Prerequisite: GRA401)            

GRA 412 Portfolio &Presentation 

This course focuses on preparing students for entry into professional practice.  Tasks include preparation of a final portfolio, presentation of the portfolio, constructing a resume, ways and means of self-promotion, the interview process and guidelines for freelance employment. Must be taken in the final semester before graduation (Prerequisite: GRA401)        

Elective Courses

GRA 322 Publications and layout. 

This course is designed to introduce students to basic layout design strategies and their impact on graphic communication.   It is aiming to explain the purpose of effective layout and its publishing process, such as newspapers, magazines, books, and their online equivalents.  It includes sections on image making and typography, and what designers may consider important such as size and color to make their publications appealing, eye-catching, and easy to read. Basic proportioning techniques such as resizing and cropping, as well as publishing processes such as planning, printing, and binding, are also covered in this course.

GRA442 Critical Practice

This course is carried out in conjunction with an advanced studio course where the student makes their works of art and design.   In GRA442 the student prepares and writes the Honours level exegesis relating to their concurrent art & design making. The main objective of this course therefore is to guide and support the student in the process of researching, writing and submitting their exegesis.

GRA 351 Urban Art

Conflict areas in the global relations such as Kashmir, Palestine, Cyprus, Middle East, Afghanistan, among others, and dispute settlement processes are dealt with. The course presents many methods of conflict management and dispute settlement and differentiates the terms “management”, settlement”, “resolution” as for different methods used by different theories in the area.

GRA455 Video Art

This course is designed to introduce students to some practical knowledge and skills about   Video Art form  and this medium's application in various contexts. Throughout the semester students will be learning technical, historical and theoretical aspects of video art practice where by at the end, they will be able to apply this form of art to their own work.

PA324 From Figuration to Abstraction.

This course is designed as an elective for students of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts, from all disciplines, from any level. The student is asked to solve visual problems dealing with figure and ground relationships in a cross-disciplinary way, hence students will be encouraged to find individual visual solutions using a mixture of mediums to resolve issues where figure and ground morph into new visual hybrids. Students will be encouraged to perform individual research including pinpointing historical precedents related to the task at hand in order to come up with unique visual products.

PA325 Wearable house/home

Although this project touches on aspects of performance art and costume design as well as pure fantasy, it also opens up serious questions dealing with the human body, its scale, the hierarchical elements, head as opposed to the feet, the body’s needs in terms of warmth and cooling, keeping the it   clean and healthy in it environment.

PA215 2D to 3D 

This semester students will be working on the concept of moving from 2D-3D. Using their own drawings, chance, collage and their imagination they will produce a work which develops from a 2D sketch beginning, ending with a large scale 3D object.