GD-Course University of applied sciences

GD-Course: Design Course

The design course optimally prepares you for studies at a university of applied sciences in the design and art field. With a practical focus and creative approach, you'll be well-prepared for your studies.

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Subjects in the GD-Course

Art

Drawing, painting, composition, artistic techniques

Design

Design principles, typography, layout, color theory

Media Design

Digital media, image editing, web design basics

German

Design terminology, presentation techniques, concept development

Art History

Design history, style studies, contemporary art

What can I study afterwards?

Passing the FSP in the GD-Course lets you study design and art degrees at universities of applied sciences.

Communication Design Media Design Product Design Graphic Design Fashion Design Interior Architecture Game Design Interface Design

Entrance exam for the GD-Course

The exam usually covers German (reading comprehension, grammar, writing). Some Studienkollegs also ask for a work sample or portfolio.

About the entrance exam

About the course

The GD-Course is designed for future students of design and art at universities of applied sciences. It provides design and artistic foundations with a strong focus on practical applications and prepares you specifically for the application-oriented approach of universities of applied sciences.

In addition to practical skills, you'll also develop a solid understanding of design theory and contemporary design. You'll learn various design techniques and practice developing your own creative projects.

Course structure

Introductory Phase (1st Semester) – Design fundamentals and artistic techniques
Main Phase (2nd Semester) – Deepening knowledge and specific preparation for the assessment test

The GD-Course subjects in detail

The GD-Course combines practical design work with theory. Art covers drawing, painting and composition; design covers design principles, typography, layout and colour theory. Media design adds the digital tools: image editing, digital media and the basics of web design.

Art and design history supplies the vocabulary to place and justify your own work. German lessons are tuned to that: formulating concepts, presenting drafts, and understanding and giving critique — skills used constantly in a design degree.

What a typical week looks like

The GD-Course is full-time study in a fixed class group, offered by Studienkollegs that prepare students for design programmes at universities of applied sciences. A large part of the week goes into practical work on assignments and projects, alongside theory, German and presentations.

The typical rhythm is brief, own execution, then joint review in class. Taking the feedback of teachers and fellow students seriously and reworking your drafts also builds exactly the material a portfolio is later made of.

What the Feststellungsprüfung tests in the GD-Course

The two semesters end with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). It covers German plus the core subjects of your course, and in the design field a practical component may be added. Each Studienkolleg decides which subjects are examined and in what form.

The certificate entitles you to study in the design field group at universities of applied sciences. Importantly, design programmes usually also require a portfolio or an artistic aptitude test — the Feststellungsprüfung does not replace that, it comes in addition.

Which degree programmes the GD-Course opens up

The GD-Course leads to design programmes at universities of applied sciences: communication design, media design, graphic design, product design, fashion design, interior architecture, game design and interface design. These programmes are project-based, with workshops, studios and presentations.

The GD-Course is offered by only a handful of Studienkollegs, making it one of the rarest course types. Check our overview to see which institutions currently run it, and start work on your portfolio early — for design programmes it often weighs more in admission than your final grade.

Frequently asked questions about this course

Do I need a portfolio for the GD-Course?

Some Studienkollegs require a work sample or portfolio for admission to the design course, others only test German and basic knowledge. What applies is set out in each Studienkolleg's admission notice.

What level of German do I need for the GD-Course?

Studienkollegs usually require German at B1 to B2 level for the entrance exam. All teaching is in German, including the vocabulary for concepts and presentations. The exact requirement is stated in the admission notice.

Do I already have to draw well?

Not perfectly, but basic skills and visible interest in design help considerably. The course builds on craft fundamentals and develops them; with no prior experience at all the pace becomes demanding.

Does the Feststellungsprüfung replace the artistic aptitude test?

No. The FSP proves your general and language-based readiness to study. Most universities additionally require a portfolio or aptitude test for design programmes.

How many Studienkollegs offer the GD-Course?

Only a handful. It belongs to the Studienkollegs attached to universities of applied sciences and is the rarest course type on offer. Our overview shows which Studienkollegs currently run it.

How long does the GD-Course take?

Two semesters, roughly one year. Preparatory or language courses offered by some Studienkollegs before the course itself extend the overall timeline.

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Studienkollegs offering the GD-Course

Currently no Studienkollegs available for this course.

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