History

The Department of Visual Communication Design, housed within the Faculty of Fine Arts at Istanbul Gelişim University, was originally established in 2011 under the name “Communication Design.” From its inception, the department has embraced an educational model that integrates communication and design, aiming to respond to the evolving dynamics of the creative industries.

In 2020, the department’s name was updated to “Communication and Design,” accompanied by a curriculum expansion to include areas such as strategic communication, digital media, and graphic design. In 2025, in response to the rapidly transforming demands of the digitalized creative industries, the department was restructured and renamed “Visual Communication Design.” This updated structure is built on an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to work across media, art, and technology.

The Visual Communication Design Department offers students a contemporary and practice-oriented education in a wide range of current fields including graphic design, motion design, interactive media, user experience, typography, brand communication, and digital storytelling. Through industry collaborations, workshops, and project-based learning, students develop strong creative portfolios by the time they graduate.

Students of the department also have the opportunity to pursue double majors and minor programs, allowing them to receive education in different disciplines simultaneously. These opportunities enhance their academic and professional competencies, helping them to build multifaceted careers.

Additionally, through national and international exchange programs such as Farabi, Erasmus+, and Mevlana, students can study for one or two semesters at universities both within Turkey and abroad, gaining diverse cultural and academic experiences.

The Department of Visual Communication Design aims to educate communication professionals who can think critically, produce creative solutions, master digital technologies, and express themselves effectively through visual media. For students who seek to combine creativity with technology and shape the visual language of the digital age, our department continues to be a preferred destination with its strong academic staff and dynamic curriculum.