Global Master’s Program in Graphic Design
UIC/HGK International Master of Design in Graphic Design: A Global Nexus for Advanced Design Education
The UIC/HGK International Master of Design in Graphic Design (MDes) represents a pioneering collaboration between two esteemed institutions—the School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the Institute Digital Communication Environments (IDCE) at the Basel Academy of Art and Design (HGK Basel). This groundbreaking program is designed for globally oriented students and is conducted across two vibrant metropolises: Chicago, USA, and Basel, Switzerland. As a result of this international partnership, graduates are bestowed with a unique educational experience that transcends traditional design methodologies, immersing them in the rich cultural contexts of both cities while emphasizing global creative practices.
Contextual and Historical Significance
UIC is recognized as a dynamic and progressive public research university that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration within its design programs. In contrast, the HGK Basel boasts a rich tradition in Swiss graphic design that has significantly influenced the international design community since the mid-20th century. This alliance aims to empower students by deepening their understanding of graphic design while promoting a critical approach to their work. Students are encouraged to engage with a landscape shaped by cultural, political, technological, and socioeconomic factors, offering a multifaceted perspective essential for contemporary design practices.
The program scaffolds students’ artistic capabilities through project-oriented activities that hone their skills in image-making, typography, publication design, and digital media innovation. Furthermore, it cultivates analytical competencies in research methodologies, critical writing, design history, and theory—elements that constitute the theoretical backbone of design education.
A hallmark of the UIC/HGK MDes experience is the master’s thesis, a comprehensive undertaking that allows students to undertake independent research, design, writing, and exhibition projects. This unique opportunity enables participants to select and investigate topics that bear potential significance within the broader disciplinary field, thus contributing to ongoing dialogues in design.
A Global Experience: Cultural Exchange and Collaborative Learning
The program’s structure includes a rich tapestry of exchange opportunities, intentionally designed to expose students to the historical and contemporary practices of graphic design in both Basel and Chicago. Between the first and second years of study, students attending UIC have the opportunity to enroll in the Basel Summer Workshops, which are an integral part of the UIC Study Abroad initiative. This exchange fosters cross-cultural collaborations and enhances learning through immersive experiences. Similarly, HGK Basel students travel to Chicago every other year, where they engage in a multitude of cultural and academic activities, ensuring a holistic educational journey that is as enlightening as it is creative.
The impact of the UIC/HGK MDes is reflective in the accomplishments of its alumni, many of whom have launched successful design studios, gained university faculty positions worldwide, and engaged in exhibitions across key global cities such as Dubai, Eindhoven, Mexico City, New York, and Seoul. These alumni serve not only as a testament to the program’s rigor but also as ambassadors of its values, continuing a tradition of influence within the global design landscape.
Application Process: Pathways to Enrollment
Those interested in applying to the UIC/HGK International Master of Design must hold a bachelor’s degree in areas such as graphic design, visual communication, or media design, complemented by professional experience. For candidates transitioning from non-design backgrounds, the Chicago-based MDes Preliminary Year offers a pathway to integrate into the program, facilitating their academic journey toward degree completion over a three-year timeline.
Prospective students seeking to explore educational opportunities in Chicago can visit the PLACEHOLDERc28da1df0807db6f or reach out to UIC’s Director of Graduate Studies, Cheryl Towler Weese, for personalized guidance. Likewise, those interested in Basel can access the PLACEHOLDER08c3b6bf42432ec7 and contact Program Coordinator, Ted Davis, for inquiries.
Important Deadlines
For those intending to apply for the fall 2025 term, the UIC prioritizes funding considerations by January 15, 2025, while the final deadline for international applicants is April 1, 2025, and for domestic applicants is May 15, 2025. The application deadline for the Basel program concludes on March 31, 2025.
In summary, the UIC/HGK International Master of Design in Graphic Design offers a rare educational experience steeped in international collaboration, cultural diversity, and comprehensive design integration. By bridging the gap between theory and practice across two globally significant cities, this program is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about inspiring a new generation of design leaders prepared to navigate and influence the ever-evolving landscape of graphic design.
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