Audio and Visual Design
Do you enjoy designing and creating things? And do you have an open and experimental attitude? Are you curious about new creative media applications asuch as interactive and immersive audiovisual installations using Project mapping? Then this programme is for you!
During HU's Audio and Visual Design Exchange Programme, you develop various media products that are truly distinctive. So if you want to enrich your portfolio with a special media design project, this programme is an excellent opportunity! You do not need to have experience with music production or designing sound. You do need to have some experience with visual design software and video editing software. An interest in the more artistic side of media is a plus.
Useful to know
| Start | September |
|---|---|
| Number of ECTS | 30 Dutch Education System |
| Programme level | Minor |
| Programme code | JM-AVDEN-19 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Year of study | Year 3 or 4 |
| Practical Matters | Housing and Immigration |
| Location | Utrecht Science Park |
Course Content
What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!
This programme is aimed at students with Media, Communication, Art and Creative Industry profiles.
The central theme of this programme is the application of (audiovisual and/or interactive) media in a physical environment.
Examples are:
- How can AV media be used to reveal the hidden stories within the historical inner-city?
- How can AV media create an immersive or interactive experience inspired by a 2D photo or illustration?
- How can AV media be used to create a more engaging theatre or dance performance?
Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme coordinator, Caro Termote, or our International Coordinator CMD, Rob van den Idsert.
The programme takes place during one semester with a closing (portfolio) assessment for the total credit of 30 ECTS. It contains the following topics:
| Course Unit Title | Period |
| Audio & Sound Design | A |
| Visual Performance & Projection Mapping | A |
| Artistic Vision in Context | B |
| Creative Research in Design | A & B |
| Project | A & B |
Please note: The material and software costs for this programme are roughly € 200.
Also, please be aware that the courses in this programme are interrelated. This is why it is not possible to substitute courses in this programme for other courses.
In this course you will learn to produce music and sound with Ableton Live (professional music production software). Using this programme you will not only compose music, you will also learn how to produce sound for different types of productions - think of film or animation - and you will learn how to convey sound in a live performance or (interactive) installation to a public. The focus lies mainly on the manufacturing process: digitally producing sound.
You could say that our modern mass media are very ‘square’. Most of our media consumption happens via rectangular screens or via the equally rectangular print media. At the same time, there are more and more possibilities to use interactive media outside the screen. For example, in projections on buildings, in the design of the decoration of a festival, or in interactive light installations in the urban environment. In this course, you learn how to produce visual material for these types of applications. You realise a design for a projection on a physical object where you use the physical characteristics of that object. In short, Visual design and projection mapping center around crafting content intended for projections and teach you to utilise projection as a powerful storytelling tool.
A powerful multi-media work is recognised by the well thought-out vision behind it. Through its work, the artist shows a clear perspective on the chosen subject. In this course you will learn (1) to ask the right questions in order to give direction to your research, (2) to use these questions to find a wide range of qualitative sources and (3) to relate and contrast these in order to (4) develop your substantiated personal vision of the theme.
In this programme research is an important part of the process. The research has a very specific function: it is not just about explaining and understanding a situation. It is also - or most importantly - about finding inspiration. In this course you will do research from a creative and artistic perspective. The aim of the research is to find original and surprising ways to shape your media production and to find out how you can actually realise your ideas.
During the 'Project' course, you will use skills and knowledge you have developed during other courses. In this course you will develop your own audio visual installation using the technique projection mapping. With the aid of image and sound you will create a story in a physical environment. You will work in an environment that has been made available by a partner of our university and will work on a question from that partner. The issues we tackle in the project have a very open character. Think of questions such as: How can an audio visual installation be used to reveal the hidden stories within the historical inner-city?How can an audio visual installation create an immersive or interactive experience inspired by a 2D photo or illustration?
In this project you will develop a ‘proof of concept’ in 20 weeks. You present the solution in the given environment. In doing so, you show in a convincing way that the chosen solution is effective.
In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.
To enter this programme, you need:
- to have at least a propaedeutic diploma (issued after the first year of university studies)
- to submit your portfolio along with a motivation letter
- a solid foundation in Adobe Design Software
English CEFR level B2.
Please note: You may be asked to take a language assessment test before the start of the programme. If your English language skills are below the required level, you may not be able to enter the programme, as you need to be able to actively participate in the programme. In all cases, the programme manager makes the final decision.
Practical information
When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, how much are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 - 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.
Find out how to apply
Ready for an international adventure?
Why choose HU?
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Build your (international) portfolio
You will not only develop an audio-visual media solution to a real-life problem, you'll also build on your portfolio with interesting projects, making you stand out in the competitive (international) job market.
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Inspiring international setting
HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.
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Benefits of the Utrecht Science Park Campus
On Utrecht Science Park (USP) you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht city centre and beyond.
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Vibrant university city Utrecht
Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.
Interested in our Audio and Visual Design programme?
Want to know more?
- Telephone +31 88 481 81 81
- Email exchange@hu.nl
- Work days from 09.30 am to 4.30 pm