From Communication Education to Europe: A Second Degree Pathway for BAU Graduates

Bahçeşehir University (BAU) Faculty of Communication has launched a new academic transition model aimed at enabling its graduates to enhance their undergraduate education with a second degree in Europe. Developed by the BAU Faculty of Communication, the Top-Up programme offers an additional educational period of approximately 18 months and consisting of 90 ECTS credits at universities in Germany, following the completion of undergraduate education in Turkey. Graduates who successfully complete the programme will be able to obtain a second degree recognised in the European Higher Education Area. This framework establishes a new international education route for graduates wishing to pursue their communication studies in a different academic environment. Pursuing education in another country after graduation also enables students to encounter different production cultures, work practices, and sector structures alongside academic content. In this respect, the second degree model can be considered an option that supports the transition between post-graduation academic development and professional experience.

Within the scope of the programme, graduates of the Visual Communication Design Department will be able to participate in the Top-Up programme through the model run with Berlin International University of Applied Sciences. In addition, students graduating from the Visual Communication Design, Cartoon and Animation, Digital Game Design, Film and Television, Public Relations and Publicity, Advertising, and New Media departments will also be able to benefit from a similar academic transition model through Macromedia University of Applied Sciences. Thus, BAU graduates will be able to transition to academic programmes in Europe from various departments related to communication, media, design, and creative industries.

The opportunity for a second degree in Europe operates on a model built on the recognition of the higher education background previously acquired by the students. The additional 90 ECTS credits to be obtained following the undergraduate education completed at BAU allow graduates to complement their existing academic foundation with a new university experience. The programme aims to increase the engagement of graduates targeting careers in fields such as media, visual culture, film, advertising, public relations, animation, new media, and digital game design with different academic and professional networks.

Graduates who successfully complete the programme will be eligible to apply for a residence and work permit or a job search period for up to 18 months after graduation, in accordance with the current legal regulations and individual application conditions in Germany. This opportunity is intended to help graduates establish contacts with media organisations, design agencies, production companies, advertising agencies, game studios, and animation companies in Germany. Consequently, the second degree model stands out not only as an option for academic continuity but also for developing career connections.

BAU Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Kemal Suher also highlights the importance of cross-border production and thinking skills in the fields of communication, media, and design. According to Suher, the Top-Up programme developed with Berlin International University of Applied Sciences and Macromedia University of Applied Sciences offers graduates a significant opportunity in terms of a second degree, international experience, and career development in Europe. This model, initiated by the BAU Faculty of Communication, opens up a new pathway for graduates who wish to continue their academic experience in Europe after their undergraduate studies.