NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Speciality : Communication
programme: Communication Design

I’m currently in my second year of Communication and Multimedia Design at NHL Stenden, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The program is very hands-on, following the Design-Based Education (DBE) approach. Right from the start, we’ve been working on real client projects, which has given me invaluable experience for the future.

The first year was definitely challenging, and at times, I wasn’t sure if the program was the right fit for me. But everything changed in the second year. Now, I’m enjoying workshops, topic-focused studios, and more engaging lectures. The program lets you explore a wide range of multimedia fields, although group work can sometimes make it hard to focus on personal growth. That’s where strong organizational skills really come in handy.

At first, I had to get used to the learning style, but now it feels like second nature. The teachers are super supportive and always available to answer questions or teach any new skills I want to develop. If you’re considering this program, my advice is to stay open to all possibilities. The first year might feel tough, but once you hit the second year, you’ll see your skills in the multimedia world really start to grow.

I have been studying Communication and Multimedia Design at NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden for a year now and I am really happy with my study and uni choice, even though it took me some time to get used to the way the study works and is structured.

The program offers the freedom to explore diverse design fields, from graphic design, film and video production to UX/UI, 3D and more. This freedom of choices can be overwhelming but gives you the opportunity to choose your own individual path in the study program.

Structured around Design Based Education (DBE) and project-based learning, often with real clients, you are going through the whole design process and are constantly working on improving your end result through feedback. From research and concepting to creating prototypes and testing them with teachers and your target audience, you get the opportunity to work in depth on a solution for a problem.

Since we mostly work on individual and group projects, I am sometimes missing the theoretical input through lectures. Nonetheless by having individual consultations with teachers of different expertise instead, we have the opportunity to get support on skills and knowledge.
I needed to get used to approaching teachers myself for support and expertise or feedback on my work, but I think it really helps you improve on your individual skill and knowledge level.