Advertising Design and Communication Department

The Department of Advertising Design and Communication is the youngest department within the Faculty of Communication at Yeditepe University. The department was established as an undergraduate program in the 2004–2005 academic year and awarded its first degrees at the end of the 2007–2008 academic year.

The founding chair of the department is Prof. Dr. Mahmut Oktay, who served as the Head of Department from its inception until the end of the 2016–2017 academic year. As of 2024, the department is chaired by Prof. Dr. Uğur Cevdet Panayırcı. Dr. Emre Emrem currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Department.

Yeditepe University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to its students. You can visit the Scholarship Opportunities page of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication to explore the available options in detail. There, you will find comprehensive information about the scholarships and how they apply to your academic path.

Our curriculum includes courses designed to equip students with a solid understanding of the field, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts through both foundational and field-specific courses. These courses aim to develop the ability to recognize the relationship between parts and the whole, create original work, and critically evaluate the products in relation to the social, cultural, economic, ethical, and legal conditions in which they are produced.
In this context, our curriculum is structured into three main categories: Core Courses, Area Courses, and Elective Courses. Electives are further divided into three groups:

• Area Elective Courses
• Free Elective Courses
• Concentration Elective Courses

The primary objective is to provide students with foundational knowledge of key concepts and models in the field. The secondary objective is to transform this knowledge into practical skills through hands-on experience. Students are expected to:

• Create advertising messages,
• Plan and manage campaigns,
• Adhere to quality standards and ethical principles,
• Use digital and social media effectively,
• Apply media strategies across various platforms,
• Track societal trends and consumer behavior, and
• Utilize data in messaging and deliver effective presentations.

Ultimately, critical evaluation, problem-solving, collaboration, and integration of theory and practice form the foundation of the program.

Vision
The vision of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication encompasses the following principles:
- Continuous planning, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of processes by the academic and administrative staff to ensure and enhance the quality of advertising education,
- Educating students who are globally minded, inquisitive, research-oriented, collaborative, solution-focused, creative, original, entrepreneurial, socially responsible, and ethically conscious,
- Establishing and maintaining a structure that effectively integrates theory and practice, and
- Adopting a creative, innovative, and sustainable educational approach, aligned with decisions made in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Mission
The mission of the department is to respond to and anticipate the evolving needs and expectations of the communication industry, while nurturing students' talents through a balanced integration of academic and sectoral expertise, alongside a strong sense of conscience and independent thinking. The program is designed to align with both national and international quality assurance standards.

Core Values
Our core value is to uphold a modern educational perspective while remaining committed to the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the ideals of the Republican Renaissance.

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Program, students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication have the opportunity to study at higher education institutions in participating countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, and Italy during each academic term.

In addition to receiving international education, the program enables students to experience different cultures, gain global exposure, and improve their foreign language skills.
For detailed information about the Erasmus+ and Exchange Programs—including the list of partner universities and a direct link to Yeditepe University’s International Office—please see below.
 

According to Yeditepe University’s Associate and Undergraduate Education and Instruction Regulations, students who meet the necessary criteria may apply to a Double Major Program (DMP) between the third and fifth semesters of their primary program. They may also apply for a Minor Program from the beginning of the third semester until the beginning of the sixth semester, by submitting an application to the relevant Faculty Dean’s Office.

Requirements for Double Major Applications:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00,
• Ranking within the top 20% of their cohort in the major program or having a GPA of at least 2.75,
• A placement score equal to or higher than the base score of the desired second major program for the year of admission,
• For programs with additional ranking requirements, meeting the success criteria as defined by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) for the year of admission,
• To be eligible for a fully funded double major, a minimum GPA of 3.25 is required.
  Requirements for Minor Program Applications:
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.00,
• Students with a GPA of 3.00 or above may pursue a fully funded Minor Program,
• To remain enrolled in the Minor Program, student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.30 in their major.

Students enrolled in a Double Major Program must fulfill all graduation requirements of both major programs and complete a minimum of 50 additional credit hours beyond the total required credits of their primary undergraduate program.

Students enrolled in a Minor Program must meet the total required credit hours and academic requirements specific to the minor field, including a minimum of 21 credit hours in the minor curriculum.

To initiate a Double Major Program, a learning protocol—which outlines additional, equivalent, and joint courses between the departments—must be signed and approved by the University Senate.

Students may withdraw from either the Double Major or Minor Program voluntarily or under the conditions stipulated by academic regulations. If a student withdraws from one of these programs, they are not required to retake any failed courses from the dropped program.

Students who meet the graduation requirements of their primary undergraduate program and successfully complete the Double Major Program will be awarded a second undergraduate diploma.

The currently available Double Major Programs for students of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication are listed in the table below:

• You can access the list of partner Double Major Programs for the Department of Advertising Design and Communication via this link.

To initiate a Minor Program, the University Senate must approve protocols that specify required courses for both intra- and inter-faculty minors. For students from faculties other than the Faculty of Communication, a standardized protocol applies.

The departments in which Advertising Design and Communication students can pursue Minor Programs are listed in the table below:

• You can access the list of partner Minor Programs for the Department of Advertising Design and Communication via this link.
   

The fifth-semester curriculum is structured to allow students to work three days a week (Monday–Tuesday–Wednesday) at their internship institutions and attend on-campus courses two days a week (Thursday–Friday).
Students may complete their mandatory internship at a company of their own choosing. However, they may also seek support from the department or the University Career Office to find a company aligned with their area of interest.

- For Internship Regulations, please click here.
- For the Internship Logbook, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I obtain the documents required to start the internship process?
All required documents can be obtained from the department secretary’s office.

2. In which fields should I look for an internship?
Internships must be completed in departments within advertising and marketing agencies, or in corporate companies actively engaged in these fields.

3. Can I get help from the department if I cannot find an internship?
Yes. Students who experience difficulties in finding an internship should contact the department’s internship coordinator.

4. What must I submit to complete the internship process?
After completing 42 working days of internship, students must submit a fully completed internship logbook, signed by the hosting institution, to the department’s internship coordinator. The internship process is considered complete after the logbook has been reviewed and approved. Subsequently, the COMM 300 Internship course grade is entered into the system at the end of the term.

5. Where can I access the Internship Logbook?
The Internship Logbook can be downloaded from:
iletisimfakultesi.yeditepe.edu.tr

6. What should I pay attention to when filling out the Internship Logbook?
All pages of the logbook must be filled out completely and accurately, including the internship start and end dates. Each page must include the name, title, and signature of the internship supervisor. Official holidays are not considered working days and are therefore excluded from the required 42 working days.

7. When should I submit my Internship Logbook?
The logbook must be submitted by the end of the current academic semester.

8. I am an irregular or Double Major (DMP) student. Can I complete my internship during the summer?
Only DMP students or those who have completed all coursework and met the total credit requirement for graduation may apply to complete their internship during the summer, provided that they submit a formal petition. These students must also register for the internship course in the spring semester. Students who do not register for the course will not be evaluated.

9. My internship days are conflicting with my class schedule. What should I do?
The fifth-semester course schedule is designed to allow students to attend their internship on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and to take courses on Thursday and Friday. It is important to follow this schedule when selecting courses at the beginning of the semester.
For exceptions or special circumstances, please refer to FAQ #8.

Click here for information about the Graduation Project.

Section : F.A.Q ;

https://iletisimfakultesi.yeditepe.edu.tr/en/advertising-design-and-communication-department/faq

When was the Department of Advertising Design and Communication founded?

The Department of Advertising Design and Communication, within the Faculty of Communication at Yeditepe University, was founded in 2004.

How does the Department of Advertising Design and Communication accept students?

For information about application procedures for international students, click here.

With which score type is required for admission to the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

For information about application procedures and score types for international students, click here.

How long is the duration of study in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

The Department of Advertising Design and Communication, which is one of the undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Communication, has a four-year education period.

Is the language of instruction in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication English? Is it compulsory to attend preparatory classes?

The language of instruction in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication is 100% English. All courses are taught in English. Students admitted to Yeditepe University are required to take an English placement test. Those who pass the test begin their studies in the first year. For detailed information about our preparatory school, please click here.

What is the purpose of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

The purpose of Advertising Design and Communication Department is to educate future professionals who:

• Possess academic competence in the fields of social sciences and communication, in line with contemporary scientific and educational principles,
• Can manage the communication processes of real brands by participating in sectoral projects and applying their foundational knowledge and skills,
• Understand the local and global parameters of the profession,
• Are able to follow and shape developments in communication technologies and national/international markets,
• Can analyze the social impacts of these transformations,
• Are equipped to meet the needs and expectations of the advertising industry,
• Think critically and uphold ethical and sustainable values, with the potential to become future leaders in the field. 

Is the Advertising Design and Communication Department accredited?

Yes. Our department has been accredited for five years (2022-2027) by ILAD Communication Research Association. It is also the first advertising department in Turkey to receive this accreditation directly for a period of five years.

What qualifications are recommended for students who wish to study in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

Advertising is a rapidly evolving field, continuously expanding through technological innovations. Therefore, students who wish to pursue a degree in Advertising Design and Communication should be curious, eager to learn, and open to innovation. Ideal candidates are expected to be creative and critical thinkers, capable of expressing themselves clearly, aware of their environment and social dynamics, and oriented toward teamwork and problem-solving. 

Does the Department of Advertising Design and Communication have a promising future?

Yes. Advertising is a dynamic field that continues to grow and diversify in the context of globalization. As the demand for qualified professionals in advertising increases, graduates enjoy a wide range of job opportunities both in Turkey and internationally.

What are the career opportunities and work areas after graduating from the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

Graduates work at leading national and international creative agencies, digital and social media agencies, media planning firms, production companies, press and broadcasting organizations, as well as in the advertising, marketing and corporate communication departments of various companies. Many also choose to pursue graduate studies to build an academic career.

Which courses are included in the curriculum of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

Our curriculum includes both theoretical and practical courses that equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. These courses help our students grasp the relationship between parts and the whole, develop new products, and critically evaluate these products in light of the social, cultural, economic, ethical and legal contexts in which they are created. In this context, the curriculum is structured into three categories: Core Courses, Area Courses, and Elective Courses.

Elective courses include Area Electives within the communication field and Free Electives selected from the university-wide elective course pool beyond the field of communication. Please click here to access the full curriculum of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication.

Are there in-school opportunities for students to put into practice what they learn in class?

Yes. The Communication Agency İLA, along MAC laboratories, radio-television studios, a production plateau and a dedicated Project Agency for the Department of Advertising Design and Communication, offers students important practice environments equipped with new technologies.

Is there an internship in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication, and is it compulsory?

Yes. A compulsory internship course is included in the 3rd year, 1st semester. Students are required to complete 42 working days of internship during the semester, typically working three days a week at their internship placement while attending on-campus courses for the remaining two days. 

If students are unable to find an internship placement themselves, can they get support?

Yes. Students can receive support from the department and the University Career Office to help identify suitable internship placements. 

Is it possible for student in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication to pursue a double major?

Yes. Students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication may pursue a double major either within the Faculty of Communication or with certain departments in other faculties, provided they meet the necessary criteria (as stated in Yeditepe University’s Associate Degree and Undergraduate Regulations, Article 31). Please click here to view the relevant regulation.

Applications for a double major program must be submitted within the timeline specified in the academic calendar—no earlier than the beginning of the 3rd semester and no later than the beginning of the 5th semester. Please click here to view the current Double Major agreements.

Is it possible for students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication to pursue a minor?

Yes. Students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication may pursue a minor with eligible departments both within the Faculty of Communication and in other faculties, provided they meet the specified criteria (Yeditepe University, Associate Degree and Undergraduate Education Regulations, Article 31). Please click here for the relevant regulation.

Applications for a minor program can be submitted between the 3rd and 6th semesters, as specified in the academic calendar. Upon successful completion of the minor, students are awarded a certificate for the relevant program. Please click here to view the current minor agreements.

Do students who do not pursue a minor or double major have the opportunity to specialize in other areas?

Yes. Our department offers concentration areas such as Economics, E-Commerce, Graphic Design, and Art and Cultural Management. Students can select four predetermined free elective courses aligned with the area they wish to specialize in. These courses are listed as an "area of concentration" on their academic transcript.

Does the Department of Advertising Design and Communication offer Erasmus+ or Exchange Programs?

Yes. Both our department and Yeditepe University have student exchange agreements with numerous international higher education institutions, particularly in Europe and North America. Please click to view the Erasmus+ Agreements.

Can I learn a second foreign language while studying in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication?

Yes. If students wish, they can take foreign language courses such as Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian as elective courses.

What are the scholarship opportunities for students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication? Can scholarships be terminated?

For information about scholarship opportunities available to students in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication, please visit the Yeditepe University Scholarship Opportunities page. Please click here.

Can a student in the Department of Advertising Design and Communication receive more than one scholarship at the same time?

Students can only benefit from one scholarship at a time. If they are eligible for multiple scholarships, the one with the highest value is applied.

What are the student accommodation facilities on campus?

Yeditepe University provides dormitories for both male and female students, with a total bed capacity of 3,409 in the 26 August Settlement. You can find detailed information about campus and student life here.

How is the Department of Advertising Design and Communication different from other universities’ advertising departments? Why should I choose this one?

The distinctive features of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication Department at Yeditepe University Faculty of Communication include: 

• An educational model combining theory, practice and sectoral experience
• Regular advisory board meetings with the industry leaders to continuously update and enhance the curriculum
• A 42 working-day compulsory internship integrated into the semester
• Real projects conducted in collaboration with well-known brands (e.g., Milliyet Newspaper, Molped Pakistan, Avon, Boyner, Daikin, Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club)
• Courses conducted with leading international agencies in the sector (e.g., Publicis)
• Emphasis on following industry innovations, especially digital transformation, through engagement with sector professionals
• Social responsibility projects conducted in collaboration with institutions such as LÖSEV and Milliyet Sanat
• Sectoral connections developed through coursework
• Access to iMac labs, agencies and studios equipped for practical application
• A dynamic educational experience in Istanbul — the heart of the advertising industry in Turkey

What is the difference between the Advertising Design and Communication major and the Visual Communication Design major?

The Department of Visual Communication Design focuses on training students in animation, game design, interaction design, and video production for all areas of visual communication.

In contrast, the Department of Advertising Design and Communication is centered on managing the entire communication process of a brand, product, or service—from the initial idea to reaching the end consumer and even the post-purchase stage. This includes areas such as strategic consumer research, campaign planning, message development tailored to the target audience, design processes, and media planning strategies.

How does the Department of Advertising Design and Communication at Yeditepe University differ from other advertising departments?

The Department of Advertising Design and Communication adopts a holistic approach to advertising and marketing communication, integrating all related processes from strategy to design. This includes emerging and evolving areas such as digital marketing, media planning, social media management, corporate communication, and design. 

Unlike many other advertising departments, Yeditepe’s program also places a stronger emphasis on visual communication. As a result, the number of visual design courses in the Advertising Design and Communication curriculum is significantly higher.

Is the diploma from the Department of Advertising Design and Communication at Yeditepe University internationally recognized?

Yes. Students graduate with 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits upon completing the four-year undergraduate program. Therefore, the diploma is recognized internationally.

Where can I stay informed about the department's news and developments?

You can follow announcements and news about the department on the official website of the Department of Advertising Design and Communication and on Instagram at @yeditepeadv.