Visual Communication (Level 6) BA (Hons)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Visual Communication (Level 6) BA (Hons)
Course Overview
You’ll become a multi-skilled designer and exhibit work in London and complete a work placement at a prestigious agency. You’ll build on your existing knowledge, skills, and qualifications to develop vocationally-oriented creative portfolios to gain a full BA honors degree qualification.
Study Style
You’ll be actively engaged with design projects and real-world assignments, addressing a wide variety of creative challenges. Depending on your chosen pathway, you may have the chance to exhibit through our links with the D&AD’s New Blood Exhibition in London and enter the Yellow Pencil award, which previous Visual Communication students have won.
Entry Requirements
- HND, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation degree
- Applicants should possess an HND, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation degree.
- Mature students
- We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
- International students
- Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
- Additional requirements
- English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
- Selection by interview
- Selection for this course is by interview. Please refer to our interview guide for further information.
Course Modules
You’re viewing course modules for the Full Time (1 years) top-up course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course modules.
Here’s an example of the types of modules you’ll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
Fees and Costs
You’re viewing fees for the Full Time (1 years) top-up course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date | Location | UCAS code | Fee (UK) Fee per year | Fee (international) Fee per year ---|---|---|---|--- Sep 2025 | Park, Cheltenham | W213 | £9,535 | £17,425 Sep 2026 | Park, Cheltenham | W213 | TBC | TBC
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Find out more.
Careers
Our strong connections enable students to gain real-world experience through placements with brands such as Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy & Mather, Factor 3, Tangible, Kraft, McCanns, BBH, Gravitas, IPA, Jones Knowles Ritchie, Taxi Studios, The Allotment, Rufus Leonard, Fitch and Superdry.
You’ll also have the opportunity to exhibit at D&AD’s New Blood Exhibition in London and our own Art and Design Festival.
Graduates from this course can go into a range of careers, including roles such as account managers, advertising creative/art directors, brand managers, directors of photography, illustrators, moving image designers, production designers, branding and packaging designers, graphic designers and demo producers.
Teaching Staff
Academic Course Leader
Claudia Brewster
Academic Course Leader for Visual Communication (Level 6)
Placements
Make essential contacts and gain valuable experience, even before you graduate. Students on selected modules have worked for prestigious companies including Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy & Mather, Factor 3, Tangible, Kraft, McCanns, BBH, Gravitas, IPA, Jones Knowles Ritchie, Taxi Studios, The Allotment, Rufus Leonard, Fitch and Superdry.
As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.
- Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
- Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
- Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
- Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
- Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience
Student Testimonial
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise when I started the course. We were able to choose modules based on what we were interested in. I particularly enjoyed the Creative Portfolio module where we had lectures from creative directors from agencies like McCann Bristol and Publicis London. They gave us briefs, sometimes even live ones and every two weeks we presented our ideas and got feedback. I did a placement at Oakwood agency which ultimately made me realize I wanted to work in advertising.”
Syaza-Abdur Rahman, Visual Communications student
Program Outline
Extracted Information about Visual Communication (Level 6) BA (Hons) at University of Gloucestershire:
Degree Overview:
- Develops multi-skilled designers who exhibit work in London and complete placements at prestigious agencies.
- Builds on existing knowledge, skills, and qualifications to develop vocationally-oriented creative portfolios for a full BA honors degree.
- Offers specialization in areas like advertising, graphic design, and illustration.
- Graduates with a broad range of specialist skills from branding to publication layouts, storyboarding to illustrating.
- Offers opportunities to make essential contacts and gain valuable experience before graduation.
Outline:
- Offered as a Full Time (1 year) top-up course.
- Requires completion of modules like Dissertation: Major Research Project, Creative Portfolio, Design Portfolio, and Self Initiated Design/Portfolio.
- Students can optionally choose additional modules focusing on advertising, graphic design, and illustration.
- Features modules like Advanced Group Project that encourage teamwork and software development skills.
Assessment:
- Utilizes various assessment methods like written dissertations, creative portfolios, individual projects, and group projects.
- Requires engagement with research, experimentation, and production of visually compelling material.
- Emphasizes critical reflection and professional practices in the design industry.
Teaching:
- Emphasizes active engagement with design projects and real-world assignments.
- Encourages students to address practical challenges and develop problem-solving skills.
- Provides opportunities to exhibit work at D&AD's New Blood Exhibition in London and enter Yellow Pencil awards.
- Includes individual research, presentations, essays, proposals, and an 8,000-word dissertation.
Careers:
- Graduates can pursue roles as account managers, advertising creative/art directors, brand managers, directors of photography, illustrators, moving image designers, production designers, branding and packaging designers, graphic designers, and demo producers.
- Provides connections with brands like Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy & Mather, Factor 3, Tangible, Kraft, McCanns, BBH, Gravitas, Superdry, and IPA.
- Offers optional placement opportunities for real-world experience.
Other:
- Offers the UoG Career Promise, guaranteeing support even after graduation and assisting in securing a paid internship for career advancement.
- Encourages participation in exhibitions and design competitions to gain industry exposure.
- Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations and provides a supportive environment for creative growth.
- Features related news stories highlighting student artwork and award-winning projects.
Overall:
Visual Communication (Level 6) BA (Hons) at University of Gloucestershire appears to be a well-rounded program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the creative design industry. The program's emphasis on active engagement, industry connections, and career support highlights its commitment to student success.
Overview:
University of Gloucestershire is a public university located in Gloucestershire, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as degree apprenticeships and short courses. The university has a strong focus on graduate employability, with 95% of its students in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed first-year accommodation on or near campus.Student Support:
A range of support services, including academic, financial, and personal support.Student Futures:
Career guidance and support services to help students find employment or further study.Students' Union:
A vibrant student community with over 80 societies and sports clubs.Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities.International Support:
Support services for international students, including visa and immigration advice.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Gloucestershire offers a vibrant and supportive student community. Students can expect to:
Join a vibrant student community:
With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.Live in modern accommodation:
The university offers a range of accommodation options, including halls of residence and university-approved private housing.Experience a diverse campus environment:
The university has campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering a range of cultural and social experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
High graduate employability:
95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.Guaranteed first-year accommodation:
The university guarantees a place in halls on or near campus for all first-year students.Vibrant student community:
With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.Award-winning university:
The university has been recognized for its teaching excellence and student satisfaction.Academic Programs:
University of Gloucestershire offers a wide range of academic programs across various subject areas, including:
- Accounting & finance
- Architecture, construction & environment
- Art
- Biosciences
- Business
- Criminology & policing
- Computing & cyber security
- Design
- Education & learning
- Engineering
- English & creative writing
- Film, media & television
- Game technologies
- Geography
- Health & social care
- History, religion & philosophy
- Hospitality, tourism & events
- Journalism & communications
- Law
- Marketing
- Music & sound
- Performing arts & production
- Photography
- Psychological sciences
- Sociological sciences
- Sport & exercise
Other:
The university has two main campuses:
Cheltenham Campus:
Located in the heart of Cheltenham, a vibrant town known for its festivals and cultural attractions.Gloucester Campus:
Located in Gloucester, a historic city with a thriving arts and culture scene.The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It has been recognized for its efforts in these areas, including being awarded first place in the People and Planet University League 2023-24.
Entry Requirements for Visual Communication (Level 6) BA (Hons)
Home Students:
- HND, Diploma of Higher Education, or Foundation degree in a relevant field (e.g., Art & Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography).
- English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) is normally required.
- Mature students (aged 21 and over) are welcome to apply and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis, even if they don't have traditional academic qualifications.
- International students should check the entry requirements for their specific country and contact the admissions team if they have questions.
Selection Process:
- interview
- interview guide
Additional Notes:
The provided context does not contain information about language proficiency requirements.