Program Overview

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Graphic Design BA (Hons) / FdA

Overview

The Graphic Design BA (Hons) / FdA degree at University College Birmingham is designed to equip students with the creative talent and technical skills required for careers in advertising, branding, publishing, and digital media. The course focuses on hands-on projects and industry-standard tools, providing students with a professional portfolio and expertise to make an impact in the dynamic world of design.

Why Choose This Course?

• No Exams: Unlike many degrees in this field, this course has no written exams during or at the end of the course, and students are assessed through practical assessments and coursework only.
• Versatile Skill Set: The degree programme equips learners with a diverse practical skill set, including the ability to use Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: Studying this degree opens doors to a wide range of graduate careers, including those within traditional and digital graphic design sectors.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The University has a diverse range of specialist facilities dedicated to enhancing the learning experience, including the Digital Hub and Editorial Suite.
• Industry Engagement: Guest speakers and other industry-related opportunities support the delivery of this course, giving graphic design students a thorough insight into the broad career opportunities available across every sector.
• Strong Portfolio: Assessment is focused on collaboration and project-based learning, allowing students to build a robust portfolio, an essential tool when seeking opportunities within the design industry.

Course Breakdown

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 3/4

Core Modules

Creative Workflow

This module encompasses the whole concept development journey, from initial stages to execution. Creative project planning will sit at the forefront, requiring students to apply research skills, seek inspiration to inform creative direction, and enhance key transferrable skill sets.

Exploring Innovation and Creative Processes

An exploration into graphic design from a historical and contemporary perspective, analyzing how artistic movements and technological advancements have shaped its trajectory.

Graphic Design in Advertising

Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to create visually aesthetic advertising campaigns.

Professional Skills for Designers

This module explores the production of design proposals in-depth, enabling students to address the key requirements of client briefs and effective communication to stand out amongst competitors and secure successful design projects.

Techniques in Graphic Design

Through hands-on practice, students will be introduced to fundamental graphic design skills, including typographic practices, layout design, and composition, equipping them with the key tools required to create concepts with depth and personality.

Visual Communication

This module offers a thorough investigation into the design of creative outputs to effectively connect with various stakeholders.

Core Modules (continued)

Brand Identity and Strategy

Recognizing the importance of brand identity and the significance of graphic design practices in separating a company from its competitors.

Collaborative Practice in Graphic Design

This module delves into the intricacies of collaborative practice, equipping students with essential skills to thrive in team environments.

Digital Storytelling

As a graphic designer, mastering videography skills opens new avenues for creativity and career opportunities.

Environmental Graphics

Environmental Graphic Design encompasses architecture and design within built environments to communicate information, enhance navigation, and create connection.

Illustrative Design and Technology

Building on from taught technical skills at level 4, students will expand their skill set by delving into illustration, exploring traditional, digital, and AI-assisted tools to enhance design outputs.

Industry Specialist

This module involves investigation into the route to employment in the graphic design industry, enabling students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and readiness to enter graduate roles.

Work Placement

Optional Work Placement (BA only)

Students will gain valuable work experience on a 48-week work placement, an exciting opportunity to put what they have learned into practice, broaden their experience, and demonstrate their abilities to potential employers.

Core Modules (continued)

Inclusive Practice

Meeting the demands of clients from an equality, diversity, and inclusivity perspective, students will carry out an exploration of accessible design principles and best practices.

The Creative Director

Understanding the world of graphic design from a project management perspective, this module focuses on the role of a creative director, the development of creative visions and strategies essential for achieving intended goals.

The Digital Canvas

This module explores the fundamentals and practical applications of graphic design within the context of e-learning.

Screen-based Design

Students will explore the intersection of design aesthetics, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) to create visually engaging graphics for web design purposes.

Visual Identity

Advancing on from ‘Brand Identity and Strategy’ at level 5, students will investigate strategic brand development, sophisticated visual storytelling, and engage in the creation of integrated brand experiences.

Design Project Management

This module is a large-scale, self-directed project based upon a chosen area of specialism within graphic design.

Entry Requirements

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

• A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC.
• T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
• BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM.
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

Graphic Design FdA

• A-levels: An A-level grade profile of DD.
• T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of below a grade C.
• BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP.
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching: The degree programme is delivered through a variety of methods, including theory lectures, demonstrations, practical activities, and reflective learning.
• Assessment: Students will be assessed by a range of methods to encourage the development of a portfolio of work showcasing technical and transferrable skills.

Timetable

• We understand that students need to balance study with work, so wherever possible, lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week.

Tuition Fees for Home Students

• 2024/2025: The full-time fee is £9,250, while the part-time fee is £4,625.
• 2025/2026: The full-time fee will be £9,535, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50.

Tuition Fees for International Students

• 2024/2025: The fee for the academic year will be £14,000.
• 2025/2026: The tuition fee for the course will be £16,000 per year.

Uniform and Kit Costs

• This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £500, depending on the items purchased.

Kick-Start Scheme

• As a new student studying this course full-time, students will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies).

Career Opportunities

• Graphic Designer: Average Salary: £20,000 – £30,000
• Senior Graphic Designer: Average Salary: £45,000
• Web Designer: Average Salary: £32,000
• Digital Designer: Average Salary: £26,000
• Social Media Manager: Average Salary: £25,000 – £32,000
• Multimedia Specialist: £32,000 - £50,000

Work Placements

• A 48-week paid placement opportunity will be provided as part of an optional module and will extend on from Level 5.
• Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for students to gain hands-on industry experience in an area that best suits their career goals.