Program Overview

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Overview

Combine the key areas of graphic design and illustration practice in this broad-based Graphic Design course. Understand design conventions to challenge them, working across print, screen and interactive media. Learn through carefully structured modules taught by supportive, experienced staff. Experience working with clients and solve real production problems through live briefs.

Study Options

• Integrated Foundation Year (UCAS code: W203)
• Professional Placement Year (UCAS code: S168)

Course Structure

Year One

• Design Principles: type and image
• Designing with Time: type and image
• Professional Development 1
• Wicked Problems: The Complexity of Critical Design Thinking

Year Two

• Interactivity with type and image
• Professional Development 2
• Graphic Communication: social good
• Graphic Communication: culture
• Graphic Communication: commerce
• Critical Design Thinking and Contemporary Issues
• Professional Placement Year

Year Three

• Independent Practice 1
• Professional Development 3
• Design Futures: Independent Critical Project
• Independent Practice 2

Opportunities

• Study abroad
• Fieldwork
• Work placements, industry links and internships
• Careers
• Competitions and awards
• Global Citizenship

Facilities and Resources

• Locksbrook campus
• Specialist technical workshops
• Access to studio space
• Resources for workflow and creative practice

Fees

• 2025 entry:
  • UK full time: £9,535
  • UK part time: £4,768
  • International full time: £18,380
• Professional Placement Year:
  • UK: £1,905
  • International: £3,676

Additional Course Costs

• You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits.

Funding Opportunities

• Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.

Entry Requirements

• A Level – grades BBB-BCC including a Grade B in Art and Design or related subject.
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject, or evidence of experience in Art and Design.
• T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of grade 5 in an Art subject at Higher Level.
• Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) together with evidence of experience in Art and Design.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

• IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

• If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

Interview and Portfolio Guidance

• Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to bring a portfolio of creative work to interview at our Locksbrook campus.
• You’ll need to take us through your work; talk about specific projects, the problems you’ve encountered and how you went about solving them.
• We’re particularly interested to see your process of designing and illustrating as much as the final finished projects – research sketchbooks, prototypes, drawings (including life drawings) are important.

Related Courses

• Fine Art
• Interior Design
• Contemporary Arts Practice
• Product Design

Key Facts

• Award: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• School/s: Bath School of Design
• Campus or location: Locksbrook Campus
• Course length: Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
• UCAS codes: Institution Code: B20, Course Code: W200; or S168; or W203, Campus Code: A,BSU