Graphic Design

Program Overview

---

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Overview

Develop your own visual style and specialism on this BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree. With typography at the core, you’ll learn the research, digital and professional skills you need to succeed as an innovative graphic designer.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

W210, W211

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

Study Mode and Duration:

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement
• 4 years with foundation year
• 5 years sandwich with foundation year and work placement

Start Date:

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

On this BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree, you’ll develop your own visual style, with an emphasis on developing your confidence applying digital and traditional design skills. We have an exceptional list of professional connections gained from our industry-active, research-led teaching staff.

With opportunities to specialise in your area of interest and win awards from prestigious graphic design bodies, you’ll build an inspiring design profile that no employer can resist.

Graphic design is a cornerstone of many industries, so you'll have lots of career options after graduation. If you want to start in web design, advertising, branding, and other media, or advance to a Master's: now is your time to explore.

Course Highlights

• Show your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualification
• Hone vital design techniques – including screen printing, letterpress, laser cutting and dye sublimation printing – using our specialist facilities
• Get your talent recognised by entering international competitions by renowned organisation Design and Art Direction (D&AD), the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (RSA), and the South West Digital Design Awards (SWDDA)
• Elevate your professional profile by becoming a member of the esteemed International Society of Typographic Designers (iSTD)
• Impress future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Show
• Experience the graphic design profession by taking a one-year placement – either with a company or by setting up your own
• Connect with companies and communities by taking part in events like the Dyson Challenge Week
• Opt to do a foundation year with ICP to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

Careers and Opportunities

With the skills and knowledge you gain from this course, you can work across a variety of creative industries. In 15 months after graduating, 90% of Graphic Design graduates have already started work or are pursuing further studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019), so you'll be in excellent company.

Areas you could work in include magazine design publishing, branding and design, advertising, web design, and TV and film. You could also set up your own business, work as a freelancer, or go on to postgraduate study.

Graduate Destinations

Companies and studios our graduates have worked at include:

• Why Not Associates
• Aardman Digital
• The Light Surgeons
• Fitch
• 4IV
• Rubrik
• FHM Magazine

Graduate Startups

Some businesses our graduates have started up include:

• Territory Studio
• Bright Agency
• Debut Art
• Strong Island
• MWM Creative
• Lethal Creative Studio
• iLoveDust

Modules

Year 1

• Create, Transform and Promote (40 credits)
• Principles of Design (40 credits)
• Research and Development (40 credits)

Year 2

• Professional Practice - Design Studio Practice (20 credits)
• User Experience Design (20 credits)
• Editorial Design (20 credits)
• Ethical Design (20 credits)

Year 3

• Major Project in Graphic Design - Research and Development (20 credits)
• Major Project in Graphic Design - Resolution and Presentation (20 credits)
• Professional Practice - Design Briefs and Competitions (20 credits)
• Professional Practice - Independent Design Practice (20 credits)
• Visual Culture: Exploratory Practice (20 credits)
• Professional Practice - Promotion and Employability (20 credits)

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• group critique
• seminars
• individual tutorials

There’s an emphasis on practical sessions, a strong studio culture and developing a creative atmosphere that will inspire you.

How You'll Spend Your Time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Academic skills tutors
• Creative skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 start)

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students: £9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
• International students: £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

Additional Course Costs

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Extra printing and production costs
• Study trips

Apply

To start BA (Hons) Graphic Design in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – W210
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

To start BA (Hons) Graphic Design with a Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – W211
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

• Apply direct for September 2025 entry.

Please note this foundation year with ICP isn't currently open to EU or International students.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Other Courses You Might Like

• BA Hons Illustration
• BA Hons Animation
• BA Hons Interior Architecture and Design