| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
About our foundation years
Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...
- are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
- are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
- are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
- are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you
Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.
Visual Communication BA (Hons)
Overview
Ranked first in London for "Learning Opportunities" (NSS 2023), our BA (Hons) Visual Communication programme takes you on a seamless journey through graphic design and illustration. We encourage experimental thinking and working with others to explore graphic design and illustration.
Course options
- Degree
- UCAS code: W
- UCAS points: 112
- Duration: 3/4 years
- Tuition fees: £9,535 per year (Home Applicant, Full-time)
- Degree with foundation year
- UCAS code: W22664
- UCAS points: 64
- Duration: 4/5 years
- Tuition fees: £9,535 per year (Home Applicant, Full-time)
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
- 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification listed on the UCAS tariff calculator, including:
- A Levels in at least two subjects
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- BTEC Diploma DD
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Levels
- International Baccalaureate – 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level
- GCSE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
- GCSE Mathematics Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics
International Qualifications
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications.
English Language requirements
- IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
Portfolio requirements
A portfolio is required and should be relevant to this course.
Fees, funding and additional costs
Fees
- UK/Home students: £9,535 per year
- International students: £15,560 per year
Funding
- Government funding
- UEL funding
- External funding
Additional costs
- Textbooks
- Computer equipment
- Printing
- Travel
- Personal laptops and other personal devices
- Personal copies of books
- Optional study visits and field trips
- Costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.
Course modules
Foundation Year
- Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth)
- Art & Design Workshops, Processes & Skills
- Art & Design Studio Practice & Portfolio
- Art & Design Specialist Workshops, Processes & Skills
- Art & Design Specialist Studio Practice & Portfolio
- Art & Design Contextual Studies
Year 1
- Contextual Studies 1
- Practice 1
- Experimentation and Application 1A
- Experimentation and Application 1B
- Research into Practice 1
- Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth)
Year 2
- Contextual Studies 2
- Practice 2
- Advanced Experimentation and Applications
- Advanced Practice
- Research into Practice 2
- Professional Life 2 (Mental Wealth)
Optional Placement
- This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three.
Year 3
- Practice 3
- Research into Practice 3 – Extended Research Project
- Research into Practice 3 – Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation
- Independent Major Project Part A
- Independent Major Project Part B
- Professional Life 3 (Mental Wealth)
Your future career
Our visual communication alumni may work in-house for a large company or in a specialist design studio, run their own business, or be self-employed across a variety of industries.
Industry links
We have links with Blind Pig, a multidisciplinary creative studio.
Graduate employers
Our visual communication graduates have gone to work for employers such as SPOT Project, the University of East London, HFW (Holman Fenwick Willan LLP), Dawson Group and Fiver.
Job roles
Career destinations for our design students include:
- Design interaction
- Interaction designer
- Information architect
- User Experience (UX) designer
- User Interface (UI) designer
- Web designer
- App designer
- Designer/ developer
- Content strategist
- AR/VR designer
- Exhibition designer
- Artist
Further study
You could go on to further study and do an MA in Fine Art, Filmmaking, Creative Enterprise or Media and Communication Industries.
How we support your career ambitions
We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking.
Career Zone
This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:
- Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
- Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
- 1-2-1 career coaching services
- Careers workshops and employer events
- Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight
Mental Wealth programme
Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme which issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered.
How you'll learn
You will benefit from our progressive approach to learning through forward thinking and inclusive blended/ flipped learning and patchwork assessment.
How you'll be assessed
Each module has a duration of 12 weeks (one term) and always concludes with an assessment point.
Campus and facilities
Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
Who teaches this course
This course is delivered by the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering.
Official student data from Discover Uni
The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
- 85% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
- 98% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
- 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course
What our students and staff say
Graphic Design at UEL offers everyone a chance to operate in an economy which is moving further and further into the realms of the creative industries.
Joe Pleass
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
UEL's graphic design course embodies the philosophies of past pioneers in the context of today's graphic design and its advancement. Here it seems we are at the epicentre of creating ideas that will move, influence and shape the world.
Temidayo Kolawole
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Related courses
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation
University of East London
Overview:
University of East London (UEL) is a public university located in London, United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. UEL is known for its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.
Services Offered:
Study:
UEL offers a comprehensive range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeships, and clearing options. They also provide advice for mature learners and offer a variety of subjects and schools.Visit UEL:
The university hosts undergraduate open days and provides information about its location.Student Information:
UEL offers resources for current and new students, including information on student life, accommodation, term dates, fees and funding, and scholarships.International:
UEL provides support for international students, including advice for their region, pre-degree courses, visa and immigration advice, and pre-sessional English programs.Your Career:
UEL offers career services, including career coaching and mentoring, opportunities to meet employers, and resources for volunteering and work while studying.Partners:
UEL collaborates with various partners, including businesses and organizations, to provide opportunities for students and staff.Our Research:
UEL conducts research across various disciplines and offers postgraduate research programs.About:
UEL provides information about its schools and subjects, governance, professional services, vision, alumni, and sustainability initiatives.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context provides information about student life at UEL, highlighting the vibrant campus environment and the support available to students. It mentions the university's commitment to providing a positive and inclusive learning experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong focus on practical skills and real-world experience:
UEL emphasizes practical learning and provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and other initiatives.Supportive and inclusive learning environment:
UEL is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.Vibrant campus life:
UEL offers a range of student activities, clubs, and societies, providing opportunities for students to connect with others and develop their interests.Excellent career support:
UEL provides comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that UEL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It also highlights the university's commitment to research and its involvement in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Other:
The context mentions that UEL is celebrating a Year of Science in 2024. It also highlights the university's strong performance in the National Student Survey (NSS), ranking 3rd nationally for overall student positivity and top 10 in Teaching, Learning Opportunities, Assessments and Feedback.
