Graphic Design BA Degree Course at University

Program Overview

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Graphic Design

BA (Hons)

Attendance

Full-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

3 years

UCAS Code

W210

Delivery

In-person

Foundation year available

Placement option

Our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course focuses on creative problem solving. You'll develop your graphic design skills through both print and digital media.

Course Description

Our long-running Graphic Design course has consistently stood for excellence in design. We are recognised for our relevance to industry and employability.

You’ll have access to fantastic facilities. Including Mac suites loaded with the latest industry software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.

Every year we hold a Design Conference Week featuring various national and international guest speakers. From all areas of graphic design, branding, advertising, illustration, media and digital design.

Why Study with Us

• 2nd in the North West for NSS teaching
• 3rd in the North West for overall score
• 1st in the North West for student satisfaction
• Graphic design students have accumulated over 200 major industry awards and commendations over the past 20 years.
• We have strong links with industry and you’ll benefit from placement opportunities. Many of our students spend a year working in top agencies in the North West, London or even overseas.
• Every year our students win prestigious awards at national and international competitions. For example, D&AD (Design and Art Direction), YCN (Young Creative Network) and Creative Conscience.

Modules

Year 1

• Design Context 1
• Creative Thinking
• Communication Craft Skills
• Introduction to Graphic Communication

Year 2

• Design Context 2
• Professional Practice
• Graphic Communication in Context
• Applied Graphic Design

Year 3

• Design Context 3
• External Project
• Graphic Design Set Project
• Graphic Design Self-initiated project

Entry Requirements

• UCAS: 96 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD
• Pass Access Course: 96 UCAS points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96 points from Higher Level subjects
• T Level: P (C+)
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
• Applicants are required to submit a portfolio for consideration.

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year
• International: £17,325 per year
• Placement year: £1,623 for the placement year

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Financial support package

Learning and Assessment

We believe in nurturing creativity through shared experience. By creating a friendly, creative studio atmosphere and leaving the ‘classroom’ behind. You’ll be able to flourish in an environment that’s designed to support and encourage you.

In your first year, you’ll learn about idea generation. While developing a strong creative and competitive dynamic as you learn.

Throughout the course, you’ll generate ideas for a wide range of graphic design applications. Covering both digital and print platforms. These will include typography, branding, advertising, packaging, editorial, moving image and digital design concepts.

We’ll set briefs that stimulate creative thinking and encourage risk-taking, each brief sets out a specific design problem. You’ll learn through lectures, group seminars, practical demonstrations and one-to-one tutorials followed by guided self-study.

We have an ongoing programme of guest speakers who add a further dimension to this course. Keeping you informed about the latest developments in the industry. Once a year we hold a Conference Week with various guest speakers from all areas of Graphic Design, Advertising and Illustration.

In your final year, you’ll get to exhibit your work at our end of year Degree Show, which is open to the public every June.

We also offer you the chance to undertake a placement in industry. Many of our students spend a year working in top agencies across London and the North West. The experience will accelerate your learning and boost your career prospects.

Assessment is based on 100% coursework.