Graphic Design | BA (Hons) Degree
Why this course?
This full-time course has been generated with industry partners and aims to engage you in the development of a rich combination of new and traditional technical and creative skills, preparing you for careers in graphic design and related fields. The campus environment provides an ideal stimulus for the development of your ability, with great scope for cross-media experimentation and fulfilment of live briefs from within the department and from professional studios.
Key features
- Taught by design industry practitioners
- Dedicated Mac suite with up-to-date industry software
- Access to print room, photography studios and 3D craft workshop
View our student work on Instagram
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
See the full list of our creative arts degrees
Course requirements
Each application will be assessed individually, including a review of your grades, interview, portfolio/audition and any experience.
Typical entry requirements are below but offers may vary:
- a relevant A-Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma
In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet our entry requirements, your application may still be considered if you demonstrate additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- related academic or work experience
- the quality of the personal statement
Portfolio and interview
You will also be required to provide a portfolio and interview for this course. Please bring a portfolio to interview, which should include examples of your work, together with any relevant certificates/diplomas.
Entry guide
Entry guide for more information about the range of qualifications we accept (including English language requirements for international students).
Year 1 - The first year centres on gaining knowledge of techniques, ideas and the essentials of the creative process, exploring the many facets of the subject, including digital and interactive platforms.
You will also gain a broad overview of historical and contemporary issues relating to the context of design.
Year 2 - The second year focuses on the professional environment, market awareness and generating the creative and self-management skills necessary for the workplace. Assignments are initiated through a range of industry links, which stimulate ideas, concepts and design solutions with valid outcomes.
These constitute the body of the student portfolio which, alongside employability workshops and web presence, build significant professional profiles.
Year 3 - The third year is designed to develop creative thinking and encourage experimental, collaborative and conceptual work. The focus will be on the development of the student as an individual, capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
Students will work on competition briefs set by industry and work will be sent for judging.
The course includes a programme of visiting speakers.
Students will exhibit their work at the end of the course.
Course aims
- To develop and apply a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a graphic designer’s working practices in the design industries
- To demonstrate an understanding of relevant principles and concepts and make connections which inform own practice and style
- To develop new skills and competencies relevant to the professional working environment or further study
- To demonstrate awareness, creativity and innovation in a professional context
- To conceive ideas for assignments to develop into final pieces ready for production
- To apply knowledge of how to develop an idea or brief into a body of appropriate creative and innovative work
The course aims to give you the opportunity to study across a wide variety of media, processes and disciplines including graphic design, illustration and animation. Our students are creative, talented and dynamic, with an eye for good design and a willingness to experiment with a variety of media.
Course units
Year 1:
- The creative process
- Materials and methods
- Digital design
- Creative research
- Digital design
Year 2:
- Professional practice 1
- Professional practice 2
- Business practice
- Advanced creative research
- Independent project
Year 3:
- Portfolio studies
- Creative research project
- Self promotion
- Final major project
Recent student success
Tim Rackham won the Orion Book Jacket Competition with his design for modern classic novel The Reader.
Video tour of our campus
See students from different courses using the facilities at our creative arts specialist campus
(5-minute video)
Potential careers
- Studio designer (packaging/advertising/publishing/corporate ID and branding)
- Freelance designer
- Web designer
- Advertising and packaging designer
- Visualizer
Alumni news
Alumnus Tim Rackham won the Orion Books Design competition with his design for modern classic The Reader.
Fees, loans and bursaries
Additional course costs
Laptop preferable but not compulsory.
General drawing equipment and sketch books
Open events
Book your placeFees and financial support
See more detailsHow is this course delivered?
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