Study BSc (Hons) in Graphic Design in the UK
Visual communication through graphic design touches and shapes many aspects of modern life. From mobile apps and interactive posters to pop-up shows and global branding – graphic design is everywhere. Graphic design degrees prepare you for an exciting career that can take you on many diverse paths.
Our course embraces the recent advancements, developments, and changes undergone by the creative industries. You’ll be challenged to develop your own creative voice with guidance from our staff and support from state-of the-art facilities. During your studies you’ll have access to photographic studios, an extensive art and design library, dark rooms, workshops with technical support, and much more.
We have excellent industry links and many of our students undertake work placements at top design companies.
Project work will feature as part of your study from the first year to help you learn to communicate your ideas. You’ll do this through a series of problem-solving tasks in branding, typography, magazine design, editorial design, advertising, art direction, and plenty more. You’ll work on briefs that closely mirror the professional world, getting transferable experience from the very start.
Course Overview
During the first year, you will be introduced to the diversity of the study area and the breadth of approaches to solving graphic design problems. You will explore research, thinking and communication skills to develop sound working methods, using logical and structured approaches to identify and solve graphic design problems. You will discover the creative and communications potential of typography, and the breadth and diversity of historical and contemporary practice in graphic design.
The focus shifts in your second year to problem solving in context and exploring different media. The projects will enable you to investigate the potential of format and structure, analysing complex information to come up with imaginative visual communication solutions.
For your final year of study you will concentrate on solving visual communication problems to a professional standard and developing an individual portfolio. There are opportunities for students to participate in student award competitions; extend their range of specialist skills in graphic design and visual communication; and pursue creative problem solving projects, self directed projects and graphic authorship utilising production and presentation to a professional level. You will develop an individual graphic design style and a working methodology. Throughout the year your knowledge and skills will be deepened and extended through a choice of briefs in branding, publishing, publicity, advertising, retail, interactive media, internationally recognised creative industry competitions and a self-initiated project.
Entry Requirements
We will consider all applications on their individual merit; successful applicants should demonstrate suitability, dedication and fitness for their chosen programme of study. All candidates are asked to submit evidence of previous production and creative practice, normally presented as a portfolio. As far as possible, students are invited to attend for interview and will be offered the opportunity to view the facilities and meet appropriate staff and students. Where prior qualifications are not available; applicants with appropriate experience will be assessed on the evidence of their commitment and the quality of their portfolio.
UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.
Academic credit for previous study or experience
If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university.
International Visas and immigration
You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.
English language requirements for international students
You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components).
Fees & Scholarships
The fees below refer to the 2020/21 academic year unless otherwise stated.
UK/EU students*
Full-time students: £9,250
Part-time students: £77 per credit
International students*
Full-time students: £13,400
Part-time students: £112 per credit
Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.
Careers & Job Prospects
Our Graphic Design degree has an excellent reputation within the design industry and has very strong links with art and design employers. Many of our students undertake placements at top design companies in their second year and our industry partners support us with live projects and give visiting lectures. Hundreds of art and design agencies, organisations and other employers also attend our final year degree show each year.
Graduating from this course opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Recent graduates work for magazine publishers, design consultants, advertising agencies and media providers all over the world.
