Research Into Universtity

University of the West of England


Course - BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Duration - 3 Years
Entry Requirements -  Minimum 240 points but more importantly you will need to demonstrate a 
good practical ability and understanding of your chosen subject.


This course will enable you to explore the changing concept of graphic design and the role of the
graphic designer in society and the professional world. In its many forms, graphic design makes an increasing contribution to the cultural and economic life of contempo rary society. It exists in the public domain, is an indicator of current cultural thinking and is a catalyst for social, cultural and political change.








Plymouth University


Course - BA (Hons) Graphic Communication with Typography
Duration - 3 Years
Entry Requirements - 240 points

Stage 1

• The foundations of good communication design are laid and basic design principles introduced, as well as typography and its relationship with imagery.
• Set briefs encourage conceptual thinking and experimentation, and risk-taking is encouraged.
• You will use industry-relevant software as well as letterpress and printmaking.

Stage 2

• Communication design principles are expanded and research, critical and presentation skills extended. You will undertake work placements, work on live briefs and enter design competitions.
• Communication design career interests are explored, you have opportunities to study abroad and exhibit your work in the end-of-year exhibition.

Stage 3

• You will undertake self-initiated study relating to design career or postgraduate study interests. Your major project will reflect your passions and ambitions, and you will produce a dissertation.
• There is a choice of award options in: identity and branding, editorial and publishing or information design.
• Your work will feature in the end of year degree show.

At the beginning of stage 3, students can choose from three industry related award options (or stay with the core programme):
• BA (Hons) Graphic Communication with Typography - Identity and Branding
• BA (Hons) Graphic Communication with Typography - Editorial and Publishing
• BA (Hons) Graphic Communication with Typography - Information Design
These focussed options have been specifically designed to reflect the broad nature of graphic design and communication as a profession.








University of Portsmouth


Course - BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Duration - 3 Years
Entry Requirements - 240-300 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent, with 100 points from an A level in an Art & Design subject. Or Foundation Art & Design or National Diploma in Art & Design. All applicants are subject to interview. A portfolio is essential.

Course overview

Graphic designers work across print and screen-based media to solve visual problems. For example, a new corporate identity now has to work not only in print – on a letterhead, poster or van – but also on screen-based media, meaning that motion graphics and interactivity can also be part of the design solution.

Graphic design addresses these cross-media design issues and on our course you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of relevant media and develop conceptual and critical skills to equip you for your future career.

We believe we can offer you a unique programme of study. This course recognises that you are an individual with your own style and abilities and that you need to develop and expand into new areas. It will empower you with the creative skills and knowledge that will enable you to join and contribute to the exciting, dynamic and constantly evolving world of media and design.

Is this course for me?

It is probable that, if you are exploring this type of course, you will have taken art, design or communication-based subjects in the course of your studies and wish to develop them into a career in design practice. That is what we want to help you achieve. Although computers are now essential in graphic design we do not assume any prior experience. We introduce them and their software to you through workshops throughout the programme.

You need the ability to think creatively, a willingness to experiment and take risks and to express your ideas visually using a variety of media. You should also be willing and able to develop your research and writing skills, as these are also an essential part of the course. Above all else, an interest and enthusiasm for graphic design is probably the most important factor.

Bath Spa University

Course - Graphic Communication (Previously graphic Design)
Duration - 3 Years
Entry Requirements - 

Visual communication shapes how we experience the world. The course aims to be a space for active enquiry, challenging design preconceptions and defining the role of the designer in shaping the lives we lead and the world in which we live. We offer a professional education to prepare you for the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary practice, based on an awareness of sustainability: economic viability, social and environmental responsibility.

A convergence of new media forms in contemporary communication design determines the content of the course and the way it is taught. The programme offers a broad curriculum in graphic communication. Crossover teaching and interdisciplinary projects provide an energetic and flexible learning environment for creative synergies, whilst specialist areas of study in graphic design, illustration and interactive design are also encouraged, taught by a team of full-time and visiting tutors, all active practitioners themselves. You'll be encouraged to explore and express your ideas through word, image, concept, media, narrative, text, a process of thinking and making that will fully engage head, heart and hand.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

The course is delivered as a sequence of modules. A broad introduction to visual communication includes drawing, printmaking, photography, design methods, typography, bookbinding and digital media. You'll be encouraged to think visually and analytically, engage with craft processes and put it all to work in exercises and projects. Other key skills will develop your ability to communicate, to work as part of a team, and to take responsibility for your learning. A module in Professional Contexts introduces the range of contemporary professional practice and an awareness of the industry. Historical and critical studies introduce a contextual framework to your work, and a study trip will extend your knowledge of design contexts.

Year 2

You can choose to focus on graphic design, illustration or interactive media, or develop an interdisciplinary approach, working across media. You will begin to negotiate the content of your work with tutors, bringing your own enthusiasms and interests as motivation. There are opportunities to participate in a European Erasmus exchange programme for a semester. A Professional Contexts module includes studio visits, investigating case studies and researching employment possibilities. Near the end of the course, you may choose to double the time and assessment weighting given to historical and critical studies.

Year 3

Independent, self-initiated work forms the basis of the year, supported by specialist tutors and workshops. You are encouraged to find connections between your studio practice and contextual studies, and this component can have double weighting if you so choose. There are opportunities for working on 'live' briefs to provide experience of dealing with commissions and production issues. Professional Contexts studies connect your practice with your professional aspirations and prepare you for employment or further study. The year ends with a public exhibition of work.








University of Gloucestershire



Course - Graphic Design
Duration - 3 Years
Entry Requirements - 280 using the UCAS tariff system

This course is all about ideas, skills and strong industry links.

Designers produce ideas in order to communicate, and the success of any project depends on the strength of the idea and the skill with which it’s executed.

Working in our spacious studios, you’ll have access to computers, printers and the internet in a professional studio environment. You will create ideas for branding, packaging and advertising, along with magazines, books and information design. You’ll also explore digital and moving image and areas of more personal expression and self-authorship.

Through workshops you will learn new skills, explore all areas of the subject and develop your own personality and individuality as a designer. We will expect you to be hard working, ambitious and committed, passionate, curious and enthusiastic to take risks and to acquire knowledge and to express yourself in distinctive and imaginative ways and demonstrate your curiosity, ambition and attitude through your work.