of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Choose Award
Duration
3 years FT (4 years with placement)
UCAS Code
W202
Placement
48-week placement (optional)
Entry
September
Fees
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Choose Award
Duration
2 years FT
UCAS Code
W211
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Digital design has grown by 138% from 2010. The fastest growing area of the industry accounts for 866,000 jobs, while its workers usually earn around £50,000 per annum
Successful UK businesses and iconic brands such as Virgin, Jaguar Land Rover, O2, Dyson and Diageo all regard design as essential to innovation and market expansion
Developed with industry, this exciting graphic design degree equips students with a whole range of skills they will need to succeed, including typography, photography, web development, digital design and visual communication, simultaneously preparing students to embrace AI technologies and meet the future demands of the industry across the sectors. Learners engage in industry-relevant software such as Creative Cloud and other key tools to explore the principles of design, branding and colour theory to create compelling visuals.
Through collaboration, the curriculum is focused on giving students plenty of real-world experience to enable you to confidently translate concepts into impactful designs and meet client needs. Graduates have a strong foundation in design and are fully prepared to embark on the range of diverse careers available in graphic design.
Why should I choose this course?
- NO EXAMS – If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees in this field, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course and will be assessed through practical assessments and coursework only
- VERSATILE SKILL SET – The degree programme will equip learners with a diverse practical skill set, including the ability to use Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software
- DIVERSE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – Studying this degree will open doors to a wide range of graduate careers, including those within traditional and digital graphic design sectors
- STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES - The University has a diverse range of specialist facilities dedicated to enhancing the learning experience - including our Digital Hub and Editorial Suite
- INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT – Guest speakers and other industry-related opportunities support the delivery of this course to give graphic design students a thorough insight into the broad career opportunities available across every sector
- STRONG PORTFOLIO – Assessment is focused on collaboration and project-based learning so students can build a robust portfolio - an essential tool when seeking opportunities within the design industry
Our facilities
On our graphic design course, you will be taught in our Digital Creative Studio, where you will get the very best hands-on experience and undertake photography and videography tasks for assignment and portfolio development. Within our creative facilities, you will also have access to the most up-to-date and relevant industry software, including the gold standard Creative Cloud software for you to develop your digital design skills.
Our Digital Creative Studio also houses a dedicated teaching lab complete with relevant industry software such as Creative Cloud and ZBrush to enable the development of digital design skills
Course breakdown
Students on the FdA have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 3/4
Core Modules
Creative Workflow
This module encompasses the whole concept development journey, from initial stages to execution. Creative project planning will sit at the forefront, requiring you to apply research skills, seek inspiration to inform creative direction and enhance key transferrable skill sets. You will delve into the world of photography, learning how to master composition, lighting techniques and editing skills to create visual narratives and mixed media designs.
Exploring Innovation and Creative Processes
An exploration into graphic design from a historical and contemporary perspective, analysing how artistic movements and technological advancements have shaped its trajectory. You will explore innovation in design and the application of critical and creative thinking skills to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, key developments will be analysed to deepen understanding of the industry and evolve as a successful creative.
Graphic Design in Advertising
Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to create visually aesthetic advertising campaigns. An understanding of effective brand messaging will be developed in relation to enhancing consumer engagement across diverse advertising platforms. You will learn about the role that graphic design plays within marketing to attract target audiences and create memorable advertising experiences.
Professional Skills for Designers
This module explores the production of design proposals in-depth, enabling you to address the key requirements of client briefs and effective communication to stand out amongst competitors and secure successful design projects. You will hone your ability to capture the attention of clients through persuasive techniques and visual treatments, showcasing high levels of professionalism from initial enquiries to final negotiations.
Techniques in Graphic Design
Through hands-on practice, you will be introduced to fundamental graphic design skills including typographic practices, layout design and composition, equipping you with the key tools required to create concepts with depth and personality. Understanding the principles of design techniques will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills with intentionality and creativity within your practice.
Visual Communication
This module offers a thorough investigation into the design of creative outputs to effectively connect with various stakeholders. Exploring the connection between audiences, products, services and clients will enable learners to develop an understanding of human behaviour and its application within the creation of meaningful design solutions.
Core Modules
Brand Identity and Strategy
Recognising the importance of brand identity and the significance of graphic design practices in separating a company from its competitors. This module provides an opportunity to advance technical skills within the production of key brand design elements to define company personality and target audiences. Learners will consider the impact of colour and accessibility in design to contribute positively to overall brand experience.
Collaborative Practice in Graphic Design
This module delves into the intricacies of collaborative practice, equipping you with essential skills to thrive in team environments. From fostering effective communication to understanding diverse leadership styles, you will learn how to successfully navigate the complexities of group dynamics. The principles of collaboration will be applied through hands-on projects, harnessing the powers of collaboration to deliver impactful design solutions.
Digital Storytelling
As a graphic designer, mastering videography skills opens new avenues for creativity and career opportunities. You will learn how to blend diverse, digital components to create engaging narratives, using industry standard tools to capture and edit video content with integrated graphic design assets. Working within a team will enable to continued enhancement of transferrable skills whilst providing you will the opportunity to engage in creative direction.
Environmental Graphics
Environmental Graphic Design encompasses architecture and design within built environments to communicate information, enhance navigation and create connection. You will explore methods of transforming physical spaces into immersive experiences through the use of graphics, signage and environmental elements. A live exhibition will prepare you for showcasing your work to potential employers and clients, providing you with a valuable real-world experience and networking opportunity.
Illustrative Design and Technology
Building on from taught technical skills at level 4, you will expand your skill set by delving into illustration, exploring traditional, digital and AI-assisted tools to enhance design outputs. Through hands-on practice, you will engage in experimentation and critical analysis to develop a personal illustration style, enabling you to thrive within the ever-evolving landscape of graphic design.
Industry Specialist
This module involves investigation into the route to employment in the graphic design industry, enabling you to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and readiness to enter graduate roles. You will be required to analyse specialists within the industry and skill requirements in order to ensure competitive positioning. There will be emphasis on business startups, leadership, self-promotion and networking to guarantee success as you continue to explore the broad range of opportunities available to you.
Work Placement
Optional Work Placement (BA only)
You will gain valuable work experience on a 48-week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
Core Modules
Inclusive Practice
Meeting the demands of clients from an equality, diversity and inclusivity perspective, you will carry out an exploration of accessible design principles and best practices, with focus on design execution for diverse audiences with equity and inclusivity in mind. Through a combination of theoretical studies, hands-on practice and exploration of real-world case studies, you will develop the knowledge, skills and mindset necessary to produce accessible designs with consideration towards ethics and legal requirements.
The Creative Director
Understanding the world of graphic design from a project management perspective. This module focuses on the role of a creative director, the development of creative visions and strategies essential for achieving intended goals. You will explore the impact of creative collaboration, effective leadership and management techniques in pursuit achieving greater team productivity and success.
The Digital Canvas
This module explores the fundamentals and practical applications of graphic design within the context of e-learning. You will learn how to effectively use graphic design techniques to create engaging, interactive and visually appealing e-learning materials. Through investigation into best practices and underpinning theoretical concepts, you will develop the skills necessary to design visual elements for online learning environments.
Screen-based Design
You will explore the intersection of design aesthetics, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) to create visually engaging graphics for web design purposes. Your proficiency in applying industry software and tools will be enhanced, and you will develop the skills necessary to design and test assets to enhance user engagement and increase conversion rates.
Visual Identity
Advancing on from ‘Brand Identity and Strategy’ at level 5, you will investigate strategic brand development, sophisticated visual storytelling and engage in the creation of integrated brand experiences. You will carry out in-depth industry analysis, enabling you to master complex designs, explore trend forecasting and create impactful visual campaigns for niche audiences.
Design Project Management
This module is a large scale, self-directed project based upon a chosen area of specialism within graphic design. You will engage in self-reflection within the development of a professional portfolio, demonstrating the ability to project manage, problem-solve and carry out experimental practice. You will conduct in-depth research to inform design choices and ensure alignment with industry requirements and contemporary trends.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Graphic Design FdA
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of DD.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points
International students
For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
Teaching
The degree programme is delivered through a variety of methods, including theory lectures, demonstrations, practical activities and reflective learning. You will have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers and industry professionals to develop knowledge and enhance your technical skill set. Independent study and research will ensure you have an interactive and personalised learning experience.
You will be assessed by a range of methods to encourage the development of a portfolio of work showcasing technical and transferrable skills. These will include, but will not be limited to, reflective practice, reports, essays, presentations, practical skills exhibitions, collaborative projects, digital designs and case studies.
Example of a typical teaching week (up to 16 contact hours):
- Small group teaching – 8–10 hours
- Large group teaching – 3-4 hours
- Tutorials – 1–2 hours
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:
- Coursework – 72%
- Practical assessment – 28%
Demonstration of practical ability will be assessed through a range of coursework and practical assessment methods.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Timetable
We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be £9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50 per year.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
In 2025/26, the tuition fee for the [Band 1] course will be £16,000 per year.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £500, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
"The Graphic Design programme offers an exciting opportunity to develop a diverse set of technical skills and a deep understanding of underpinning theory, all aligned with contemporary industry requirements. You will be equipped to tackle real-world design challenges and excel in a creative and innovative career.”
70%
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate.
A 48-week paid placement opportunity will be provided as part of an optional module and will extend on from Level 5. This will be available for BA (Hons) students only (this doesn't include students topping up from FdA to BA (Hons). Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you to gain hands-on industry experience in an area that best suits your career goals.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Graphic designer
Average Salary: £20,000 – £30,000
Senior graphic designer
Average Salary: £45,000
Web designer
Average Salary: £32,000
Digital designer
Average Salary: £26,000
Social media manager
Average Salary: £25,000 – £32,000
Multimedia specialist
£32,000 - £50,000
Campus and facilities
Take a look at our fast growing campus and facilities, all developed with real industry in mind to enhance your student experience.
