四不像论坛

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Graphic Design BA Honours

Unleash your creativity in the heart of London's thriving graphic design scene. Begin your creative career with expert guidance, strong industry connections, and like-minded individuals

A diverse team collaborating on a project, brainstorming ideas and working together towards a common goal.

Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry

How to apply
Code
W210
Attendance
Full-time
Start
September 2025
Fees
£9,250 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Leader
Claire Lewis
Study mode
On campus
Location
Hendon campus
Entry Requirements
112 UCAS points
Placement year
Yes
School / Department
School of Design
Currently Reading: Course overview
Course overview

Why choose Graphic Design BA at 四不像论坛?

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. Our graphic design degree prepares you for an exciting career that can take you on many diverse paths.

Our highly knowledgeable staff will guide you to develop your own creative voice. You'll embrace the recent advancements, developments, and changes taken by the creative industries.

We'll provide technical support to develop your skills using our cutting-edge facilities. These include design workshops such as photographic studios, print rooms and an extensive art and design library.

You will be part of a vibrant community of creatives. Taking part in study trips to London's art galleries and design studios. And our north London location means that you’re able to explore your interests in this design-minded city.

We host regular guest lecturers so you can learn from leading industry professionals. Past lectures have included designers from Media Arts Lab, Futerra, Graphic Thought Facility, Penguin and the BBC. Many of these consistent connections to industry and London result in invaluable work placements and live briefs.

What you will gain

The BA Graphic Design course offers a comprehensive study of materials, processes, and technologies crucial for creating and presenting graphic design work. It emphasises design fundamentals, specialist practices, socially responsible design, and provides opportunities to explore areas including design for change, editorial design, user experience (UX) and interface (UI) design, brand identity, motion graphics. Emphasis is placed on developing a professional portfolio and mastering both print and digital media techniques. 

What you will learn

On the course you will acquire essential industry skills, mastering practical and technical abilities in traditional and digital graphic design. You will create professional-quality work in branding, typography, layout, and conceptualisation. Adapting to new technologies, you'll innovate to meet industry demands and communicate effectively through a variety of media. You will learn how to manage projects effectively to meet deadlines and maintain professional standards. You'll also develop skills to critically analyse your work and use different techniques to create and present graphics.

The course will equip you with a wide range of employable skills that are highly valued in the industry. Some of the key employable skills you can expect to gain from this course include:

  • The principles of graphic design and visual communication
  • Digital proficiency: you will gain proficiency in using various digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and other software applications
  • The development of your creative skills and the ability to learn how to generate unique and innovative design solutions to meet client needs
  • The development of effective communication skills, including presenting ideas and concepts to clients and working collaboratively with other team members
  • Learning how to identify problems and create solutions that meet the needs of clients and target audiences
  • Time management: you will develop skills in managing your time effectively and meeting project deadlines.

Global experiences at 四不像论坛

We offer unique global experiences which could include studying part of your degree abroad and doing a placement or volunteering in another country, as well as many international opportunities in London. You'll build your cultural awareness and understanding and get a competitive edge in the job market. You may even qualify for grant funding under the Turing Scheme. Find out more about how studying at 四不像论坛 will increase your global experience.

 

3 great reasons to pick this course

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Student satisfaction

90% of students were positive about the level of support from teaching staff – National Student Survey 2023

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Wide range of specialist graphic design equipment

You will have open access to fully staffed studios and workshops with expert support to help develop your work as well as print rooms and photography facilities on-site

design_services

Recent graduates

Work for magazine publishers, design consultants, advertising agencies and media providers all over the world including the BBC, Stylist, Penguin, Amazon, Pentagram, Interbrand, Imagination, 20/20, JKR, Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett.

四不像论坛 your course

四不像论坛 your course

Year 1 Overview

As you start your degree course at 四不像论坛, the first year gives you an opportunity to explore and experiment with a wide range of approaches to graphic design. The first year is designed to build your foundational knowledge of typography – the art of working with text which underpins all areas of graphic design practice. You will also engage with a range of media and design skills, from photography to digital illustration, from printmaking to design thinking. Divided into four modules, projects are designed to encourage experimentation and hands-on making, with a focus on the design process, as much as final outcomes. You are invited to think critically about your work by engaging with a range of design ideas, both contemporary and historical.

Year 2 Overview

The second year is a stepping stone towards developing your skills, knowledge and identity as a professional designer. Building on key design skills developed in the first year, you will be pushed to strengthen your ability to problem-solve and develop effective design solutions to a range of experimental as well as live briefs. Working across specialist subject areas, such as advertising, editorial design, moving image, branding, and interactive or web design. You are also encouraged to start developing your own creative language and distinctive design skills. In this year you will make a shift towards independent learning and professional practice, preparing you for your future career while still experimenting with your design and growing your critical thinking.

Year 3 Overview

In your final year of study, you will concentrate on solving visual communication problems to a professional standard and develop an individual portfolio. Using the skills and knowledge developed in your first and second year, you'll develop self-initiated projects that push the boundaries of graphic design both in terms of your conceptual thinking and visual style. In addition to your Final Major Project, you'll engage with a range of projects and briefs in branding, publishing, publicity, advertising, retail, and interactive media, as well as internationally recognised creative industry competitions. This allows you to develop a rich and diverse portfolio of work, and prepares you for a future career in the industry.

BA Graphic Design at 四不像论坛 is known for its exceptional facilities and studios, which allow you to develop design skills to the highest level. Supported by staff with in-depth knowledge in specialist areas of graphic design – from editorial design and typography to advertising or web design – you are given the tools needed to enhance your learning.

You will be able to develop skills in letterpress, risograph, screen-printing or photography, as well as digital skills through the use of specialist software and technology. You will be guided by staff and technicians, while also using the specialist facilities independently to develop projects and studio briefs to the highest professional standard.

Modules

The course equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the materials, processes, and technologies essential for graphic design creation and presentation. It cultivates awareness of the historical and social contexts influencing graphic design practices, fostering a culturally informed perspective. By promoting inclusive and collaborative learning environments, the course nurtures responsible and independent practitioner's adept at navigating diverse career paths, while enabling you to develop a broad range of transferable skills and approaches. You will be exposed to a range of specialist graphic design practices and disciplinary areas, facilitating broad exploration and skill acquisition. The course encourages engagement in graphic design for social good, addressing environmental, cultural, and social challenges. Additionally, it promotes conceptual thinking, experimental approaches, and critical reflection throughout idea generation, processes, and techniques, cultivating you in

This module develops your abilities in industry-relevant communication tasks or assets related to illustration or graphic design or fashion communication and styling or advertising, public relations and branding or digital media.

It will equip you with a range of digital and/or analogue practices, analytical approaches and tools by which to create, curate, direct and produce content required to deliver impactful communications achieving the required objectives. The module also encourages the exploration of individual style through a series of introductory projects and to explore possible career trajectories in the creative industries.

This module introduces you to design disciplines, such as design thinking, life drawing, digital design, moving image, video editing, photography, design for print, and styling. Through hands-on exploration, you will develop a diverse set of practical and technical skills applicable across different design fields, focusing on process, production, and presentation. You will engage with the latest tools, technologies and processes enabling you to develop adaptability and technological agility. You will learn the skills, knowledge and literacies needed to thrive in this environment. Also, you will learn to critically evaluate the design processes and develop appropriate solutions to communication briefs, resulting in project-specific outcomes that demonstrate your creativity and proficiency in design. 

This module encourages innovation through the exploration of design methods and cultivate conceptual thinking and creative confidence. It will enable you to generate creative ideas adept at addressing diverse communication challenges. Emphasis on visual communication ensures that you will understand the principles of design across various formats. Through hands-on exploration, you will learn to respond imaginatively and effectively to given design briefs by sourcing reference material, applying technical skills, and developing skills in experimentation and reflection.

This module introduces you to the position of illustration, design, brands, and media in contemporary society and issues of equality and responsible production and consumption. It fosters critical understanding of images, texts, and objects in various contexts.

This module extends and deepens your understanding of the relationship between your developing practice and the practices that have developed at other times and at other places. Additionally, it equips you with transferable skills for autonomous learning at degree level encouraging exploration of theory and practice fostering independent research and reflective practice. Engagement with academic and contemporary media resources will enable you to develop critical and practical vocabularies in preparation for the second and third years of your degree. 

The module teaches graphic design principles and practical skills through engaging briefs, preparing you for real-world challenges. 

This module will: 

  • Provide opportunities for you to apply design skills through design briefs, ensuring a hands-on and practical learning experience 
  • Foster a creative mindset essential for success in contemporary design practice 
  • Enhance your proficiency in design fundamentals, including branding, typography, layout, and conceptual thinking, emphasising their relevance in design practice 
  • Develop your skills in deadline management and effective presentation techniques through practical design projects.

Through practical projects and guided workshops this module provides a platform for you to experiment with different disciplines, fostering your growth and development as you navigate towards their individual specialisations. 

This module will: 

  • Cultivate individual approaches to visual communication and exploration of diverse graphic design disciplines 
  • Encourage the identification of broad areas of interest for potential specialisation within the field 
  • Develop specialist skills necessary for effective work in various creative workshop areas 
  • Introduce you to emerging technologies shaping the future of graphic design, fostering adaptability and innovation. 

Instilling social responsibility and forward-thinking design concepts in, this module emphasises design's role in shaping positive societal and environmental impacts and empowers you to become agents of change in the industry. 

This module will: 

  • Foster social responsibility and forward-thinking design approaches 
  • Investigate the positive impact of design on society and promote ethical design practices that contribute to social and environmental well-being 
  • Encourage exploration of various design futures, encompassing social design, sustainable design, inclusive design and ethical design. 

This module focuses on fostering professional skills and enhancing employability. 

The module will: 

  • Integrate you into the design industry, fostering professional practice, and emphasising employability skills 
  • Provide you with opportunities to engage with real-world design projects and industry professionals 
  • Equip you with effective communication, collaboration, and project management skills essential for successful professional practice 
  • Introduce you to diverse career paths within the graphic design industry, promoting a comprehensive understanding of potential roles and opportunities. 

This module fosters critical thinking, creativity, and theoretical engagement in graphic design through practical activities, to refine your skills, translate concepts into designs, develop proposals, and gain autonomy and confidence in navigating the field. 

This module will:  

  • Empower you to deepen your understanding and refine skills within specific areas of interest in graphic design whether physical, digital or both  
  • Emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and theoretical engagement in exploring subject-specific interests  
  • Cultivate advanced practical and theoretical skills through activities centred on experimentation, refinement, finishing and design proficiency 
  • Foster critical inquiry and research skills for broadening theoretical understanding in chosen subject areas of graphic design, including the development of project proposals. 

This module provides an opportunity to deepen expertise and specialisation within specific areas of graphic design, such as branding, moving image, UI/UX and emerging technologies.  

The module will: 

  • Support the extension of your complement of specialist skills in graphic design and visual communication to pursue creative problem-solving projects 
  • Foster advanced technical proficiency and creative innovation 
  • Nurture the development of individual graphic design styles to meet industry and postgraduate study standards. 

This module will equip you with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional mindset necessary for success in the fast-paced and competitive world of graphic design. 

The module will: 

  • Prepare you for the demands of professional practice in the field of graphic design 
  • Develop professional skills through practical activities and real-world projects 
  • Enhance your ability to communicate effectively with clients, manage project timelines, and deliver high-quality design solutions that respond to client feedback 
  • Provide opportunities to participate in design competitions and expand their professional networks. 

This module focuses on guiding you through your major project, encouraging reflection and critical evaluation to extract insights, develop strong design skills, and prepare you for success in the graphic design industry. 

The module will: 

  • Enable you to reflect on your learning journey and demonstrate your skills and creativity through a final major project 
  • Encourage critical evaluation of your final major project to identify key lessons learned and insights gained 
  • Guide you in conceiving, planning, and executing a final major project showcasing understanding of design principles, techniques, and concepts 
  • Foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication through design 
  • Equip you with the readiness to enter the professional world of graphic design, equipped with skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a competitive industry.

To find out more about this course, please download the Graphic Design BA course specification (PDF).

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Teaching and learning

Teaching

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

You will work in small groups alongside tutors and technicians who will support you with your projects in specialist studios equipped with everything you need as a Graphic Design student. The programme is structured into two semesters, with each semester comprising two 30-credit modules. Each module includes 6 hours of contact teaching per week, meaning you will attend classes up to three days a week, with additional expectations for independent learning. 

The curriculum is taught in a range of engaging and interactive ways, including introductory sessions on design principles, emerging technologies, and contemporary trends.

There will be practical projects focusing on real-world applications; seminars for discussions, case studies, and analysis of design concepts; and hands-on workshops for practical skill application. Additionally, the course is taught through project-based learning with peer feedback sessions and by independent study time for research, exploring design trends, and developing creative ideas autonomously. 

You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
  • 6 hours of teaching per module across 3 days.

Each of the 4 modules per year has: 72 hours of teaching and 228 hours of independent study.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Assessment is an integral part of learning, manifested both as grades and as feedback, and regular evaluation and critical review of your project work is as much a part of your learning process as seminars, workshops and project tutorials. You will receive feedback on all submitted or presented work, and you will be encouraged to reflect on and learn from it.  
 
The assessment of a piece of work can be either formative or summative.  
 
Formative assessment is developmental in nature and is intended to provide a constructive commentary on your performance and how it can be improved and is a key part of the learning process. It is normally given throughout the learning process, using various forms of feedback such as verbal, written, peer which may include an indicative grading against the project assessment criteria.  
 
Summative assessment is evaluative in nature and provides a measure of the extent to which you have achieved the intended learning outcomes of a project or a module. 

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

Constructive feedback from staff will be given in the form of an assessment sheet or an audio recording, which will be given to you once your project has been assessed. It will usually provide comments and suggestions under a number of headings, so you can see clearly which were felt to be the strong aspects of your work and where it was thought to be capable of improvement.

Four students walking through the Hendon campus

North London campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

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Facilities and support

Course facilities

The facilities, studios and workshops at our £18 million purpose-built Art and Creative Industries teaching spaces are recognised as amongst the best in the country. With a wide range of specialist equipment, software, and digital media equipment.

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The Special Collections

The Special Collections are held in the Materials Room in the Sheppard Library.

Learn more
The Fine BA honours art studio with students drawing and painting on canvases and white walls
The Art Studio
A student holding a piece of paper over a giant printing machine
Print Making Workshop
A student printing a large piece of paper with art work on it
Printing equipment
Students drawing in the art studio
Life drawing workshop
Photography-Studios where a student is taking a picture of another student
Photography studios
Three students in a store with one behind a counter serving the other two
Media Store

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether 四不像论坛 is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our 四不像论坛 Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. .

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our 四不像论坛 Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Careers

Careers

How can the Graphic Design BA support your career?

Our Graphic Design degree has an excellent reputation within the design industry and has very strong links with 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 design agencies, organisations and other employers also attend our final year degree show each year.

Graduate employers

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, including the BBC, Stylist, Penguin, Amazon, Pentagram, Interbrand, Imagination, 20/20, JKR, Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett.

Graduate job roles

Upon completing a BA in Graphic Design, graduates will possess core specialist and transferable skills necessary for a successful career in Graphic Design.  

Graduates will be employable in a range of roles including: 

  • Graphic Designer 
  • Art Director 
  • Web Designer 
  • User Interface/Experience (UI/UX) Designer 
  • Motion Graphics Designer 
  • Environmental Graphic Designer 
  • Interaction Designer 
  • Information Designer 
  • Social Media/Content Designer 

Successful students have gone on to work at prestigious organisations such as the BBC, Google, and Media Arts Lab, as well as starting their own design agencies.  

We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Further study? You can go on study courses such as our Masters in Graphic Design, Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels and Photography.

四不像论坛works

Our employability service, 四不像论坛works will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

四不像论坛celerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

At 四不像论坛, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. And how we can support you to succeed in your future career. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.

Qualifications

A Levels
BBC
BTEC
DMM
Access requirements
Overall pass in a relevant subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
Combinations
A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 UCAS Tariff points

We accept T Levels for entry onto this course (and our extended courses with a foundation year) with GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.

We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.

Portfolio

Entry onto this course requires a review of your portfolio. For more information please see the Portfolio tab.

Transfer courses?

If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have completed terms at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how to transfer courses.

Mature students (over 21)

You can apply at any age, even without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

Foundation year

If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Visual Arts Foundation course to help you prepare for the full degree?

We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

  • Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
  • Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
  • Work placements and networking with top London employers
  • Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.

Qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.

Portfolio

We will ask you to share with us your portfolio of work as part of your application. Here are some interview tips, advice on portfolio preparation and portfolio guidance.

After you have applied, we will send you a link for you to submit your portfolio online via the applicant portal.

Please apply via  using this UCAS code B400.

Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.

Personal Statement

Find out how to make a an effective personal statement.

Interviews

You won't be required to interview for this course. 

A diverse team collaborating on a project, brainstorming ideas and working together towards a common goal.

Portfolio Tips

Fees and funding

Fees

The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

  • Your art materials, for example, a portfolio. (around £100 per year)
  • Optional field trips (approx. £200)

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • 四不像论坛 Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our 四不像论坛 Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

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Unistats information

Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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