Key information
UCAS code:
W210
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
On this BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree, you鈥檒l develop your own visual identity, with a distinct typography emphasis and professional connections gained from our industry-active, research-led teaching staff. With opportunities to specialise in your area of interest and win awards from prestigious graphic design bodies, you鈥檒l build an inspiring design profile that no employer can resist.
Graphic design is a cornerstone of many industries, so you'll have lots of career options after graduation. If you want to start in web design, advertising, branding, and other media, or advance to a Master's: now is your time to explore.
Course highlights
- Hone vital design techniques 鈥 including screen printing, letterpress, laser cutting and dye sublimation printing 鈥 using our specialist facilities
- Get your talent recognised by entering international competitions by renowned organisations You Can Now (YCN), Design and Art Direction (D&AD), and the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (RSA)
- Elevate your professional profile by becoming a member of the esteemed International Society of Typographic Designers (iSTD)
- Impress future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Show
- Experience the graphic design profession by taking a one-year placement 鈥 either with a company or by setting up your own
- Show your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualification
- Connect with companies and communities by taking part in events like SKY Creative Day
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Find out Emma's achievementsI'm grateful to have had the opportunity to enter a variety of different competitions both as part of my university work as well as alongside it. ...I was awarded Overall Creative Champion at the South West Design and Digital Student Awards for my project 'Kuki', where I was also awarded Winner at the RSA Student Awards and fellowship to the RSA.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at 小蓝视频.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today 鈥 it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
Selection process
All applicants will be asked to provide a digital portfolio of work.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our BA (Hons) Graphic Design creative portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Your facilities
Browse Graphic Design students' work
Click on an image below to view it in more detail and read students' statements.
To see more student work, browse our Graduate Show 2021 Graphic Design showcase.
Allison Porta - Wander project
I鈥檓 Ali, a quirky and versatile Graphic Designer originally from Spain, a typography enthusiast, and a former chicken pet owner. I moved to the UK in 2012 to get a better education in the creative field. I pride myself on my speedy idea generation ability, and enthusiasm in embarking on new projects. Recently, I have undertaken an exciting intensive project with Dyson x SNTech. I designed a set of identities for a range of products that help reduce ByCatch, which led me to be selected as the winning pitch. I look forward to collaborating with a wide variety of people that allow me to not only expand my expertise, but also gain valuable knowledge and experience in the field.
Hope you're having a good week!
About my ISTD project:
Celebrating Edwin S. Porter鈥檚 use of the camera in his silent film 鈥楾he Great Train Robbery鈥 (1903). This project typographically celebrates the world of Silent Cinema through the experimentation and application of pure type to celebrate innovative methods of filming in the 1903 Western film 鈥楾he Great Train Robbery鈥, produced by Edwin S.Porter. Analogue methods of production were used to create type as image, most notably scanning and photographing. The publication contains the timings at which each scene occurs in the 12 min film, providing the reader an opportunity to see the effects celebrated in action.
Catarina Mester - Pandscope (UI/UX Design)
Studies show that there has been an alarming rise in anxiety and isolation levels among undergraduates, much like new concerns like recession, debt and increased pressure to battle out for a finite number of graduate roles.
My idea was then to create an app where people were able to express and keep track of their emotions, seeing that they are not alone. This came after understanding that students were more comfortable talking about mental health around peers, as these are the ones who are going through similar experiences.
Christina Gower - Forest Feat
My name is Christina Gower and I鈥檓 graduating from the 小蓝视频 with a degree in graphic design. I am hard working, imaginative, reliable but most of all, I have a positive mindset. Also, I love a challenge and learning new skills. I work well and effectively in both a team and individual setting. Over my time at university, I completed my work during typical working hours, I have met every strict deadline as well as trained myself to de-construct briefs in order to analyse all the details. In my free time I鈥檒l most likely be found outdoors, hiking, reading or simply enjoying my surroundings. However, if it鈥檚 a rainy day I motivate myself to learn new skills or software.
Hi, I am Eleanor Galloway an enthusiastic and creative graphic design graduate with a passion in photography and digital design. I am a hardworking individual who is able to adapt well into new situations and environments using the skills I have developed throughout university. Working within a team or collaboratively is where I work best but I am still able to take on the leadership role when necessary.
For our major projects we were given the freedom to focus on an area of our choice and design something for it. I created a book analysing and discussing the different portrayals of clowns in the media and how that has changed our perception of them. The book was aimed at adults and used a combination of materials and methods to create an interactive design that would be both fun and informative
Ellis Muddle - Final Year Project
Hello, I鈥檓 Ellis, a recent Graphic Design graduate from the 小蓝视频. I am a curious, passionate designer and like to create interactive digital experiences that challenge what we are comfortable with. My interests are in UX/UI design, editorial design, illustration and motion design.
Read lessEmily Hawkins - Covivid
Hi, I鈥檓 Emily! I鈥檓 an ambitious, conscientious and enthusiastic designer with a high attention to detail. I love learning new things and enjoy challenging myself to improve my
work and achieve the best of my abilities. I particularly enjoy branding, editorial and UX/UI design and I love being playful and experimental in my design process. I have recently
been awarded as a winner in the 2021 South West Design and Digital Student Awards and have also been awarded a membership with Merit to the International Society of Typographic Design. I was also awarded a commendation in the YCN New Now Student Awards 2020.
Since March 2020, people have been dreaming more and remembering more dreams which are particularly vivid and bizarre. Covivid is an app that allows users to record, share and understand their dreams during the coronavirus pandemic. On an individual level, Covivid is a dream journalling app that can be used to digitally record and track dreams throughout the pandemic. On a larger scale, the app creates a space to explore and interact with dreams from around the world through virtual covivid dream galleries.
emily.hawkins13@gmail.com | |
Emma Brookes - KUKI - Gallery item
Hi, I鈥檓 Emma, I am an enthusiastic designer, motivated by a desire to create innovative ideas and designs which solve real life problems and have a meaningful impact on users. My main interests are UX/UI design and branding. I have recently been awarded the Overall Creative Champion at the South West Design and Digital Student Awards and awarded a D&AD New Blood Pencil.
Kuki is an air quality pet for young children, which uses gamification techniques to inspire, engage and encourage the adoption of positive behaviours, creating responsible adults that will reduce air pollution in the future and inspire long term change. Kuki links to an app with features for both parents and kids. Within the app kids can earn points and receive rewards for their 鈥榩et鈥 kuki, encouraging positive behaviour. The health of their 鈥榩et鈥 is reflective of their own pollution exposure levels, acting as a contextual reminder. Parents can
use the app to monitor their child鈥檚 exposure, find areas of high pollution, and stay up to date on
air quality news.
emmabrookesdesign@gmail.com | | |
Joao Gouveia Viveiros - final year project
I am a graphic designer and 3D artist. I enjoy uncomplicating problems and solving faults, being objective and efficient while finding innovative solutions to turn the trick and achieve the desired result. I may be ambitious but I believe in objective innovations above all.
viveiros.jpg@gmail.com
Lauren Parker - History of comic books
Hi, my name is Lauren, and I am a graduate of the 小蓝视频 studying BA (Hons) Graphic Design and hope to go on and do my masters at Loughborough in September 2021. I am organised, hardworking, and creatively driven in design and have experience in both print and digital projects. I have a love for branding, editorial and infographic design and I have strong technical skills in adobe software, including an Adobe Certified Associate in Adobe Photoshop.
parker.lauren@hotmail.co.uk | |
Read lessLora Aleksieva - lost in Samasara
Hello, I鈥檓 Lora and I'm a passionate Graphic Designer originally from Bulgaria. I moved to the UK in 2018 to develop my skills and knowledge at the 小蓝视频. I gained experience in the brand and identity industry while I worked with HMS Spirits company and Lost in Samsara. I鈥檓 also obsessed with print and typography. I love to experiment with typography, colors, high-quality paper stoke, print techniques and bookbinding. I鈥檓 an energetic, self-motivate designer looking for my next freelance projects.
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Read lessMichael Luck
I鈥檓 Michael Luck and I鈥檓 a passionate graphic designer based in 小蓝视频. I鈥檝e got a good sense of humour and enjoy working with teams and getting to know people. I鈥檓 always keen to geek out about design as well as learn and develop my abilities. I enjoy a wide range of areas within graphic design but have a particular passion for branding.
Paige Bone - Spectacle
Hi I'm Paige. I specialise in branding, user interface and editorial design. The challenge of addressing a complex problem is exciting to me, with my approach to work being heavily-research driven; an aspect of the design process I always find the most crucial. During the 4 years of my degree, I've been able to work in Germany on placement year and achieve Adobe Certification in Photoshop and InDesign. I'm currently working as a ux/ui design intern at The ENTERTAINER, Dubai.
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Read lessHello! My name is Rosanna Smith, and I am an enthusiastic and hardworking Graphic Designer. I have a strong passion for digital and print design with a particular interest in branding and identity.
My course has given me a broad range of live brief experience, including working on and receiving a commendation for my submission to the YCN competition in 2019.
In my third year of university, I completed an internship at Teradata, an international database and analytics business which enabled me to work as part of a marketing team, providing design solutions for clients within the fortune 500 group.
This year, I was awarded a membership to the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) for my 鈥業nvisible Cities鈥 book design submission.
This project was conducted as part of a competition unit for the You Can Now (YCN) Awards in 2019. This brief involved creating a campaign aimed at young adults aged 18-24, 鈥榯o raise awareness鈥 that actively choosing to visit museums or galleries more often can be a powerful antidote to the stress and anxiety of student life鈥. There are two messages within this campaign. The first message is that the Student Art Pass is the key to 鈥榰nlocking鈥 artwork and the second, is that venues such as museums, exhibitions and galleries are spaces in which young adults can 鈥榰nlock鈥 themselves.
Hi, I鈥檓 Yasmin Gabellini. I鈥檓 a Graphic Designer from Southampton and I have recently graduated from the 小蓝视频. I am particularly passionate about branding and enjoy designing original identities for new or existing companies. I have experience in designing outcomes for both print and digital purposes which I gained during my placement year.
I created this App design for my Major Project, it is an App called Memory Care which encourages 35-65 year olds to maintain and improve their memory through memory training, personal goals and alerts.
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The course has given me all the tools I need in order to be the best designer I can be, both professionally and personally. It has taught me important values and methodologies related not only to better design practices but also for interpersonal skills.
Careers and opportunities
With the skills and knowledge you gain from this course, you can work across a variety of creative industries. In 15 months after graduating, 90% of Graphic Design graduates have already started work or are pursuing further studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019), so you'll be in excellent company.
Areas you could work in include magazine design publishing, branding and design, advertising, web design, and TV and film. You could also set up your own business, work as a freelancer, or go on to postgraduate study.
Graduate destinations
Companies and studios our graduates have worked at include:
- Why Not Associates
- Aardman Digital
- The Light Surgeons
- Fitch
- 4IV
- Rubrik
- FHM Magazine
Graduate startups
Some businesses our graduates have started up include:
- Territory Studio
- Bright Agency
- Debut Art
- Strong Island
- MWM Creative
- Lethal Creative Studio
- iLoveDust
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you鈥檒l receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in many areas of graphic design. Previous students have landed roles including graphic designer and UX (user experience) designer.
Placement destinations
Previous placement students have worked at companies and organisations such as:
- Waitrose & Partners
- TopCashBack
- MMT Digital
- Waterline Media
If you fancy going independent, you can start up and run your own graphic design company for a year as an alternative to a work-based placement.
Whatever your choice, Creative Careers is here to help.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to .
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal 鈥 if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Featured placement
Vanessa Maia 鈥 MMT Digital
Vanessa tells us what she's learnt during her internship as a Graphic Designer, the highlights she's encountered, and the challenges she's surmounted along the way.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you鈥檒l study
Core modules
All modules in the year are core.
We鈥檒l teach you how to turn numbers and facts into engaging visuals like charts and infographics. Find out how to choose the best way to present information鈥攚hether it鈥檚 stats or stories鈥攁nd create designs that make sense for the people who will see them. Use professional software to make data functional and attractive. Your goal will be to become adept at making designs that tell a story and are easy to use.
When you finish, you鈥檒l be ready to take on the world as an information designer who can turn tricky ideas into clear, interactive designs that teach and excite people. Come learn how to speak to the world through design.
Working in a team, you'll utilise library and IT resources to investigate major design movements and influential figures. You'll use your findings to create engaging visual presentations, and develop core academic and technical skills.
This immersive introduction to graphic design builds visual literacy, communication abilities, and contextual knowledge to enrich your design studies.
Take part in lectures, discussions, and projects to understand how to interpret graphics and design in society, politics, and history. Experienced lecturers will be there to help you refine your academic writing and research skills, all with an eye on visual communication. You鈥檒l look at a variety of media, art, and design to appreciate the strong influence images have.
Finish this module and you'll be ready to analyse and create graphic designs for today's culture, setting the stage for more advanced studies. This is your first step to thinking more critically about how we communicate visually.
Engage with communication theories and enrich your designer's toolkit with novel research methods and creative techniques. From brainstorming to building prototypes and studying real-world examples, we鈥檒l show you how to come up with fresh ideas. You鈥檒l learn to look at other designers鈥 work critically and find your own creative path, using design thinking as your guide. We鈥檒l help you become a reflective practitioner who can think deeply about your work and talk about it confidently.
Finish this module with a fresh approach to how you research, create, and share your designs. Come and discover how research can drive your creativity to new heights.
You鈥檒l study great work from the past and today, and grasp motion graphic principles from text animation to pacing and sound design. Master the same software that professionals use, from the first idea to the final product. Work with other students like you鈥檙e in a real motion design studio, figuring out how to solve design challenges together.
Once finished, you'll have a showreel and portfolio that shows your ability to captivate with motion storytelling. Learn how to be a creative motion designer for all kinds of screens.
You鈥檒l delve into creating grid systems, type compositions, and layouts for both print and digital formats.
Learn about the latest design practices through context-focused study.
Use technology effectively for various formats and purposes.
You鈥檒l also get to present and discuss your work with your peers.
By the end, you鈥檒l have the essential skills needed to create stunning and practical publications.
Core modules
You鈥檒l enhance your skills in typography, layout, and production. Your focus will be on materials for in-depth reading, like books and journals.
Study examples and learn how to bind books, then get to design and produce your own printed book. You鈥檒l pick out paper, use both digital and screen printing methods, and work with print settings in InDesign software.
Our workshops, tutorials, and feedback sessions will guide you from idea to publication.
This module equips you with essential practical skills for success in typography and editorial design jobs in graphic design.
You鈥檒l look into important topics like sustainability and representation. Learn about the important role you have in society as a graphic designer. We鈥檒l help you think deeply about an issue you care about and then make something that shows your understanding of that issue. You鈥檒l get to talk about challenging ideas in workshops and learn how to look at research without bias.
When you finish, you鈥檒l be ready to tackle tricky questions and use your design skills to make a difference. This module will help you figure out what you stand for, find your unique style, and make thinking about right and wrong a key part of how you create.
You'll test different strategies and how they resonate with target demographics. You'll combine analysis with software mastery, working to commercial deadlines, and demonstrating professional skills.
With core abilities reinforced through lived experience, this module provides invaluable experience of real workplace demands.
You鈥檒l adopt research methodologies to gain insights into user needs and inform design decisions.
You鈥檒l conceptualise solutions that are focused on the human experience and apply UX principles through an industry project. Using technical skills in UX software, you鈥檒l craft interfaces that feel intuitive.
This module will enable you to bridge gaps between products and people through user-centric design.
Optional modules
You鈥檒l experience a new culture by exploring art, design, or performance at an international partner university. This adventure adds a global angle to your learning and helps you develop skills for jobs all over the world.
You鈥檒l work by yourself, think deeply about what you鈥檙e learning, and see how it connects to your degree. When you return, you鈥檒l have broadened your creative outlook and job opportunities.
Choosing this module lets you explore diverse approaches and build international connections.
Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.
You鈥檒l also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you鈥檒l be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You鈥檒l make something to show what you learned and share it with others.
This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You鈥檒l be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.
Building upon your foundational experiences from level 4, this module delves into the realm of large-scale graphic design through a blend of cutting-edge analogue and digital techniques.
In this module, you'll immerse yourself in a world where traditional boundaries of graphic design are redefined. You'll engage with a variety of tools and environments, such as the CCIXR, motion and 3D technologies, projection methods, and the Eldon Production Centre. The use of CNC, CAD fabrication tools, and woodworking will not just be an exercise but a journey into creating immersive environments where design is not just seen but experienced.
This module focuses on:
- Understanding design theory and cutting-edge applications for large-scale graphics.
- Experimenting with analogue and digital techniques for creative problem-solving in large-scale projects.
- Integrating emerging technologies into your design practice.
- Developing new methods for data utilisation to produce innovative large-scale graphics.
This module will equip you with unique skills and a standout portfolio for your future career in graphic design.
You鈥檒l choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you鈥檝e accomplished. Through this, you鈥檒l grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.
By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you鈥檒l become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.
As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.
Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.
Examine historical representation across disciplines to see how images offer bold perspectives throughout history, as you sharpen your analytical skills by comparing different visual histories and academic arguments. You'll discuss critical issues in using visual culture as a form of historical storytelling. When you finish this module you'll be ready to choose a topic for your final year project.
You'll explore design, fashion, illustration, photography, film, television and online materials associated with feminist art canons, representation of disability and the treatment of victims of true crime on screen. You'll also consider research methods and to prepare for your final year project.
Analysing depictions and theories of the body, you will articulate critical perspectives rooted in textual analysis. With scholarly writing as key outcome, your engagement with academic sources and tutorial support will inform identification of coherent research strands. The module provides conceptual building blocks to anchor studies at the intersection of culture, identity and creative practice.
Core modules
You get to choose what you want to study deeply. You鈥檒l examine different sources, collect information, and understand the bigger picture. We鈥檒l be there to help you get better at making designs based on your research, picking the best ways to explore your ideas, and explaining why they work. Learn to use different methods鈥攆rom surveys to prototyping鈥攖o effectively share your ideas. You鈥檒l also perfect your abilities in presenting your work and thinking about what makes you unique and skilled.
Gain the confidence and sharp thinking you need as a designer to take on tough projects and come up with exciting new solutions.
You'll apply your previous knowledge to research and execute a significant project on a topic of your choice. The project will involve a lot of visual and written exploration, where you'll experiment with various techniques, methods, and materials.
While working on your project, consider the message it conveys, the setting it will be presented in, and the intended audience. You should also think about how it could be used professionally.
The module will culminate with you presenting your ambitious idea in a professional manner, such as an exhibition, a portfolio, or another suitable platform.
Throughout this module, you'll have the opportunity to refine your graphic design skills, including the ability to receive feedback and make modifications. This experience will prepare you to pursue creative careers or further studies after graduation.
You'll take part in contests by leading design institutions, honing your problem-solving and innovative mindset. We鈥檒l help you refine and show a wide range of technical abilities鈥攆rom traditional letterpress to modern book cover design鈥攁ll with professional guidance. Learn to critically evaluate your distinctive style by looking at current design practices. Through expert advice on project handling, you鈥檒l handle pressing deadlines, preparing you to excel in a real-world setting.
When you finish, you鈥檒l have a portfolio that stands out and industry contacts that could help fast-track your professional goals.
Come join us to compete on the world stage and earn esteemed credentials.
You'll build strong organisational and time management abilities like those you'll use in the design industry. Through research, development and practice, you'll work within specific design rules and deadlines.
When you complete this module, you'll have the skills to communicate effectively with clients and demonstrate skills in using design software.
You鈥檒l learn to craft a personal brand and create a striking portfolio that showcases your abilities. We鈥檒l guide you in everything, from writing a standout CV to mastering job interviews, equipping you with the know-how to present your unique brand. Working in a team for our annual showcase will improve your problem-solving creativity and project management skills.
We鈥檒l also assist you in enhancing your online profile, ensuring you leave the course ready to impress potential employers.
Realise your full potential and smoothly make the move from student life to a thriving career in the creative industries.
Optional modules
With the guidance of your tutors, you get to select a theme for an extensive research project, commonly known as a dissertation. Your project will showcase your in-depth research and analysis, which will be based on both original and secondary sources.
You will meticulously examine your sources, conduct your own research, and learn the best practices for writing a compelling academic paper. This dissertation project will enhance your ability to formulate research questions, consolidate information, make persuasive arguments, and present your ideas clearly.
Once you complete the project, you will have conducted an in-depth and thorough study. It will demonstrate your profound understanding and interest in a particular aspect of visual culture.
Critically analysing cultural artefacts and debates to formulate a response, you'll engage theory, historical contexts and academic conventions. You'll carry out practice-based research through prototyping and visual studies.
This will culminate in a scholarly body of work and a reflective portfolio that will showcase research mastery and creative thinking.
You鈥檒l spend 24鈥48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you鈥檒l make professional connections and think about how you鈥檙e doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.
This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you鈥檝e learnt in a workplace, you鈥檒l understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.
After this placement and the related assessments, you鈥檒l get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.
This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You鈥檒l absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.
This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you鈥檝e learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.
After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you鈥檒l get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.
During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.
Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.
By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.
Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global creative insights. Working independently abroad, you'll complete relevant assignments, honing skills transferable to your future creative career.
Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to expand your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.
Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialized skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art鈥檚 global connectivity.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- group critique
- seminars
- individual tutorials
There鈥檚 an emphasis on practical sessions, a strong studio culture and developing a creative atmosphere that will inspire you.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
Not a fan of exams? Don't worry 鈥 there aren't any on this course. Instead, you can let your designs do the talking.
You鈥檒l be assessed through:
- project presentations
- research and developmental work
- design portfolios
- written essays or reports
You鈥檒l be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you鈥檒l take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree.
In your first year, you鈥檒l be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, workshops and supervised studio sessions for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you鈥檒l do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There鈥檚 usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Your workload
The time you spend in teaching activities such as lectures and seminars varies year on year and will depend on which optional modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year typically spent their time as follows:
- Year 1 students: 23% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, and 77% studying independently
- Year 2 students: 23% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, and 77% studying independently
- Year 3 students: 12% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, and 88% studying independently
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1鈥2鈥1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University鈥檚 library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students 鈥 拢9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students 鈥 拢9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students 鈥 拢17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the 小蓝视频.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren鈥檛 included in the tuition fees. So you鈥檒l need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in 小蓝视频.
You鈥檒l study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to 拢60 each.
We recommend that you budget 拢75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to pay extra printing costs of around 拢100鈥撀600 on portfolio work.
Material and production costs are around 拢100鈥撀500 a year.
Any study trips are optional and you will be expected to pay full cost. Optional study trips abroad will cost in the region of 拢200鈥撀800. UK trips, where offered, will be 拢50鈥撀150.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students 鈥 拢1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students 鈥 拢1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students 鈥 拢2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code 鈥 W210
- our institution code 鈥 P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our .
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you鈥檒l need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the 小蓝视频, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.