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Level 4+
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
COURSE OVERVIEW
UCAS Course code: W210
Institution Code: C57
This full-time course, developed in collaboration with industry partners, equips you with a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative skills—both traditional and contemporary.
This course prepares you for careers in graphic design and related fields, providing an immersive learning experience within a vibrant, creative campus environment. With opportunities for cross-media experimentation and real-world design briefs, you’ll gain hands-on experience that reflects industry standards.
In the first year, you will focus on building a strong foundation in graphic design, mastering essential techniques, and exploring the creative process. You will work across a range of disciplines, including digital and interactive platforms, while also gaining an understanding of the historical and contemporary context of design. This year is all about developing core skills and broadening your perspective on the industry.
The second-year shifts towards professional engagement, encouraging market awareness and self-management. Through industry-linked assignments, you will generate ideas, concepts, and design solutions with real-world applications.
Your final year is designed to push your creative boundaries, fostering experimentation, collaboration, and conceptual thinking. You will work on competition briefs set by industry professionals, with opportunities to have your work submitted for judging. The course culminates in a final exhibition, where you will showcase your portfolio and demonstrate your readiness to enter the world of graphic design.
Key Features
- Taught by experienced design industry professionals
- Dedicated Mac suite with the latest industry-standard software
- Live project briefs from professional studios and industry collaborations
- A programme of visiting industry speakers and networking opportunities
- Collaborate and develop your abilities, with cross-media experimentation and fulfilment of live briefs from professional external studios
- Access to dedicated computer suite, print room, photography studios and a 3D workshop
- Study across a wide variety of media, processes and disciplines, including graphic design, illustration and animation
Module Overview
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of both the practical and conceptual elements of graphic design. Through a diverse range of modules, you will develop essential technical skills, foster creative innovation, and refine your ability to communicate visually. With a focus on both traditional and digital design, this course encourages you to push creative boundaries and develop a unique design perspective. Here is an overview of the modules you will engage with throughout your studies:
Level 4 (Year One) –
- Creative Research (20 Credits)
- Cultural And Contextual Studies (20 Credits)
- Materials And Methods (20 Credits)
- Digital Design (20 Credits)
- Applied Graphic Design (20 Credits)
- Minor Project (20 Credits)
Level 5 (Year Two) –
- Professional Practice 01 (20 Credits)
- Advanced Creative Research (20 Credits)
- Professional Practice 02 (20 Credits)
- Business Practice (20 Credits)
- Independent Project (40 Credits)
Level 6 (Year Three) –
- Portfolio Studies (40 Credits)
- Creative & Critical Research Project (20 Credits)
- Final Major Project (40 Credits)
- Self-promotion (20 Credits)
Whether you envision a career as a freelance designer, digital artist, or branding specialist, this degree will equip you with the skills, creativity, and confidence to turn your passion for graphic design into a successful profession.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to stand out and secure your place in our course? Here is how we evaluate your application:
We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview performance, portfolio or audition, and any relevant experience. While we typically expect the following qualifications:
- A relevant A-Level qualification, or
- A Level 3 Extended Diploma
We understand that not everyone follows the same path. If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, do not worry – there are still plenty of ways to show us what you are capable of! Show us your potential through:
- Relevant academic or work experience
- A strong, compelling personal statement
- An exceptional portfolio and interview
What do I bring to the interview?
For your interview, you will need to bring a small portfolio of your best work and attend an interview. Your portfolio should showcase a variety of skills and creativity. This might include sketchbooks, colour work, drawings and a sample of written work. It is also preferable that you bring along any certificates or diplomas you might have!
This is your chance to shine and show us what makes you unique! So, pick the work you’;re most proud of and let your creativity do the talking.
Graduates from this course go on to pursue exciting and diverse careers, including:
- Freelance designer
- Web designer
- Advertising and packaging designer
Our graphic design students gain invaluable hands-on experience and build industry connections through live briefs, collaborations, and professional projects with agencies, studios, and brands. Many go on to establish successful careers in design, launching freelance businesses, securing client commissions, or forming creative partnerships during the course.
Whether you aspire to work in branding, digital media, advertising, or editorial design, this course opens the door to a world of exciting opportunities in the graphic design industry.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging, and hands-on. You will experience a mix of:
- Practical and creative studio-based workshops to refine your skills
- Group discussions to exchange ideas and insights
- Lectures and seminars to explore concepts and techniques
- Small group study to collaborate and learn from others
- Independent study to deepen your knowledge and creativity
- Field trips are an exciting part of the course, offering you the chance to gain real-world insight into the graphic design industry
Assessment methods are tailored to each unit and may include:
- Presentations (of practical work)
- Journals
- Research proposal
- Sketchbooks/drawings
- Written Assignments
With this variety, you will have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths!
Finance Options:
There are several options available to help manage your tuition fees:
- Student Loan
- Instalment Payment Plan
- Company Sponsorship
For more information, please visit our Finance and Funding page – Funding your Course | Northbrook College
Additional Costs for Creative Degree courses:
When planning your studies, it is important to consider potential costs beyond tuition fees. While tuition fees cover teaching, assessment and access to college facilities, such as studios, shared IT resources and workshops, some courses may require additional expenses.
These could include:
- Textbooks: Essential texts are available in the college libraries, but you may wish to purchase personal copies for convenience.
- Computer Equipment: While on-campus computers are available, having a personal laptop or tablet may offer greater flexibility for off-site study.
- Printing and Photocopying: Most coursework is submitted online, but some assignments may require printed submissions, optional binding, or other presentation materials.
- Materials: Creative courses often require specific art materials or equipment. A detailed materials list will be provided upon enrolment.
- Field Trips: Certain courses may include optional study visits or field trips to enrich learning experiences.
- External Shows and Exhibitions: Opportunities to participate in external exhibitions or shows may involve additional preparation, materials, or travel expenses.
We are committed to providing transparent information about any additional costs to help you plan effectively for your studies. For more information regarding the financial support that we can offer, please visit our Financial Support page – Financial Support | Northbrook College
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This course is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
