
About this program
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Think differently with BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Studio-based, hands-on and endlessly inspiring, this degree opens your eyes to what graphic design is, what it can do and what it is for.
Why choose this course?
We help you decide what kind of designer you want to be. You’ll explore typography, layout, branding, publications, printing, packaging, exhibition design and digital moving images to appreciate graphic design in its many contexts and formats.
Is this course for you?
Working as a graphic designer is fun, stimulating and demanding. If you want a career where you’re always discovering new trends, technologies, ideas and challenges, look no further than BA (Hons) Graphic Design.
Opportunities and experiences
BA (Hons) Graphic Design offers boundless variety. Work with local and national employers on live design briefs. Visit galleries and exhibitions. Be inspired by a vibrant guest lecture programme. Take part in high-profile competitions and follow in the footsteps of our award-winning graduates.
Chat live with students from University of Derby
Do you want to know what it's like to study at University of Derby? Visit the link below to student ambassadors and get answers to all of your burning questions about academic and student life.
Admission requirements
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
QualificationOfferFurther informationUCAS TariffA levelPearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Access to HE DiplomaGCSE/National 4/National 5112 pointsYour offer will be based on your predicted grades from your core A2s (full A levels), BTEC Diploma etc. We will accept up to 16 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project, or Music qualifications. We usually consider an A Level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria / offer.BBCDMMD: 15 creditsM: 24 credits
P: 6 creditsPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits with 45 at Level 3GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
Additional entry requirements
Submission of a portfolio
English language requirements
IELTS overall score at a minimum of 6.0; with at least IELTS 5.5 in each band (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) or another Secure English Language Test(SELT)at CEFR level B2 or above
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL® test is accepted by 10,000+ universities and higher education institutes in over 150 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
What you will study
You'll study modules such as:
Stage one
- Discovering Graphic Design
- Graphic Design Process
- Graphic Design: Culture and Curiosity
- Exploring Visual Communication
Stage two
- Graphic Design: Making and Meaning
- Graphic Design Connections
- Graphic Design: Value
- Graphic Design: Ambition
Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
- Applied Professional Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice
Stage three
- Destinations
- Negotiated Study in Graphic Design
- Specialist Practice in Graphic Design
- Visual Culture: Extended Essay
Program delivery
How you will learn
Teaching is delivered mainly through studio-based and experiential learning using project briefs. This is supported with tutorials, lectures, seminars, visiting speakers and visits to galleries and exhibitions.
You'll work with both local and national project partners on live project briefs and national competitions. This year our students have worked with Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Ernest and Julio Gallo Wineries Europe. They have also responded to competition briefs from D&AD (Designers & Art Directors), Young Creatives Network, Penguin Student Design Awards and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards.
As you develop your studio based project work you will also build a Personal Development Plan that provides a road-map for continuous reflection on your studies, progress and future career planning. The Graphic Design: Connections module at Stage Two of the course allows you to investigate the industry, meet professionals and start to build your personal design network.
Assessment is based on coursework, relevant to each module. This may include portfolios of artwork, exhibitions, sketchbooks, research and background material, essays, reports and presentations.
Tuition
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Channel Islands£9,250Year 1EU£14,045Year 1International£14,045Year 1England£9,250Year 1Northern Ireland£9,250Year 1Scotland£9,250Year 1Wales£9,250Year 1Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.Career paths
Careers and employability
As a graduate you could work in a design studio, freelance, art direction, editorial design, typography, branding, advertising, corporate identity, interactive media, signage, design consultancy or online design.
Message the school
About this institute

University of Derby
Here at the University of Derby we believe anything is possible. With a broad range of courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level, we can help you get your career off to a great start. We know how important it...
Contact info
University of Derby
Want to know more about BA (Hons) Graphic Design? Fill out the following form and we'll pass your details on to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
Be the first to write a review!