BA (Hons) Graphic Design

In a time of emerging automation and artificial intelligence it will be the designers, the thinkers and the problem solvers who will shape the world to come. Being agile, multi-skilled and adaptable will be key to employability in a global and dynamic job market.

BA Graphic Design at UEL combines the study of traditional visual communication with the possibilities of emerging technologies. We provide the forum and facilities in which staff and industry expertise fuse with students' own knowledge, experience and ambition. We explore both practical and theoretical understanding and, from the outset, we encourage students to think experimentally and evolve our field.

This course operates within the Art and Creative Design subject area. This allows students to work collaboratively, broadening their knowledge base while forging a creative community. Cluster-wide workshops allow our students to build a unique portfolio of skills essential to the Fourth Industrial Age.

Foundation year 

The extended course with Foundation Year is perfect if you want a degree in Graphic Design, but don't meet the standard entry requirements.  First we prepare you for your degree during the Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.

Graphic designers employ a broad of range of skills to complete projects, including practical, conceptual, theoretical, social and commercial knowledge. We focus on building skills in these areas through direct experience.

You will learn about the key design processes; research, ideation, iteration, production and presentation – and how to apply them to new scenarios. Examples of practical applications of these key processes include:

• Editorial and print design
• Typography
• Web and app design
• Broader visual communication practices such as studio photography, moving image, 3D prototyping and animation

By developing theoretical and conceptual skills, you will learn to locate your graphic design practice in a wider professional and critical field. You will gain advanced awareness of design histories, context and applications, and you will develop the ability to engage in and understand critical discussions around design.

Studying BA Graphic Design will furnish you with a host of transferable skills - but more importantly you will learn adaptability and develop the necessary competencies to tackle the 4th Industrial Age.

We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change. 

• Tawjihi: 60% for Foundation
• 3 x AS Levels: Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 2.0 for Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 3.0 + SAT1 1070 for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 25 points with minimum 15 at Higher Level for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• 3 x A Levels: Direct Entry to Bachelor's

In 2018 the UK's creative sector broke the Â£100 billion mark. Within this economy there are a great variety of roles that utilise the skillsets we develop.

Our alumni may work in-house for a large company, in a specialist design studio, run their own business or be self-employed across a variety of industries. Spending three years tracking multiple projects, solving the logistics of production and negotiating within teams of creatives will prepare you for work beyond the subject area. The University's e-Factor competition offers students resources to develop their own business and the Career Coaching team are always on hand to help students fine tune their CVs and interview techniques.

The course maintains a strong network of alumni and we regularly invite former students to return as guest speakers and lecturers.

Our course helps develop graduates who are creative, innovative and going places.

While some go on to postgraduate studies, others quickly start to make their names in leading design and advertising agencies, typographic design studios, corporate graphics companies and moving image production houses.

Such placements, exchange trips and 'live' projects with professional designers are all geared to provide you with the experience that will prepare you for a career in graphic design.

Initially, that could be, for instance, as an assistant or freelance designer, an assistant art editor, magazine designer or advertising creative.

Two of our class of 2013, Charlotte Maeva-Perret and Francesco Tacchini, went on to study further at the Royal College of Art, where they're considered to be among the country's leading young talents.

One 2012 graduate, Joe Pleass, has already had one of his co-creations selected for permanent exhibition in the design section of New York's Museum of Modern Art. Called OTOTO, it's a musical invention kit that allows you to make anything from a drum kit of saucepans to origami that sing when you touch them!

Joe, who's also managed exhibitions at Tate Britain and Tate Modern, never looked back after going on one of our exchange visits with students in Minnesota.

Below are some examples of different career trajectories.

• Chris Steel graduated from the course in 2014. They now work as a Focus Puller (1st Assistant Camera) in film and video. One of their career highs so far has been working on tour and album visuals for Kylie Minogue.
• Kemar Reid (grad. 2014) works as a graphic designer for the iconic London radio station NTS. He  featured in a video campaign for The Face/Converse, explaining his creative practice and inspiration.
• Charlotte-Maëva Perret (grad. 2013) went on to gain an MA at the Royal College of Art. She works in design, fine art, fashion and academia, including teaching with us at UEL.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.