Arts University Plymouth

BA (Hons)Graphic Design

Includes Foundation Year

This programme provides students with a foundation in creative practice, integrating theoretical, practical, and technical elements. Initial units focus on developing skills for academic success, personal growth, and professional development, emphasizing reflection, creative thinking, and technical skills like visual communication and digital image-making. Progressing, students engage with subject-specific methodologies, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches. Advanced units emphasize specialization and self-initiated projects, encouraging autonomy and creative authorship. Students are supported in research, writing, and project management, preparing for professional practice.

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Accredited By

Arts University Plymouth

Intake

November, February

Duration

4 years

Tuition Fee

9790

Study Mode

Full Time

Campus Locations

Manchester Manchester, Canary Wharf London

Course Structure

A breakdown of what you will study each year.

Foundation Year

Modules may include*:

Fundamentals

30 CreditsFD01

Thinking Through Making

30 CreditsFD02

Developing Specialist Practice

30 CreditsFD03

Specialist Project

30 CreditsFD04

*Subject to change.

Year 1

Modules may include*:

Methods & Materials

30 Credits401

Encountering Place

30 Credits402

Exploring Subject

30 Credits403

Platforms of Exchange

30 Credits404

*Subject to change.

Year 2

Modules may include*:

Speculative Strategies

30 Credits501

Global Challenges

30 Credits502

Ideas & Audience

30 Credits503

Emergent Practice

30 Credits504

*Subject to change.

*Optional Sandwich Year. This is taken in the form of a self-negotiated placement or internship and is subject to agreement and approval by the University. 1 full academic year (Sandwich year), to be taken upon successful completion of all Level 4 & 5 units and commencement of Level 6.

Year 3

Modules may include*:

Research & Development

30 Credits601

Publication

30 Credits602

Final Major Project

30 Credits603

Positioning Practice

30 Credits604

*Subject to change.

Entry Requirements

Academic Profile

Standard Academic Route

72 UCAS tariff points (or above) or 60 Credit Ofqual qualification at Level 3

For international qualifications, ECCTIS (formerly NARIC) will be used to establish equivalence to their comparable level in the UK.

All applicants must submit a personal 'portfolio', using any one of the following formats:

A video or audio recording; using speech, animation, images, or any other appropriate content the candidate wishes. The video must be no less than one minute and no more than two minutes in length.
A digital portfolio of images and writing using Word, Canva, PowerPoint or any other suitable software of the applicant’s choice.

In the portfolio, applicants should clearly evidence and explain the reasons they wish to study their chosen subject and how they believe their studies can positively impact their lives in the future.

Non-standard Academic Route

For applicants aged 21 and above, who may not meet the standard entry requirements, could be considered for admissions if they possess at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the UK (a professional CV is required). This experience should showcase transferable skills and knowledge necessary for entry onto the course.
For applicants aged under 21, who may not meet the standard entry requirements, could be considered for admissions if they possess a Level 2 qualification (e.g. GCSEs, or equivalent), and at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the UK demonstrating the necessary transferable skills and knowledge for entry onto the course

All applicants must submit a personal 'portfolio', using any one of the following formats:

A video or audio recording; using speech, animation, images, or any other appropriate content the candidate wishes. The video must be no less than one minute and no more than two minutes in length.
A digital portfolio of images and writing using Word, Canva, PowerPoint or any other suitable software of the applicant’s choice.

Assessment Requirement

All applicants must undergo an interview with the admission team, which aims to provide a holistic assessment to evaluate the applicant’s academic potential, English proficiency, self-motivation and enthusiasm for the subject.

Documents Required

Valid passport/ national ID card
Evidence of immigration status if not UK/ Irish national
Evidence of qualifications/ English language tests, including highest qualification on entry (if any)
Portfolio
Professional CV (if required)
Commuting Consent form

English Language

To meet the demanding academic content of a UK degree, all applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 level or above of the Common European Framework (CEFR).

A wide range of academic English qualifications and English tests are accepted as evidence of applicant’s English language ability, which include:

GCSE English Language grade 4/C or above
IELTS 5.5 overall
Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English
VCAD Internal English Assessment

For further details, please see the VCAD English Assessment policy.

Additional Information

*Please note:

Applicants will only be accepted onto the course if they are eligible for a Student Loans Company (SLC) Tuition Fee Loan. Self-funded students are not eligible to study on this programme
Timetables may change each academic year, and course teaching days are subject to alteration

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