Graphic Design (Full-time) (BA Hons)
Immerse yourself in the potential of words and images that is central to our creative vision on BA(Hons) Graphic Design.
Graphic design touches our lives with a diversity like no other medium – it guides, instructs, entertains, provokes and influences us as we commute through, consume and consider the world around us. Indeed, it is this timely need for human understanding and questioning that underpins much of our teaching programme.
We embrace the new and celebrate the old – led by the requirements of the challenge at hand, the recognition of our audience and the formulation of an appropriate dialogue with which to transmit the messages of our clients. Digital technology sits happily with inky fingers and tactility, often combining powerfully and sometimes raising philosophical or contextual debate.
Essential principals of typography, format, layout, information navigation and core software skills are embedded in our project challenges, but your unique visual voice and playfulness is of equal importance. Smaller group sizes make for a vibrant dynamic in which each individual student is encouraged to pursue their own path rather than follow the herd.
Essential design principles such as typography, format, layout, information navigation, branding, sustainable packaging, and promotional design, along with core software skills, are embedded in our project challenges; however, your unique visual voice and playfulness are of equal importance. In addition to mastering these creative skills, you will delve into emotive design, ensuring that your work resonates emotionally with the target audience.
Smaller group sizes make for a vibrant dynamic in which each individual student is encouraged to pursue their own path rather than follow the herd. The staff team are design obsessives, and we love to share our passion in a supportive, friendly and lively studio atmosphere. We encourage the development of your verbal communication alongside the visual, producing graduates who can speak confidently about their work, articulate their approach to visual problem-solving and announce their aspirations.
We recognise the critical future focus of our students upon industry and careers. Portfolio building is a key part of your journey, as you gain practical experience through live briefs and professional practice. Workshops, collaborations, and visiting professionals will provide insight into the world of work. You will learn how to navigate the balance between digital design, print, and motion design, incorporating imagery effectively in your projects.
Alongside the technical, we also stress the importance of ethical awareness, cultural awareness, and historical awareness in the world of design, encouraging you to consider the broader impact of your work. Through these experiences, you will develop a solid business understanding and technique understanding, preparing you for real-world design challenges. You will also explore Design and Screen Cultures, reflecting on how visual communication shapes and responds to society. Your destination might add to our extensive list, including Apple, Adidas, Lego, Nike, Pepsi and Sky to name just a few.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Graphic Design course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving design industry. Through a combination of practical experience, theoretical understanding, and industry engagement, you will develop a comprehensive portfolio and become an industry-ready professional.
In your first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of graphic design. You will learn about design principles, typography, imagery, and print. This year focuses on building creative skills and practical experience through hands-on projects. You will also start developing your portfolio, which is essential for showcasing your work.
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The second year enhances your understanding of graphic design, with an emphasis on branding, user experience for web design, and the social impact of visual communication. The second year also aims to strengthen your problem-solving abilities through analytical and practical skills. Collaboration becomes a crucial component as you engage with challenging briefs, providing you with valuable real-world insights.
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In your final year, you will refine your design abilities and focus on producing a professional portfolio. This year emphasises professional practice and preparing you for the industry with advanced projects incorporating cultural and ethical awareness. You will engage with Graduate Portfolio projects and have opportunities to showcase your work to potential employers, ensuring you graduate as an industry-ready professional.
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Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Facilities & Exhibitions
The Graphic Design programme is well supplied with the latest Apple computers and professional software, which are regularly renewed and updated. We are fortunate to have a fantastic working space for our students with a specific studio for our third years.
Our Summer Shows are a showcase of the exceptional work of our graduating students across a wide range of creative disciplines.
Meet our Students
News
News
Further information
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120 UCAS tariff points 
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e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDM, IB: 33 and Portfolio
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work.
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes text
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: 
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE).
This is a one-year course offering a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future. During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills.
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
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Interview
All applicants to Swansea College of Art are required to have an interview.
We really enjoy the interview process, getting to know you and your work, and we feel that this is the best way to find the right students for our programmes. This also ensures that our applicants have all the information they need to make the right choice for them too.
If you have any queries before your interview, please contact us at artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Portfolio
We ask that you bring a portfolio of some past and current work. Your portfolio is a collection of your most exciting and representative work, showcasing your creative abilities, technical skills, and artistic vision. It tells the story of your creative journey, highlighting your unique style, interests, and ideas as they develop. We interpret the term ‘portfolio’ broadly and are happy for you to do the same - this can include finished pieces, work in progress, sketchbooks, drawings, and projects that are still unfolding, as these give us insight into your thinking and creative process. Whether in physical or digital format, your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creative journey in a way that feels authentic to you, with each piece highlighting your creative potential and enthusiasm for the programme you are applying for.
We understand that many applicants are still mid-qualification (e.g. A-Level, BTEC, L3, Foundation) and are developing an emerging body of work, so there’s no pressure for everything to be polished or complete.
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Assessment is carried out through coursework. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module with summative assessment taking place at the end of a module. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course which includes amongst others:
Informal tutorials, formal tutorials, group critiques, one-to-one meetings, exhibitions and presentations. All these assessments are supported by staff, and students are guided through each learning process.
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Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, art and design students will likely incur additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic art and design kit will cost approximately £100, but you may well already have much of the equipment required, so check with us first. Although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices. Again, please check with us first before making a purchase.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ Abroad
Students can also take up the opportunity to study for a semester in Europe, the USA or Canada.
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One of the wonderful aspects of Graphic Design is the fact that the skills are transferable to other professions. Design can offer many opportunities.
Here is a list of what our students are now doing:
- Graphic Designers
- Art Directors
- Motion Graphic Designers
- Print Managers
- Festival Designers
- Football League Designers
- Travel Design
- Hotel Design
- Web Designers
- User Interface Design
- Toy Design
- Even a Design Tailor!
Companies where students are working:
- Apple
- Saatchi and Saatchi
- Fitch
- Sky Creative
- Sky Sports
- British Science Museum
- Nike
- Lego
- Conran Design
- Tigerprint
- Oxford University Press
- Manchester United Football
- Aston Villa Football
- Barclays Bank
- Waters
- SapentNitro
- Stag and Hare Design
- Blue Stag Studio
- Engima Design Solutions
- Dirty Little Serfis
- W12 Studios
- Dr Organic
- Icon
- Swansea City Football
- Ontrac Agency