BA Graphic Design
About this course
BA (Hons) Graphic Design is an undergraduate degree centred on visual communication, brand design, and creative practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Design & Creative Practice. The course includes an optional placement year. The first year covers fundamentals through modules such as Professional Futures: Communication (Graphic Design), Design at Play, and Design for Change. The second year advances practice through Professional Futures: Collaboration and Defining Practice: Graphics, with optional choices including Independent Creative Entrepreneur and Industry Project. The final year focuses on advanced work through Independent Enquiry, Major Project, and Profession Futures: Presentation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . As creativity is an important part of this course, you are expected to submit a portfolio as part of the selection process. This is your opportunity to show your ideas and skills to our tutors. If you are not studying a creative subject at Level 3, you can still apply for this course. Our portfolio guidance information includes alternative options for how you can show us your passion for art. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Merit overall All subjects accepted but Digital Production, Design and Development and Craft and Design preferred Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level
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What students say
Based on about 64 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 13%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 75%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 630 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 12%
- West Midlands: 55%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 80 students who started
- A levels: 92%
- Access course: 3%
- Other HE qualification: 4%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional Futures: Communication (Graphic Design)
- Design at Play
- Design for Change
- Professional Futures: Collaboration
- Defining Practice: Graphics
- Independent Creative Entrepreneur
- Industry Project
- Independent Enquiry
- Major Project
- Profession Futures: Presentation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 120 UCAS points.
Does BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design at Birmingham City University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 13% left higher education.