BA Graphic Design & Communication
Cardiff Metropolitan University
About this course
BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Communication, a design degree exploring the role of graphic communication, visual media and digital contexts within contemporary practice. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can optionally undertake a year-long sandwich placement between the second and final years. Year 1 introduces foundational concepts through Fundamentals of Graphic Design & Communication, Graphic Design Digital Contexts, Research Basics, and Interdisciplinary Understanding, focusing on visual media, user experience and collaborative working. Year 2 advances professional development and real-world problem-solving with Design Systems, 21st Century Challenges, Real-World Contexts, and Research Proposal. Year 3 centres on independent practice and career preparation through Specialist Practice, Positioning in Practice, and Contribution, culminating in a final research submission combining written and practical work.
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
UCAS tariff: 96-120 A level: Minimum three A levels. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject. BTEC/Cambridge Technical: MMM-DDM IB: 24 points. No specific subjects required.
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 71%
- Organisation and management: 45%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 75%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 115 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 73%
- Working and studying: 9%
- Further study: 4%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 13%
- Design occupations: 11%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 63%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 47%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 42%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 290 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 5%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 20%
- Wales: 56%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 75%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Fundamentals of Graphic Design & Communication
- Graphic Design Digital Contexts
- Research Basics
- Interdisciplinary Understanding
- Design Systems
- 21st Century Challenges
- Real-World Contexts
- Research Proposal
- Specialist Practice
- Positioning in Practice
- Contribution
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £29,000. The £23,500 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Graphic Design & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
83% 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 & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Does BA Graphic Design & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design & Communication at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.