BA Graphic Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, a design degree focused on visual communication, typography, and creative studio practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can choose to include an optional year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers foundational concepts through Introduction to Graphic Design, Introduction to Typography, Design Agency Intern, and Design and Screen Cultures, introducing visual translation, typesetting, and studio principles. The second year progresses with Applied Graphic Design, Applied Typography 2, Design Agency Junior, and Design and Screen Cultures, developing project interpretation, color experimentation, and typography theories. The third year features 48 Hour Survival Guide, Research and Practice, Design Agency Senior, and Externality, focusing on ethnographic research and professional contexts. The final year concludes with Research and Practice, Exposition, Design Agency Creative Director, and Design and Screen Cultures 4, emphasizing self-initiated projects, business management, and advanced design thinking.
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
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 9%: 44 offers from 480 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 65%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Media Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 27%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 40%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Modules
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Introduction to Typography
- Design Agency Intern
- Design and Screen Cultures
- the concept of the graphic designer as an observer, thinker and visual translator
- practical and technical knowledge of the discipline through an arrangement of graphic elements, in 2D, 3D or virtual formats
- an introduction to key typographic principles, methods and techniques
- a range of practical workshops and lectures implementing traditional and digital typesetting techniques
- an exploration, experimentation and deconstruction of typography
- the principles and practice behind the world of the traditional graphic design agency
- work-like scenarios within the safety of the academic environment
- the defining features of the evolution of design and screen-based creative practice since the late nineteenth century
- some of the core issues that will establish a historical foundation for the development of studio practice
- reflect your interests
- enhance your main area study
- 80 credits of compulsory courses in your chosen subject area
- 40 credits of option courses
- Applied Graphic Design
- Applied Typography 2
- Design Agency Junior
- Design and Screen Cultures
- the creative potential of design
- new methods of seeing and thinking to find alternative design solutions
- skills in interpreting and responding to project briefs by generating creative ideas, research methods, experimentation in colour and materials, production, prototyping and digital visualisation techniques
- the terminology, rules and guidelines, philosophies and theories of typography
- exploring, organising and arranging text using traditional reproduction, printing techniques, paper and finishes
- work with peers across different year groups working collectively towards a common objective regardless of experience
- the principles, practice and strategies behind the world of various design agency structures and roles
- historical and contemporary perspectives
- reflect your interests
- enhance your main study
- 80 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area
- 40 credits of option courses
- 48 Hour Survival Guide
- Research and Practice
- Design Agency Senior
- Externality
- professional practice with an external focus
- ethnographic research methodologies and techniques
- the origination and development of new approaches to information-gathering, analysis and reflection
- prototyping as part of the exploratory process
- the role and impact of graphic design practice in society
- exploration of the professional context of Graphic Design, such as creative parameters, audiences and time frame
- work-like scenarios, being part of a team in a senior role developing professionally rooted skill sets
- periods of exchange
- internships
- live projects/competitions
- exhibitions
- 100 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area
- 20 credits of option courses
- Research and Practice
- Exposition
- Design Agency Creative Director
- Design and Screen Cultures 4
- the design process, addressing the cycle of analysis, interpretation, trail resolution, solution
- set and self-initiated projects, as well as theoretical underpinning
- the establishment of a creative business and management role, directing peers and working collaboratively
- work-like scenarios developing rounded, profession-rooted skill sets, such as design thinking, risk-taking, selling, presenting, delegating, managing and networking
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £37,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design at University of Edinburgh do next?
100% 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 University of Edinburgh?
91% 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 University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 151 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Graphic Design at University of Edinburgh?
9% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 44 offers from 480 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Graphic Design at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.