BA Graphic and Communication Design
About this course
BA in Graphic and Communication Design, a design degree focused on visual communication, media creation, and messaging strategies. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can optionally undertake a placement year or study abroad. The first year introduces core principles through Graphic and Communication Design Principles, Design Studies: Foundation, Creative Challenges and Communication, Visual Cultures and Vivid Future, and Introduction to Information Design, with options such as Creative Thinking and Introduction to Photography. The second year explores societal applications and interaction via Graphic and Communication Design for Society, Design Studies: Exploration, Design for Interaction and Experience, Book Arts, and Brand Strategy and Design, alongside optional choices like Digital Photography and Contemporary Illustration. The final year culminates in independent work through the Major Research Project and Graphic and Communication Design Project, supported by optional modules such as Contemporary Advertising, Social Design, and Fashion Styling and Photography.
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 BTEC: DDM in art/design. Excluding Art Foundation Diploma; please see Other Qualifications section. IB: 34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Visual Arts and 4 in English.
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What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 72%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 81%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 75 students who started
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 8%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 220 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 17%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 19%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 29%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Graphic and Communication Design Principles
- Design Studies: Foundation
- Creative Challenges and Communication
- Visual Cultures and Vivid Future
- Introduction to Information Design
- Creative Thinking
- Introduction to Photography
- Colour Design and Application
- Drawing beyond itself
- Editorial Design: Text, Image, Narrative
- Or a University of Leeds Discovery Module
- Graphic and Communication Design for Society
- Design Studies: Exploration
- Design for Interaction and Experience
- You must take one module
- Book Arts
- Brand Strategy and Design
- Strategic Marketing for the Creative Industries
- Digital Photography
- Designing for Colour
- Contemporary Illustration
- Collage Culture
- University of Leeds Discovery Module
- Major Research Project
- Graphic and Communication Design Project
- Contemporary Advertising
- Collaborative Marketing and Promotion
- Fashion Styling and Photography
- Social Design
- University of Leeds Discovery Module
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,000 and £38,000. The £31,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Design studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 169 UCAS points.
Does BA Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.