BA Graphic Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, an undergraduate graphic design degree focusing on typography, digital media, and visual communication. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers the foundations through Type as Image, Design Histories, Type and Image, Editorial Design, Identity Design, and Motion Design. The second year introduces UX/UI Design, Experimental Graphic Practices, Design Contexts, Designing for Change, Designing for Brands, and Collaborative Design Project. The final year involves independent study through Research Project, Transformative Project, Competition Brief, Industry Portfolio, and Major Project.
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: 104 points from a minimum of two A levels. BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM in any subject. Access: Pass Access to HE Diploma (preferably Art & Design, Humanities or Combined) with at least 33 credits at Merit and/or distinction. T level: Merit in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development or Digital Support Services. International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall. Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, with an optional informal interview, for entry onto this course. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team; drop us an email at artsportfolio@plymouth.ac.uk or alternatively give us a call on +44 1752 585858 . See our portfolio advice for further information . Other qualifications: Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 50%
- Gained a higher qualification: 40%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 5%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 60%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 185 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 11%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 65%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Type as Image
- Design Histories
- Type and Image
- Editorial Design
- Identity Design
- Motion Design
- UX/UI Design
- Experimental Graphic Practices
- Design Contexts
- Designing for Change
- Designing for Brands
- Collaborative Design Project
- Research Project
- Transformative Project
- Competition Brief
- Industry Portfolio
- Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £32,000. 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 University of Plymouth do next?
90% 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 Plymouth?
84% 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 Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 135 UCAS points.
Does BA Graphic Design at University of Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
50% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.