BA Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration)
About this course
BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) is an undergraduate design degree centered on creative visual communication, typography, and sequential narratives. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can choose to undertake an optional placement year to gain practical experience before graduation. The first year covers design fundamentals through the compulsory modules Design Fundamentals, Typographic Exploration, Social Contexts of Design & Illustration, and Applied Design & Illustration. The second year progresses into branding, digital platforms, and studio practice with compulsory modules including Visual Identity, Illustration for Screen, Studio Practice, Critical Perspectives, and Professional Illustration Practice, alongside an optional Work Based Learning module. The final year focuses on independent projects and portfolios through compulsory modules such as Research into Practice part 1, Research into Practice part 2, Independent Project and Illustration Portfolio part 1, and Independent Project and illustration Portfolio part 2.
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: BBC
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 100%
- Assessment and feedback: 96%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 25%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 25%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 90%
- London: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 60%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- Other qualifications: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Design Fundamentals
- Typographic Exploration
- Social Contexts of Design & Illustration
- Applied Design & Illustration
- Visual Identity
- Illustration for Screen
- Studio Practice
- Critical Perspectives
- Professional Illustration Practice
- Work Based Learning
- Research into Practice part 1
- Research into Practice part 2
- Independent Project and Illustration Portfolio part 1
- Independent Project and illustration Portfolio part 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk earn?
The median salary is £21,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £32,000. The £25,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk 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 (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk?
100% 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 (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 103 UCAS points.
Does BA Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) at University of Suffolk?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.