BA Graphic Design (with Foundation Year)
About this course
BA(Hons) Graphic Design (with Foundation Year), a design degree encompassing print and screen practices, contextual studies, and independent research. Core topics include Research Methods and Ethics & Professional Practice. The course includes a mandatory foundation year before progressing to undergraduate study. The first year covers fundamental creative skills through Core Studies in Art, Media and Design, Foundation Project, Disciplinary Projects, and Building Creative Skills. Year 1 introduces core concepts through Design for Print, Design Contexts, Design to Engage, and Design for Screen. Year 2 develops practical abilities via Process for Graphic Design and Practice for Graphic Design, alongside optional choices such as International Exchange, Pathways for Graphic Design, and Design Futures. The final year culminates in advanced study through Independent Study in Graphic Design, Professional Practice in Graphic Design, and Design Research 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
GCSE: Grade C/4 in English, or equivalent. Tariff points: 72 Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page. English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are requirement to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page. A-level subjects: No specific subjects required. EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page. Access: No specific subjects required. Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Irish Highers: No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required. T Levels: No specific subjects required.
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What students say
Based on about 208 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 78%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 66 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 82%
- Working and studying: 6%
- Further study: 1%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 13%
- Design occupations: 12%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 77%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 53%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 225 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 14%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 51%
- Wales: 7%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Core Studies in Art, Media and Design
- Foundation Project
- Disciplinary Projects
- Building Creative Skills
- Design for Print
- Design Contexts
- Design to Engage
- Design for Screen
- Process for Graphic Design
- Practice for Graphic Design
- International Exchange*
- Pathways for Graphic Design**
- Design Futures.**
- Independent Study in Graphic Design
- Professional Practice in Graphic Design
- Design Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £31,500. The £26,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol do next?
89% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
89% 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 (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
The average entrant had 93 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.