Graphic and Communication Design BA
Year of entry 2023
- UCAS code
- W290
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and a Pass in the Access to Leeds module.
Full entry requirements - Contact
- designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Graphic and Communication Design students are challenged both theoretically and artistically. Through a combination of making, reading, and writing projects, you have the opportunity to become a critical, creative practitioner and thinker.
Refining your research skills whilst studying contemporary and historical discourse will enable you to prioritise your final year dissertation with the same weight as your final year project. Throughout your studies, you'll learn how sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and employability all need to be considered in the graphic design and communication field.
You'll also gain a working knowledge of communication design practices:
- Typography
- Illustration
- Interaction design
- Branding
- Publication design
- Information design
Live briefs, guest speakers and an optional Year in Industry will all help equip you with essential skills needed to enter the world of the creative industries.
You’ll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules in the School of Design in a range of related subjects throughout your course.
Alternatively, you could be from a wide selection of Discovery modules from across the university, including popular subject choices such as media and computing.
In addition, the School of Design also offers the opportunity to participate in the Study Abroad scheme or our very successful placement year (Year in Industry) between your second and third year.
For many students, the placement year is an ideal opportunity to experience the reality of the graphic design industry.
Specialist facilities and support
Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities: 3D Art & Design Studio; 2D Art & Design studios; Fashion Design studios; Knit and Weave studio; Graphic and Visual Communication studio; Photography and Film studio; Digital print studio; Laser cut studio; traditional printing studio; Design workshop; 3D workshop with 3D printing; computer clusters.
The School also provides a range of other support to enhance the student experience and prepare students for the workplace: essential learning materials; essential studio and workshop materials; dedicated software (Adobe CC; PointCarre, Solid Works, Cinema 4D, Lectra, etc.); cameras and video recorder on loan; free entry to Inside/Out lecture series; compulsory field trips part of assessment; part of curriculum subscriptions (eg LSN, Special journals and periodicals); costs of Degree Show (infrastructure, course catalogue and exhibition set-up); external promotion (eg New Designer, AD&D, Graduate Fashion Week); Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the ASBCI (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing students); and Visiting Speakers, who are well known figures from industry or other institutions around the world.
Course details
We believe that the best designers and marketers develop their creative expertise through critical engagement with big ideas and big problems, developing vital research and analysis skills.
For all our students and staff, creativity has a clear context. We love to push ideas, skills and knowledge to their limits.
In your first year, you will learn about history, culture and technologies relating to graphic design.
You'll gain research and analysis skills and write reflective essays in response to contemporary and historical design perspectives. Simultaneously, you'll engage with an exciting range of practical design projects, starting to build your portfolio from year one.
Developing skills in typography and image-making, you will respond to a range of creative challenges – from branding to persuasion.
In your second year, you'll develop an awareness of professional standards within graphic design as you expand your portfolio of practical work. You'll also use your academic knowledge to conduct and undertake critical analysis and evaluation.
You'll build skills in interaction design and moving image as you continue to expand your design knowledge, as well as an understanding of design business and marketing. You'll also learn about more advanced ways of conducting research in the graphic design area.
All of this will prepare you for your final year, in which you'll apply all the practical and academic skills you've learned. These will culminate in several large creative projects, where you'll demonstrate your advanced graphic design, insight and communication skills.
You will also be required to produce a dissertation to demonstrate in-depth research and analysis of a contemporary topic in the field.
With both assessments combined and the gradual development in your knowledge and experience throughout your course, you will earn the skills employers need now and in the future.
You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your work at our degree show, both in the School and online.
Discover more about School of Design facilities with our online 360 tour.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Visual Communication for the Creative Industries | 20 |
| Design History, Design Futures | 20 |
| Type and Image | 30 |
| The Graphic Design Process | 30 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Photography (Digital) | 10 |
| Colour in the Design Process | 10 |
| Fashion Branding: Theory & Practice | 20 |
| Drawing beyond itself | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods | 20 |
| Marketing Creativity and Innovation | 20 |
| Design Application: Print and Screen | 30 |
| Graphic and Communication Design: Professional Practice | 30 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Illustration | 20 |
| Design for Sustainability | 20 |
| Introduction to consumer behaviour and neuromarketing | 20 |
| Photography | 10 |
| Colour: Art and Science | 10 |
| Book Arts | 10 |
| Collage Culture | 20 |
| 20th Century Fashion History | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Independent Study (Dissertation) | 40 |
| Graphic and Communication Media | 30 |
| Independent Project | 30 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fashion Styling and Photography | 20 |
| Collaborative Marketing and Promotion | 20 |
| Information Design | 20 |
| Brand Communications | 20 |
| Contemporary Advertising | 20 |
| Time and Image in Contemporary Art | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
However, independent study is at the heart of this degree: it builds research and critical skills, but it also gives you the chance to develop your individual voice as a designer.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Practical work is assessed using visual presentations and portfolios, or you may have to submit practical log books or collections of design work. Written exams, essays and other written responses to assignment briefs may also be part of the mix, depending on the modules you choose.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including art/design subject or media. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking
If you don’t have an art or design-related subject but you are taking Media Studies A-level, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of images of recent and relevant work.
GCSE: 5/6 A-C (or 4+) including English.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
BTEC
DDM in art/design.
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including M1 art/design or media.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Visual Arts and 4 in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including art/design or media.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.
Other Qualifications
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
International
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £24,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.
Equipment and material costs
Students need to cover the cost of printing their work during the course, including specialist print workshop costs. Students also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (eg pens, pencils, cutting tools, paper, ruler, etc.) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tools, etc.), as well as print portfolios.
The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:
• Level 1 – £50 - £150
• Level 2 – £50 - £200
• Level 3 – £100 - £300
Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.
Our course requires the development of work using Adobe Creative and other relevant software. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £500 - £2,500. You might also consider buying an external drive to back-up your work on a regular basis, which may incur another additional £50 - £150. Alternatively you can choose to store your work using cloud storage or your personal M:Drive, provided by the University.
If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students (eg Apple, Adobe Creative, etc.). Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you need and what you do not need. Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a laptop loan or further support from our Financial Assistance Fund.
You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. But, you may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional costs. Examples are: Drawing tablet (£50 - £500); Digital camera (£200 - £1500); etc.
Study and field trips
The School of Design pays for all compulsory field trips that are part of the curriculum and/or assessment. There may also be opportunity for optional study trips and the need for individual field-based projects / trips. Costs will depend on the project / courses undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip, and can therefore range between £100 and £750.
Degree show, extra exhibitions, and competitions costs
Your Degree Show will require extra production costs, which will vary according to individual projects. If you’re given the opportunity to showcase your work outside the School of Design, this will require additional production costs, as well as travelling, accommodation and subsistence costs.
You might also have opportunities to submit to competitions and may want to subscribe to online networks, which may cost up to an additional £100 per year.
Reading materials
You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your course.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
Documents and information you’ll need
If you don’t have an A-level in a related art or design subject, you’ll need to submit a portfolio of recent and relevant art/design work. Please email at least six images of recent work to designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk at the time of your application to UCAS – the email subject line should include your name and UCAS ID number.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Design Undergraduate Admissions
Email: designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
On completing this course, you’ll have strong visual and critical awareness, as well as a commercial understanding of advertising and fast-changing markets. You’ll have developed research and critical skills that make you an independent thinker, reflecting critically on the information you have and then drawing your own conclusions. All of these qualities are highly valued by employers in a range of industries.
Graduates have gone into careers in a number of different fields. Many continue with their professional practice – our graduates have gone to work for companies like Saatchi + Saatchi, FutureBrand, Exposure, Spiekermann Partners, Zitromat, McCann-Erikson, Smoke & Mirrors, Show Media, Elle Magazine, BBYO, SSY, Allgood, Golden, Prego, Elmwood, Cosmo, Apple, Nike, TBWA, BBH, Wieden + Kennedy, Root and Brand Union.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
You can also spend a year working in industry during your third year, it’s great for your personal and professional development, and may lead to the offer of a permanent role at placement companies.
Students have carried out placements at companies such as Tequila, FutureBrand, Spiekermann Partners, Zitromat, Show Media, The Chase, Saatchi + Saatchi, BBYO, SSY, Allgood, Prego, Elle Magazine, McCann – Erikson, Yell, Radio Aire and NE6.
Read more about our Year in Industry in the School of Design.
Rankings and awards
Student profile: Emily Moore
I chose to study at the University of Leeds specifically as it offered the chance to do a placement year and develop my skills, but to also be involved in live briefs from leading brands.Find out more about Emily Moore's time at Leeds