Graphic and Communication Design BA

This degree will allow you to gain practical experience and develop graphic design skills through working on variety of briefs aimed at different audiences. You’ll gain working knowledge of graphic design processes, from primary research to developing and implementing ideas and evaluating the finished design. You’ll also develop key academic skills, gaining a contextual understanding of the cultural, historical and technological influences that have shaped design and visual communication.

Independent projects will give you the chance to enhance your research, planning and visual communication skills which are highly regarded by employers. Our range of optional modules will allow you to tailor your course to suit your interests. You could choose to focus on typography, information design, digital media, photography and other areas of graphic and communication design.

Specialist facilities

The School of Design offers excellent facilities for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities for painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital media. We have dedicated PC and Mac computer suites with up to date software for advancing your CAD skills.

The University is also home to the Yorkshire Fashion Archive which contains a huge variety of haute couture, fashion garments and everyday clothing bought and worn by Yorkshire locals throughout the 20th century – a great resource for your own research and design.

Our campus also houses the M&S Company Archive which includes documents, advertising, photos, films, clothing and merchandise from throughout Marks & Spencer’s history. It’s a fascinating insight into how fashion and the marketplace have changed and continue to evolve.

In addition, the world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections– valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

In your first year you’ll build your understanding of studio practice and the design process through project work, as you explore different aspects of graphic and communication design. You’ll improve your creative IT skills, and build on your visual research skills. At the same time, core modules will introduce you to the fundamentals of digital imaging, visual culture and the historical and theoretical approaches to design.

Once you’ve developed this base of knowledge and skills, you’ll be able to choose a specialist area to focus your studies in throughout your second year this could be in graphic design and advertising, or animation and interactive media. You’ll also explore colour, advanced design theory and marketing while building your awareness of professional standards.

Your final year is more industry-focused, and you’ll spend much of your time on an independent project to present at your final degree show. You’ll also apply the research and critical skills you’ve gained through your academic studies to a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Graphic and Communication Design BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding 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

This degree covers a range of different approaches and disciplines. As a result, you’ll benefit from varied teaching and learning styles. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are among the most common – particularly in more theory-based modules – and you’ll also have one-to-one contact with tutors in studios and workshops.

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.

• 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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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

  Art Foundation course: Whilst we welcome students who have completed an Art Foundation course, this is not a requirement for entry and doesn’t usually count towards entry requirements,In exceptional cases, we may make you an offer conditional on achieving an Art Foundation qualification: we may consider your application if you’re taking a validated Art Foundation course and have ABB or above at A-level not including Art or Design.

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.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, contact the School of Design Undergraduate Admissions team.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

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 texug@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/EU 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

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £21,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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

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.

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 at the Careers website.

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.