Alexis Taylor
Head of School – Art & Design
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:false;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Key Facts
-
UCAS Code
BA: W210
BA with Foundation: W211 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
-
BBC at A-Level or,
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
Updated 04/12/2025
Updated 04/12/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton is a future-facing degree built around real-world design practice. You’ll explore how design informs, provokes, persuades, and connects – from branding and UX/UI to experience design, campaigns, and emerging technologies.
At the heart of the course is a strong studio culture where experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking are encouraged. You’ll work on live briefs, respond to complex problems, and build a portfolio that reflects both your ideas and your ambition.
You’ll study alongside Illustration peers in selected modules, benefitting from cross-disciplinary insights while developing your own specialist practice. From day one, you’ll work with both traditional tools and the latest software to bring your ideas to life across print, digital, motion, and beyond.
Whether you’re creating content design for brands, tackling social issues, or developing immersive experiences, this course equips you with the technical ability, strategic mindset, and creative confidence to make a meaningful impact as a designer.
For satisfied with teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
For overall student positivity in the National Student Survey 2025.
Guardian Data from the 2026 Graphic Design Subject table. NSS Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score.
Highlights
- Build your portfolio with live briefs, global competitions, and meaningful design for social impact.
- Get hands-on with specialist resources, inspiring guest lecturers, and valuable industry connections.
- Learn new skills with expert-led workshops and dedicated technical support.
- Learn from passionate tutors who are also practising designers.
- Explore the creative industries through studio tours and cultural trips.
- Get feedback from industry professionals to sharpen your creative ideas.
- Study in dedicated Design studios with Macs, Adobe software, photography and printmaking facilities.
- There is a guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
- HP Laptop and software included with this course, see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions.
Image shows a blue and yellow graphic design for a marketing campaign for a wellbeing service including images and text
Image shows a hardback copy of The Night Manager placed face down to show the blue and white cover in full.
Image shows a hand holding a smartphone over a magazine spread of photos and text
Image shows a two page spread in an open book of two metallic circles and white text on a black background
Photo shows a book cover for 'Girl, Woman, Other' designed by Karla Ayree, which was the Penguin Cover Design winner in 2022. The cover is an image of a black female interwoven into various multi coloured African culture patterns and textures with adinkra symbols embedded throughout the book's design to symbolise each character’s story. Pairing the adinkra symbols with a vibrant dashiki pattern creates an impactful, vivid, and contrasting design.
Image shows four magazine covers on an orange background. The magazine is named The Unknown and features one large image with text
Photo shows 'Girl, Woman, Other' book cover designed by Evy Diepenbroek, which was shortlisted for Penguin Cover Design Award in 2022. The cover is fawn and blue in colour and depicts 7 illustrated hands interconnected by string to symbolise their entwined lives and narratives. The back has a female holding a piece pf paper and shouting - the paper contains the books back copy text and quotes.
Images shows a series of four Instagram posts on smartphone screens
Entry Requirements
A typical offer to study BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton would be:
- BBC at A Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (C and above) at T Level
In addition, we expect applicants to have studied art or a relevant subject at A Level, BTEC or equivalent. We also accept Foundation Diplomas in Art and Design.
Those with a relevant HND or Foundation Degree may be eligible to enter directly into the second or third year of the programme.
For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.
Admission to this Graphic Design foundation programme is normally :
- DEE at A Level or,
- MPP at BTEC or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.
If you are considering a change in career or if you are returning to education after time away, then we suggest you contact Admissions to book an advisory interview with the course leader so we can explore how best to support your study ambitions.
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
Commercial: Enhance your technical skills and apply design principles to real-world commercial projects. You’ll gain insights into audience behaviour and learn how to produce compelling and persuasive designs.
Experimental: Push the boundaries of design thinking and practice. We encourage you to adopt new perspectives and use your creativity to explore new ways of working through traditional and emerging technologies.
Collaboration: Work across boundaries to create powerful, team-driven design work. The course focusses on communication, shared problem solving and negotiation, helping you to develop work that benefits from diverse perspectives and collective creativity.
Professional and Critical: Gain an in-depth understanding of the creative industries and what it takes to succeed. You’ll explore the business aspects of design, boost your research capabilities, and sharpen your analytical thinking around design and visual culture.
Compulsory Modules
Exploring Creative Practice
40 Credits
Code: 2DD1042
40 Credits
Roles and Contexts
20 Credits
Code: 2DD1043
20 Credits
Creative Projects
40 Credits
Code: 2DD1044
40 Credits
Critical and Cultural Perspectives
20 Credits
Code: 2DD1045
20 Credits
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
At the University of Northampton, we’re dedicated to empowering you with all the resources you need to make an impact after graduation. By joining our full-time Graphic Design degree, you’ll start your studies with a high-spec laptop perfect for seminars, group projects, and home study—setting you up for success from day one.*
We’re committed to helping you realise your ambitions. Throughout your Graphic Design BA, we’ll support you in identifying and developing your skills, discovering your strengths, and gaining practical experience. This robust preparation ensures you stand out when applying for jobs or further studies. Thanks to our confidence in our educational approach, we offer the Northampton Employment Promise, guaranteeing that our focused and award-completing students graduate highly employable, ready to secure great jobs or pursue further education.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) at the University of Northampton provides a supportive route into degree study, particularly suited for students who may not meet the traditional entry requirements.
If your qualifications differ from the typical admissions criteria, our four-year programme including the Integrated Foundation Year is an excellent opportunity to develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. The foundation year is focused on equipping you with key theoretical, practical, and academic skills.
You will begin with a foundation year, studied full-time, which is designed to help you adjust to the university environment and prepare for the rest of your degree. The subsequent three years will then follow the standard degree format. This approach aims to give you a solid start and continuous support throughout your university journey.
What the strengths of this Graphic Design course?
Our graphic design students have gained a reputation for being particularly successful in several key areas:
- Creativity and Innovation: Students on our course are known for their ability to push creative boundaries. Their work often blends traditional graphic design techniques with innovative digital solutions, which is reflected in their projects. They excel in conceptual thinking and developing new ways to communicate messages visually.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: The course is structured to align with the current trends in the graphic design industry. As a result, graduates are skilled in creative problem solving and the latest design software (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.), branding, advertising, UX/UI design, print design, and digital illustration. These practical skills are honed through real-world projects, collaborations, and work placements.
- Sustainability and Social Influence: We place a strong emphasis on sustainability, and this is often reflected in the students’ final portfolios. Many graduates focus on creating environmentally conscious designs or campaigns with social impact, which is a growing area of demand in the design industry.
- Collaborative Work: Our eager, developing designers are taught the value of teamwork and collaboration. Many successful projects emerge from group work, where students combine their strengths in design, communication, and problem-solving. This approach mirrors the collaborative nature of the professional design industry.
- Award-Winning Projects: Our students have a strong track record of winning prestigious awards in national and internationally recognised design competitions. This is a testament to the high quality and creativity of their work.
- Entrepreneurship and Freelancing: Many students go on to become successful freelancers or start their own design studios. The university encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, offering resources and guidance for those looking to develop their own businesses.
- Networking and Industry Links: Our course has strong connections with industry professionals, giving students opportunities to network and gain insights into the practical aspects of the design world. This has helped many students secure internships, placements, or freelance work while still studying.
These strengths help prepare our students not only for a successful career in graphic design but also for contributing to the wider creative industries with a focus on cutting-edge design communication, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
How will I be taught on Graphic Design BA (Hons)?
Your learning is supported by a committed team of lecturers and creative practitioners who guide you through every stage of the course. We use a dynamic mix of teaching methods to enrich your experience:
- Project briefs: Tackle briefs set by tutors, industry partners, or national/international competitions.
- Workshops and demonstrations: Build your technical confidence through hands-on sessions.
- Tutorials and seminars: Take part in both group discussions and one-to-one guidance.
- Group critiques and presentations: Develop your ideas through peer and tutor feedback.
- Guest speakers: Hear directly from professionals working at the forefront of design.
How will I be assessed on the Graphic Design degree?
Assessment is designed to reflect real-world practices in graphic design and is all coursework based. It includes:
- Portfolio presentations: Showcase your design solutions through differing digital and physical formats.
- Presentations and pitches: Develop your communication skills by presenting your ideas to peers and tutors.
- Written work: Engage with written assignments that complement your design projects.
What is the course schedule like?
Your taught study will be a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and technical demonstrations, usually for 15 hours per week, depending on your level of study. In addition, we recommend that you spend around 10 hours per week in self-directed study time. You will have access to technical facilities and studies outside of taught time
What are some recommended books and resources?
To get a head start or to dive deeper into graphic design, consider exploring these resources:
Books:
- Graphic design: a user’s manual – Adrian Shaughnessy
- Know your onions: graphic design – Drew De Soto
- The A-Z of visual ideas: how to solve any creative brief – John Ingledew
- The art of looking sideways – Alan Fletcher
- Design History, A Students’ Handbook – Hazel Conway
- Graphic Design: A New History – Stephen Eskilson
- On Creativity – John Hegarty
Magazines:
- Creative Review
- Eye: the international review of graphic design
- Baseline: international typographics journal
- Computer Arts Magazine
- Juxtapose
- Aesthetica
- Adbusters
Web:
- Its Nice That (web)
- Design inspiration – Design Inspiration
- Computer Arts magazine / CreativeBloq
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
- International – Full Time: £15,700
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
Materials, Visits and Events:
- Materials: Some essential workshop materials are initially covered for inductions at no extra cost. Additional materials range from £30-£50 per year depending on individual requirements.
- Visits: Compulsory visits are covered at no extra cost. Optional visits may cost up to £50 annually.
- Events: We recommend budgeting for additional large format printing for exhibitions and shows – around £30 per year, and around £50 or more for specialist materials.
Trips:
- Optional cultural overseas trips. These vary from year to year based on demand and range from approximately £350-£550 per trip.
Degree Show:
- In the third/final year of study contributions or fundraising may be needed for your Graphic Design Degree Show or to participate in any other graduate showcases.
Technology:
- Our course design studios are equipped with MacBook Pro laptops, however use of your own device – whether PC or Mac – is also perfectly acceptable. Please just make sure your device is powerful enough to run professional creative software.
Art Supplies:
- You’ll need to provide everyday art supplies like sketchbooks and pens. Our campus Art Shop can cater to these needs.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
Staff
James Smith
Senior Lecturer - Graphics & Illustration
Paul Hill
Senior Lecturer in Graphic Communication Design
Terry Putman
Technical Demonstrator - Design
Careers and Employability
A Graphic Design degree can open up your career options. You will not be limited to one specific type of career role but rather you’ll be able to pursue numerous career paths. Our past graduates use their wide range of design skills to work in the following areas and roles:
- Branding – national and international branding design agencies
- Advertising – national and international campaign design agencies
- UX / UI Design – App, website and interactive screen design
- Content Design – Social media creation
- Motion Graphic Design – moving image advertising, TV programme idents, title sequences, screen motion graphics
- Editorial and Publishing – magazines, journals and books – design, composition and layout
- AR/VR/XR design and creation – 3D interactive augmented and virtual reality experiences
- AI design implementation and process integration – considered use of cutting-edge design workflows
- Packaging – designing and implementing branding across product ranges
- Typography – font design, text and information layout across multiple formats
- Illustration – commercial illustration across traditional print formats and digital screen media
- Photography – commercial application of image creation across multiple media formats
Our course is designed to supportively encourage our graduates to develop the relevant knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their aspirational career trajectory within their preferred professional creative design field. We are here to support those goals as much as possible.
Master’s Opportunities
The University of Northampton’s master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on master’s fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.
Facilities and Special Features
When you study BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton, you will enjoy access to a number of different facilities and services to help you in your studies, including;
- Large specialist studio spaces with dedicated access to Mac-books, digital cameras, lighting kits and sound recording equipment.
- Additional iMac design suite
- Subsidised digital printing
- Printmaking facilities and professional photography studios with controlled lighting studios
- Video editing suites
- Free Adobe Creative Cloud software account for your duration on the course
Onsite printmaking workshop
Our onsite printmaking workshop can enhance the creative practices of students on a variety of courses
View Facility
