Alexis Taylor
Head of School - Arts and Creative Industries
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: £9,790
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,790
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 13/11/2026
Graphic design is everywhere, from the brands we recognise to the websites, apps, products and experiences we use every day.
BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton helps you develop the creative, technical and professional skills needed to build a successful career in a rapidly evolving creative sector. Through studio projects and live briefs, you’ll learn how to research, develop and communicate ideas through branding, campaigns, digital experiences and other forms of visual communication.
Alongside core graphic design practice, you’ll also have opportunities to explore different creative processes and ideas, helping you to broaden your skills and develop a portfolio that reflects your interests and strengths. By graduation, you’ll have gained the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to build a career in the creative industries, from agencies and in-house to freelance and self-employed practice.
For Student Satisfaction in the East Midlands.
For Teaching Excellence in the Daily Mail University Guide.
For satisfied with teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
95percent
For student positivity in the National Student Survey 2026.
NSS Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score. Guardian Data from the 2026 Graphic Design Subject table. Complete University Guide 2027, Art and Design Subject Area, for Student Satisfaction (East Midlands only). Daily Mail University Guide 2027.
Industry Connections
Students have worked on live projects and creative challenges with organisations including Barclays, Decathlon, Delapré Abbey, STB Design, D&AD, Creative Conscience, and Dragon Rouge. These opportunities provide experience of responding to real briefs, presenting ideas and developing work for professional audiences.
The course regularly welcomes guest speakers from across the creative industries, giving students insight into different career paths, creative disciplines and contemporary professional practice.
Highlights
- Access specialist facilities including Design studios, Macs, Adobe Creative Cloud, photography and printmaking resources
- Build the confidence to work across branding, campaigns, digital experiences and emerging forms of visual communication
- Explore new technologies alongside traditional design methods and making processes
- Work on live projects that reflect contemporary design practice
- Learn from practising designers and gain insight from industry professionals
- Collaborate with students from across Art and Design disciplines, gaining new perspectives and approaches to creative practice
- Build a portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical ability and professional potential.
- There is a guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employability Promise.
- Laptop and software included with this course, see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions.
Students and visitors discussing creative work in a studio space on the opening night of the Graphic Design Degree Show 2026.
Tuborg Green Noise, D&AD New Blood Campaign concept featuring immersive audio (Connor King & Stuart Olliver)
Authentic Human Creation, a book investigating authenticity in the age of AI (Stuart Olliver)
Creative manifesto workshop
Pokit, a digital experience encouraging healthier relationships with technology (Laura Tucker)
Book jacket design for Noughts & Crosses (Shay Porter)
Screen-printed music poster (Kiera Galloway)
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.
Printmaking Workshop
The workshop offers a selection of both contemporary and traditional equipment, these include etching and intaglio, type setting, relief printmaking, silkscreen, photo etching, digital printing, computer-generated printmaking and photocopiers.
What You'll Learn
Commercial skills
Learn how graphic design works in practice, from research and idea generation through to strategy, production and presentation. Working on branding, campaigns and digital experiences, you’ll develop the creative and technical skills needed to respond to briefs and communicate with different audiences.
Creative exploration
Experiment with different ways of thinking, making and solving problems. Alongside your core graphic design studies, you’ll have opportunities to explore areas such as drawing, visual storytelling, immersive experiences and speculative design, helping you discover new approaches to creative practice.
Collaborative working
Design rarely happens in isolation. You’ll work with others to share ideas, tackle challenges and develop the communication and teamwork skills valued throughout the creative industries.
Professional practice and critical thinking
Understand the industries you’ll work in and the culture that shapes them. You’ll develop professional, research and critical thinking skills that help you adapt to changing technologies, opportunities and ways of working.
Year 1 is about building confidence. You’ll be introduced to graphic design alongside a wider range of creative processes, learning how to research, develop and communicate ideas while beginning to understand the cultural and historical contexts that shape design.
Explore a range of creative processes including printmaking, photography and digital image-making in a playful environment where experimentation is encouraged. Working across different materials, techniques and approaches, you’ll develop an understanding of how creative practice can support visual communication.
Investigate the role of visual communication in contemporary society by exploring the people, ideas and debates that shape creative practice. Alongside discussion, research and analysis, you’ll begin to identify your own interests and understand where they sit within the wider creative industries.
Explore graphic design through a range of projects that introduce the design process from research and idea generation through to production and presentation. As you respond to different briefs, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed for more independent practice.
Explore how design has responded to historical, cultural and social change through case studies, research and critical discussion. You’ll investigate influential movements, practitioners and ideas while developing the research skills needed to support your own creative work.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 26/27. The modules relating to the academic year 27/28 will be available from June 2027.
We’re updating our courses to help you develop the skills and experience you’ll need for a changing world of work.
This may include more opportunities to work with students from other subjects and learn through a wider range of experiences. As this course is being refreshed, some information on this page may change before you start your studies.
We’ll make sure you have the latest information before you begin your course.
Find out more about our Curriculum Redesign.
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 Employability 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 is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is about communicating ideas visually. Designers create everything from branding, advertising and packaging to websites, apps, campaigns, social media content and digital experiences. On this course, you’ll explore how visual communication can inform, persuade and engage audiences across a range of media.
Do I need to have studied Graphic Design before applying?No. Many students join the course from subjects as Art, Photography, Media, Creative Practice and other related disciplines. We’re looking for creativity, curiosity and a willingness to develop new skills, rather than specific experience in Graphic Design.
What careers can the Graphic Design course lead to?Our graduates have built careers across the creative industries, working in areas including graphic design, branding, digital content, marketing, publishing and communications. Some have joined creative agencies and in-house design teams, while others have developed successful freelance careers or established their own creative businesses.
How will I be taught?You’ll learn through studio projects, live briefs, workshops, tutorials, presentations, critiques and guest lectures from industry professionals. This combination of practical and theoretical learning helps you develop both your creative practice and professional skills.
How will I be assessed?Assessment is coursework-based and reflects professional design practice. This may include design projects, portfolios, presentations, pitches, research activities and written assignments.
What facilities will I have access to on the Graphic Design course?You’ll work in dedicated Design studios and have access to Macs, Adobe Creative Cloud, photography facilities and printmaking resources, alongside technical support from specialist staff.
Will I work with industry?Yes. The course includes live briefs, competitions, guest speakers and opportunities to receive feedback from industry professionals. These experiences help you understand contemporary design practice and build professional confidence.
How does the Graphic Design course prepare me for the future?The creative industries are constantly changing. Alongside core design principles, you’ll explore new technologies, emerging forms of visual communication and contemporary ways of working. The course develops adaptable skills that will help you respond to future opportunities and challenges throughout your career.
Degree Show
Discover the work of emerging artists, designers, and creatives by visiting exhibitions, installations, and showcases from our final-year art, design, technology, media, and performance talent.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
- Full Time: £9,790
- Integrated Foundation Year: £9,790
UON will adjust fees annually for UK (Home) Students up to the maximum allowable fee cap set by the Secretary of State for Education.
When assessing an applicant’s eligibility to pay home fees, we use the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) which sets out the regulations that have been decided by the UK Government Department of Education.
- Full Time – New Students: £17,000
- Full Time – Continuing Students: £16,300
- Integrated Foundation Year: £17,000
Tuition fees quoted for International Students apply only to the 2026/27 academic year. These fees may increase in future years in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to reflect rising delivery costs. Any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 5% of the previous year’s tuition fee. Updated tuition fees will be published on the UON website at least three months before the start of the next academic year.
Additional Information
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 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.
Staff
James Smith
Senior Lecturer - Graphics & Illustration
Paul Hill
Senior Lecturer in Graphic Communication Design
AJ Jackson
Technician Demonstrator – Design
Careers and Employability
Graphic Design is a broad discipline with opportunities across the creative industries. Graduates may go on to work in branding, advertising, digital design, UX/UI, publishing, motion graphics, packaging, illustration, photography, content creation and immersive experiences.
The creative industries offer far more opportunities than traditional design roles alone. Alongside design-focused careers, many graduates build careers in marketing, communications, content production, project management, user experience and other roles where research, problem-solving and effective communication are essential.
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.
- 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
