BA Graphic Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a fashion design degree focused on visual communication and creative practice. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes practical projects and independent study, with eighty percent of studies delivered through hands-on work. The first year introduces the fundamentals through Introducing Visual Communication, Cultural Contexts, Multi-Dimensional Graphic Design, and Collaborative Practice. The second year develops technical and conceptual abilities with The Designer's Toolkit, Type & Typography, Graphic Design Projects, and The Critical Designer. The final year culminates in advanced practical work and independent study through Advanced Design Projects, Independent Research Paper, and Graphic Design Showcase.
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
96-112 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range. A-levels: CCC-BBC. T-levels: P (C+) . All subjects are accepted however we recommend the T Level Digital Production, Design and Development for entry to this course. Access to HE: 15 Credits at Distinction & 30 at Merit. Scottish Highers: BBCC - BBBB. Irish LC Highers: B2x4 – B1x3, B2. Selection criteria: As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Graphic Design. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained. All places are offered subject to successful interview and portfolio. Please prepare your portfolio carefully to show evidence of your creativity, drawing, idea development, design and technical skills. We also like to see expressive and experimental work. There is no one, ideal portfolio and we are used to looking at the work of students from many different courses and colleges. Although we want to see your work, we are more interested in meeting you and giving you the opportunity at interview to express your passion and commitment for graphic design.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 74%
- Learning opportunities: 67%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 80%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 76%
- Student voice: 56%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 35%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 14%
- North West: 62%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 5%
- London: 1%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introducing Visual Communication
- Cultural Contexts
- Multi-Dimensional Graphic Design
- Collaborative Practice
- The Designer's Toolkit
- Type & Typography
- Graphic Design Projects
- The Critical Designer
- Advanced Design Projects
- Independent Research Paper
- Graphic Design Showcase
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Graphic Design at University of Cumbria earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £17,000 after 3 years, £22,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,000 and £25,000. The £22,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Graphic Design at University of Cumbria do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Graphic Design at University of Cumbria?
74% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Graphic Design at University of Cumbria?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 101 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Graphic Design at University of Cumbria?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.