Help shape the visual world. From the foundations to emergent techniques, with a focus on sustainability, our new graphic design degree develops your skills and ability to create visuals that communicate across multiple platforms. Enter a growing job market where graphic designers are very much in demand.
Great graphic design is a genuinely international language. Every time you use an app on your phone, fill up your cart on your favourite website or use an emoji, you’re scrolling through the imaginations of graphic designers. And they’re in demand.
One in 20 workers are employed within the design industry. One in every 10 pounds from all UK exports comes from the design industry (Design Economy report, 2022). ‘Design shapes the world… the scale of what we need to design – and re-design – is enormous,’ states the UK’s Design Council (2022).
Graphic designers create a bridge between products and consumers. Their work is all around us. Websites, posters, infographics, book covers, product labels, logos, business cards, signs, mobile apps, all originate in the creative minds of graphic designers. Our graphic design degree will nurture the next generation, designers working in the heart of communities. You will develop your ability to solve social issues through design, building in sustainability, and ready to take on the challenges identified by the Design Council.
Our course has been developed in collaboration with industry professionals, so you’ll be ready to start your graphic design career on graduation. In your first year you’ll develop foundational skills and knowledge. You’ll learn both traditional and emergent techniques, such as illustration, motion graphics and typography. In Year 2 you’ll work on live design projects with industry, focus on advertising and branding, and explore fields such as design fiction, co-design (often working with communities to address social issues), and user interface design, culminating in a project that could be showcased at an external exhibition. And in your final year you’ll work on professional and live projects, developing your identity as a designer, again showcasing your skills in an exhibition. Live briefs and working with graphic design professionals will enhance your employability, making you ready to enter the job market with serious industry experience, and the know-how to harness your creative drive.
In Year 1 of your graphic design degree you’ll develop the foundational skills and knowledge required to support your developing and emerging design abilities. You’ll explore technical software for graphic design that can then be applied to other fields of design such as photography, gaming and animation. You’ll also learn traditional and emergent craft approaches used in design such as illustration, motion graphics, printmaking, and typography.
Design Context delves into art and design history, focusing on modernism to the present day. Designers use interpretation theories and research methodologies from the social sciences to conduct research and practice. You will have the opportunity to explore these theories, including design ethnography, design anthropology, linguistic theories, semiotic theories, psychological theories and gender theories. This module supports you to make sense of the visual world by developing a design vocabulary which you will use to describe and analyse your own and others' imagery.
Module code: GRA1000
Credits: 20
Digital Design
Digital Design introduces you to the Adobe Creative suite, with a focus on vector and raster image creation using Illustrator and Photoshop. Through the use of InDesign you will be enabled to bring together elements of visual design in visual outcomes. The module provides you with a solid foundation for further digital applications. You will have the opportunity to testbed other software programmes used for games design, web and social, and animation. We will encourage you to draw on skills such as reflection, idea generation and exploration through the short practical tasks. You'll also experiment with historical and contemporary visual art and design work in modern digital scenarios through imagery sourced from Design Context.
Module code: GRA1001
Credits: 20
Design Process
Design Process is an opportunity to learn different ways in which designers generate ideas, and work through projects from concept to final outcome, often referred to as 'design thinking'. Explore strategies and theories for stimulating creativity through creating your own working model of the creative process and evaluating how you approach design. Prototyping, testing and group working will be a key area of focus. By the end of the module, you will have produced a series of design prototypes and experiments.
Module code: GRA1002
Credits: 20
Design Craft
Design Craft covers various forms of visual design such as laser etching, foil blocking, design production for print, storyboarding and other experimental approaches. By the end of this module, you will produce a physical annotated sketchbook and/or a digital Pinterest or Instagram-style look book. This will give you the opportunity to explore the various hand-rendered approaches from within and outside the graphic design area, influencing you to produce interesting, experimental and authentic images and text forms.
Module code: GRA1003
Credits: 20
Working in Creative Industries
Working in Creative Industries is designed to enhance your employability and skill set by introducing you to the various sub-sectors of the constantly changing and evolving media and creative industries. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of economic and policy concepts as well as issues within the context of the media and creative industries. The aim is to develop your understanding of contemporary media settings, from industrial to political, scholarly and practical. You will examine the television, film, animation, music, print, performing arts and online digital industries while also developing research skills.
Motion Graphics runs alongside the Digital Design module, utilising the knowledge and skills that you develop using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Your skills will be developed further through using Adobe After Effects. This module is ideal if you have an identified preference for technical and digital graphic design. You will explore the basics of animation and movement principles. which will then be put into practice through a series of incremental practical workshops to produce a short motion graphics piece for a given brand, focused around visual identity and logo assets.
Module code: GRA1004
Credits: 20
Photography
Photography covers the basics in digital camera use and post-production, semiotic and photography theory. As practical knowledge of camera equipment and composition are required to fully exploit the creative possibilities of visual media, this module is designed to develop your camera skills, technical competence, and understanding of composition and photography. It concentrates on the principles of stills photography and develops your understanding of the photographic image that will be fundamental in developing knowledge and understanding for all visual communication. You will learn how to use digital photographic cameras and consider composition, framing, colour and post-production. The module also outlines how to ‘read’ photographs and use theoretical models (semiotics) to underpin your understanding. All work will be undertaken using digital technology and basic training in the use of cameras and Adobe Photoshop will be provided. No previous experience is required, and all equipment will be provided by the University.
Module code: MED1447
Credits: 20
Introduction to Writing for Narrative Games
Introduction to Writing for Narrative Games presents you with a selection of the forms of interactive narrative games that have emerged since the mid-1970s. The module focuses on print narratives since the principles of their authoring and design underpin, and provide useful grounding for, the consideration and creation of digital narratives at higher levels. You will address four specific forms: the interactive ‘gamebook’, the narrative board game, the story-creation card game, and the tabletop role-playing game. The aim is to explore key aesthetic concepts such as forking path narrative structures, narrative play and ludic narratives, immersion, simulation, improvisation, game-story design, and interactive storytelling.
Module code: WRI1017
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
In Year 2 you will choose optional modules from subjects such as user interface design, co-design, creative business and design fiction. You will work on a number of live projects and scenarios and will engage with external employers and professionals as part of your study. You’ll be able to develop your own project idea, based on your specialisms, which will be showcased at an external exhibition, event or platform.
Design Edge is an industry-focused module aimed at improving your employability upon completion of your studies. You will work on a series of design projects, developing your ability to negotiate and resolve live design briefs and projects, with opportunities to work individually and in collaborative groups.
Module code: GRA2000
Credits: 20
Design Futures
Design Futures provides you with the opportunity to review previous activities and approaches, and to focus on an area of special interest for research, written and practical work. You will be expected to work thematically with a particular line of enquiry emerging from your practice, moving you forward to the final year of study. We will support you in negotiating a project and producing this to a commercial standard of finish, which will be showcased in an external exhibition organised by the student group. Alongside this, you will also instigate an online portfolio of work, which will complement the exhibition.
Module code: GRA2001
Credits: 20
Design Communication
Design Communication will develop your understanding of the techniques of conveying messages through persuasion and establishing appeal to promote a brand, an idea or a cause. It covers advertising principles and branding strategies, including approaches to marketing and user experience design. You'll be enabled to appreciate the requirements to generate interest, loyalty and engagement with and for services, products, ideas and beyond. Collaborative working will be encouraged. You'll explore marketing principles, demographic issues, target audiences and distribution channels, and consider the impact of design solutions on people and planet. You'll complete a body of research work exploring case studies, as well as practical work in response to a live competition brief.
Co-Design provides you with the opportunity to work on internal and external research and design projects. There will be an emphasis on community engagement and participatory design approaches. This module would be well suited to you if you have an interest in community and socio-cultural work. You will develop strategies for effective creative facilitation, and take on the role of co-producers through community engagement workshops and focus groups. Learn how to work alongside and facilitate stakeholders and non-designers to support the generation of ideas for projects. There will be the opportunity to work with an organisation through a funded research project, or an internal research project at the university.
Module code: GRA2003
Credits: 20
Creative Business
Creative Business explores the possibilities for the future landscape of design and emergent technologies, philosophies and ways of working. Building on the Working in the Creative Industries module, you will refine an online or physical portfolio of work. Create your design identity and associated kitemark, logo or brand mark, along with self-promotional artefacts for your proposed freelance business, design agency or design collective. A designed CV and working blog or website will also be developed and refined. You'll be provided with an introduction to setting up your own company or working freelance. This will include contracting, funding for business start-ups, IP, design rights and the development of a business case. You will be expected to identify and research employment opportunities and produce case studies, which will lead to mock or real applications for placements, opportunities or employment.
Module code: GRA2004
Credits: 20
Writing for Roleplaying Games
Writing for Roleplaying Games introduces you to the genres, forms and conventions of the tabletop roleplaying game. The module enables you to explore and practice the discipline of writing roleplaying game scenarios, including the understanding of rule-sets and game mechanics, the creation of non-player characters, the conception and planning of narrative spaces as sites of action, the importance of clear and cohesive plotting, and considerations of how the manipulation of certain games systems’ ludic elements can enhance interactive storytelling.
Design Fiction is a practice which unites design, speculation, science fiction and worldbuilding. Design fiction models explore and assess possible futures through the production of designed aretefacts from those futures. This module unites thought experiments with speculative design principles, science fictional world-building, and other futurist approaches. You will be encouraged to create design fictions from a choice of media, including physical models, fictional user manual entries, promotional or review videos, newspaper articles, or web-based materials and resources. Science fiction literature, film and television will be used as inspirational starting points for debates and design work regarding the emerging technologies and how these might manifest in design products and ancillary materials.
Module code: GRA2005
Credits: 20
Fan Cultures and Subcultures
Fan Cultures and Subcultures requires you to critically evaluate the development of a variety of media audiences into actively engaged consumers and, potentially, producers of content of their own. The module will focus on the rapid growth in the development of fan culture in recent years and situate fan cultures within the context of wider audience behaviour. You will analyse the history of subcultural modes of active fandom, dating back to the cultural revolution of the rock and roll age, Hollywood cinema and the development of television in the aftermath of World War II. You will also be encouraged to engage with research methods appropriate to the study of media audiences and subcultural communities, including quantitative and qualitative methods such as surveys, ethnography or focus groups as means of developing primary data.
Module code: MED2329
Credits: 20
Studio Case Study 1: Disney – Princess or Pariah
Studio Case Study 1: Disney – Princess or Pariah provides you with the opportunity to research and explore the concept of social and political change, including their effect on animation production content in global audience contexts. Using contemporary Disney production output and its global media company position, you will explore both changing character design and story content guidelines for audiences in the light of social change. The changing landscape of socially responsible content creation, as well as the ever-increasing guidelines and conventions now affecting the design of international production products, will also be assessed. Investigating the drivers and processes of the American studio system and the Disney corporation, you will explore the effect of major players like Disney on modern transglobal media product design.
Module code: MED2338
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
In your final year of your graphic design degree you will be consolidating and resolving your skills and abilities to work on professional and live projects, which aim to secure your employment upon graduation. Your creative portfolio will be finalised and your identity as a designer will be clearly defined and showcased in an exhibition; alongside online and in-person self-promotional activities. You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement within a design studio environment, or you may choose to focus your attentions on setting up your own agency.
Design Direction combines your three years of degree level study and highlights your specialist subject knowledge and career direction. Write your own project assignment, followed by designing and producing a visual response to the findings of extensive research. The project will be showcased at an exhibition or degree show. The digital or physical portfolio of work that you will have created in the Creative Enterprise and Employment Portfolio module will be built upon. You will present the portfolio alongside this module so that you can fully demonstrate your design capabilities.
Module code: GRA3002
Credits: 20
Dissertation/Research Project
Dissertation/Research Project offers you the opportunity to undertake an in-depth personal research project, under supervision, and explore a range of relevant research methodologies and presentational formats. You will gain a thorough knowledge of your chosen subject area and be expected to shape that knowledge to produce a final submission that demonstrates your ability to locate the material within the wider contexts of your discipline. The project will require the consideration and discussion of methodological and/or epistemological issues, as well as a reflection on the ethical implications of research. The dissertation will allow you to work independently, with a supervisor, to explore areas of contemporary academic interest, consider issues of current or historical industry practice, and critically analyse case studies or products within specific cultural and social contexts.
Module code: MED3299
Credits: 40
Design Innovation
Design Innovation provides you with the exciting opportunity to work alongside an existing company or business to generate speculative ideas for new products, approaches or ventures. You will learn how design drives innovation and adds value to all sectors within industry. This involves guest lectures, trips and visits, client liaison, research into the organisation or business and the negotiation of prototype ideas. This might be a new product, a new user experience, a new process, or a sustainable alternative. By the end of this module, you will create a body of creative innovation work which will be shared in an exhibition or external showcase, or at a regional cultural festival.
Module code: GRA3000
Credits: 20
Design Practice
Design Practice allows you to concentrate on independent project development, refinement and production - expected in industry settings. You’ll negotiate, plan and produce a final body of visual and creative work simulating how a creative studio operates. Your project will be showcased at an exhibition or degree show, displaying your creative design direction and professional design capabilities. It will be preparation for working in the design industry and clearly express your subject specialism to prospective employers.
Design Collaboration is suitable if you want to build ethics, sustainability and social justice within your work. You will critically analyse a local or regional community, scenario, issue or debate to assess its status and identify how that scenario can develop and improve through design. Through a combination of lectures, seminars and fieldwork working in collaboration with community groups, you will conduct ethnographic research. You will also be introduced to the process of applying for research funding or grants as part of the process. By the end of this module, you will be able to provide a design solution to a given social or cultural issue.
Module code: GRA3003
Credits: 20
Creative Enterprise and Employment Portfolio
Creative Enterprise and Employment Portfolio is focused on the development of individual enterprise and employment strategies, as well as the production of an industry-standard showreel or portfolio of work. The aim is to provide you with the opportunity to present your best work in the most suitable format for potential employers enabling you to demonstrate your production skills in preparation for the highly competitive employment marketplace in the creative industries. You will receive guidance on how to structure a CV and engage with entrepreneurial routes to employment. This will include assistance in working with local and regional initiatives, employer mentoring, networking communities and small business set-up. The module will also cover postgraduate study opportunities.
Module code: MED3276
Credits: 20
Animation and Representation
Animation and Representation examines what animation as a medium can tell us about our shifting cultures and societies. The module will analyse animation to determine how different forms of the medium have presented ideologies and issues concerning representation. The module will examine a range of animated examples that fully represent the diversity of styles, techniques and technologies that have emerged through the history of animation. The case studies will invite the opportunity to explore broader social, political, historical and aesthetic paradigms in the way they are illustrated, articulated and negotiated across complementary axes of animated style and representation.
Module code: MED3282
Credits: 20
Language 3
Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.
Module code: TLC3000
Credits: 20
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
Teaching and learning for the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course takes place through practical workshops, lectures, seminars, studio-based working and external visits and events. Your learning will be supported by a Personal Tutor, individual and group tutorials and an experienced team of specialist technicians. You will also have the opportunity to attend various exhibitions, events and design studios to further enhance and contextualise your learning experience.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment will be via mainly practical assignments, research projects and individual and group presentations. Written work also accompanies this practical body of work. Assessment approaches include regular in-studio critiques, peer to peer assessment and ongoing formative feedback through prototyping and experimental in-class scenarios and activities. On this programme, the research, ideas and processes of designing are equally as important as the final designed artefacts.
Who will be teaching you
The graphic design degree is taught by an enthusiastic, diverse and professional team with current design industry experience. Lecturers are research-active in design and media, and have up-to-date experience in using the variety of resources available to you. Guest speakers will also contribute to programme delivery through live project briefs and portfolio critiques to develop your industry experience and contacts.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points.
No specific subjects are required although you will be expected to demonstrate your commitment and suitability to pursue a career in graphic design in your application.
You’ll also be invited to present a portfolio of your creative work in support of your application.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Graphic Design students are based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for the Department of English and Creative Arts.
Key features include TV studios with broadcast capacity and full production capabilities, recording studios, sound-editing suites, animation studios, a photographic studio, radio studio and multimedia laboratory. Our innovative resources are designed to ensure you gain practical experience to a professional standard. Dedicated support in the use of all creative media facilities is available through our Media Development Team.
2025/2026 part-time fee information will be added when available.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
With a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, you’ll be ready to dive into the creative industries. A broad range of career paths are available to you. Graduates could take on rewarding roles such as:
With a graphic design degree you’ll also have valuable opportunities to build a strong network within this rapidly expanding industry, finding the career path best suited to your skills and interests. Graphic designers are in demand across a range of businesses, such as:
advertising firms
branding specialists
design consultancies and studios
media and communication companies
packaging companies
PR agencies
publishing companies.
You could also find roles within the public sector, with museums, local authorities, schools, colleges and hospitals.
Or you could decide to freelance or even set up your own studio.
