BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Art and Design
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
BA Graphic Design at UEL combines the study of traditional visual communication with the possibilities of emerging technologies. We provide the forum and facilities (link) in which staff and industry expertise fuse with students’ own knowledge, experience and ambition. We explore both practical and theoretical understanding and, from the outset, we encourage students to think experimentally and evolve our field.
This course operates within the Art and Creative Design subject. This allows students to work collaboratively, broadening their knowledge base while forging a creative community. Cluster-wide workshops allow our students to build a unique portfolio of skills essential to the Fourth Industrial Age.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreAcademic excellence
Several of our recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses at the Royal College of Art. See the Your future career section of this page for more case studies.
Global reach
Through the University’s Going Global scheme students have travelled far and wide – from Tokyo to Minneapolis to Moscow. Our students have showcased work at the D&AD Impact Awards in New York.
Competitive Edge
Our students have competed at an international level at the D&AD Impact awards.
Temidayo Kolawole
Graphic Design, BA (Hons), undergraduate
UEL’s Graphic design course is one that embodies the philosophies of past pioneers in the context of today’s graphic design and its advancement. Here it seems we are at the epicentre of creating ideas that will move, influence and shape the world.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
You don't need to pay this up front.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
Maintenance Loan
Part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
From academic year 2018/19, part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation.
Part-time students need to study their courses at a rate of at least
25% of an equivalent full-time course in each academic year.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance
We appreciate that finance is one of the key considerations when you are applying to university. That's why alongside your Government loan, you can apply for scholarships to help towards your finances. We have invested over £2 million worth of scholarships to financially assist new students, starting in September 2019. If you are awarded a scholarship you don't need to pay it back.
All students will receive:
Ebooks
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Price per 30 credit module.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2021
-
Degree
96
New UCAS Points
The portfolio should show evidence of observational drawing, the development of an idea through to a completed illustration, and techniques and processes that you have worked with. We are particularly interested in seeing your sketchbooks / journals to see how you develop your ideas.
At interview you should be prepared to discuss your work, ideas and ambitions. You should also be able to discuss graphic artists, illustrators or animators who influence you.
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
We will also consider the UEL New Beginnings pre-entry course
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
Graphic
designers employ a broad of range of skills to complete projects, including practical, conceptual, theoretical, social and commercial knowledge. We focus
on building skills in these areas through direct experience.
You will learn about the key design
processes; research, ideation, iteration, production and presentation
– and how to apply them to new scenarios. Examples of practical applications of
these key processes include:
- Editorial and print design
- Typography
- Web and app design
- Broader visual communication practices such as studio photography, moving image, 3D prototyping and animation
By developing
theoretical and conceptual skills, you will learn to locate your graphic design
practice in a wider professional and critical field. You will gain advanced
awareness of design histories, context and applications, and you will develop
the ability to engage in and understand critical discussions around design.
Studying BA Graphic
Design will furnish you with a host of transferable skills – but more
importantly you will learn adaptability and develop the necessary competencies
to tackle the 4th Industrial Age.
Who teaches on this course:
- Stephen Barrett (graphic design, typography)
- Jonathan Clark (photography, graphic design)
- Dan Duran (film, video)
- Ed Gill (film, video)
- Andrew Osman (graphic design, typography, type design)
- Bryony Quinn (Contextual studies, theory)
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
- Found – all core
- Year 1 – all core
- Year 2 – all core
- Year 3 – all core
How you'll be assessed
Each module has a duration of 12 weeks (one term) and always
concludes with an assessment point. We provide feedback throughout these 12-week
periods with a specific ‘Tracking Week’ dedicated to this process midway
through each term.
For Practical modules your submission will consist of a
Learning Journal (the presentation of your development and experience) and
Portfolio (the presentation of your practical output). For Theoretical modules
you may be asked to produce a piece of academic writing of a given length and a
live presentation.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL’s assessment and feedback policy.
Course specification Foundation Year SpecificationHow you'll learn
Your learning will involve a blend of activities, from
research through practice to reflection. The course is divided into modules,
with each module being composed of a set of projects or briefs. These briefs
can be compiled over time to
produce a growing record of experience and budding expertise.
The course
begins at pace by introducing a wide range of key ideas and their practical
applications. This gradually gives way to longer, more in-depth and
self-determined projects that encompass many processes and conceptual stages. Along the way, you will develop your work via
regular feedback sessions, seminars, tutorials and critiques, or ‘crits’.
UEL has extensive maker facilities.
Within Architecture and Visual Arts (AVA) there are dedicated spaces for
production. These include a fully equipped Risograph printing studio,
analogue and digital darkrooms, an immersive green screen studio and a
variety of traditional printing. There are also wood, ceramic and metal
workshops to further develop your practice. Digital Fabrication facilities include 3D printing, laser cutting and CAD milling.
As a student you will be able to loan equipment including photographic kit, projectors and VR headsets.
Further ways you will learn:
- Cluster-wide electives: workshops (such as printmaking, textiles, bookbinding, coding, etc) ensure students take full advantage of UEL’s extensive facilities and highly-skilled staff team
- Remote learning: off-campus access to a Virtual Learning Environment
- Industry expertise: specialist lectures and visits to/from industry figures, as well as participation in live briefs and competitions
- Culture in London: regular engagement with many of the 250 art institutions and archives that offer ever-changing inspiration for set briefs and self-directed study
- Portfolio development: we help our students build strong portfolios and professional outlooks that match their ambition and personalities, and prepare them for industry
• Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including
our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face
on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern
library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for
study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a
range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your
learning.
• Academic
support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related
queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL
students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as
academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes
we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our
students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all
aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks
located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature
centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support
and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties
(SPDs).
• Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled
learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars
and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each
module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent
study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent
study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent
study – 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the
course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture
theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative
work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic
year dependent on your course.
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Your future career
In 2018 the UK’s creative sector broke the £100 billion mark. Within this economy there are a great variety of roles that utilise the skillsets we develop.
Our alumni
may work in-house for a large company, in a specialist design studio, run their
own business or be self-employed across a variety of industries. Spending three
years tracking multiple projects, solving the logistics of production and
negotiating within teams of creatives will prepare you for work beyond the subject
area. The University’s e-Factor competition offers
students resources to develop their own business and the Career Coaching team are always on
hand to help students fine tune their CVs and interview techniques.
The course maintains a strong
network of alumni and we regularly invite former students to return as guest
speakers and lecturers. Below are some examples of different career
trajectories.
Chris Steel graduated from the course in 2014.
They now work as a Focus Puller (1st Assistant Camera) in film and video. One
of their career highs so far has been working on tour and album visuals for
Kylie Minogue.
Kemar Reid (grad. 2014) works as a graphic designer for the iconic
London radio station NTS. He recently featured in a video campaign for The Face/Converse, explaining his
creative practice and inspiration.
Charlotte-Maëva Perret (grad. 2013) went on to gain an MA at
the Royal College of Art. She works in design, fine art, fashion and academia, including teaching with us at UEL.
