Course summary
Graphic + Media Design at Hereford College of Arts is for emerging designers who want to communicate ideas with clarity, imagination and impact. You will explore how images, typography, colour, layout and motion work together to shape experiences across print, digital and social platforms. The course encourages experimentation and supports you to develop your own visual language while building the technical and strategic skills used across the design industry. Across three years, you will explore the full range of design practices — from brand identity and editorial design to campaign work, digital products and motion graphics. You will learn to combine conceptual thinking with hands-on craft and digital fluency, working on briefs that strengthen your creativity, confidence and communication skills. You will study in a collaborative studio environment, developing problem-solving abilities and learning how designers contribute to cultural and commercial communication. You will: ● Develop skills in typography, layout, image-making and visual systems. ● Explore brand identity, editorial design, campaign work and motion graphics. ● Build confidence using industry-standard software and production methods. ● Learn how to pitch ideas, respond to briefs and communicate concepts clearly. ● Work on collaborative projects that mirror real communication challenges. ● Produce a portfolio that reflects your personal design voice. FACILITIES You will work in specialist studios equipped with high-spec Macs, Adobe Creative Cloud, printmaking facilities and access to photography, fabrication and digital labs. These spaces support experimentation across print and digital media. Large format Epsom printers, Riso-Graph Printer, 3D and Jesmonite printers, DyeSub Printers and Letterpress and screen-printing workshops, additional software including Apple Final Cut Pro and FIGMA. INDUSTRY LINKS You will learn from practising designers, art directors and creative strategists through talks, workshops and live projects. Students regularly collaborate with brands, agencies, publishers and cultural organisations, gaining experience in responding to real communication challenges and presenting work professionally. Crits, tutorials and visiting practitioner workshops from the likes of Hello Yes London, etal Design and Tomorrowisclosed support the development of your creative identity and professional direction. CAREERS Graduates progress into roles such as graphic designer, brand designer, editorial designer, motion designer, content designer, UX/UI assistant and visual strategist. You will build a portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking, technical skill and the ability to work across multiple media - whether freelance, in-house or part of an agency. Former HCA students are working with the likes of Sky Sports, Big Helping and Accept + Proceed. SUSTAINABILITY + ETHICAL PRACTICE You will explore how design can address environmental and social issues, from accessible communication and inclusive visual language to sustainable print and ethical brand storytelling. Put that into practice through real-world projects working with the likes of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Hay Festival Global and UN global design projects. EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES You will be supported to engage with the wider design community through exhibitions, online collaborations and international design networks. These experiences help build confidence and awareness of emerging design practices. Put your work out in the world through D&AD briefs, collaborate across disciplines on Batsford Prize entries and answer open calls for graphic art from the likes of Lucienne Roberts (Design&). For detailed information about the course modules: www.hca.ac.uk/courses/bahons-graphic-media-design
Modules
From your first day at HCA you will work as a creative, developing your skills and your own voice through a series of projects. You will develop your creative practice, practical skills alongside your critical awareness and theoretical knowledge. You will study a range of modules that build your knowledge and confidence and total 120 credits each year. YEAR ONE: Practice in Context 1 (20 Credits), Practice 1 (30), Practice 2 (30), Foundations for Learning (20). Skills 1 (20) YEAR TWO: Practice in Context 2 (20), Practice 3 (30), Practice 4 (30), Professional Practice 1 (20), Skills 2 (20) YEAR THREE: Practice in Context 3 (20), Practice 5 (30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2 (10)
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W216
- Institution code:
- H18
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
International applicants
International applicants must be 18 years of age as at the 01 September in the year of entry.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
Mature applicants with relevant experience will be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English and require a Student Visa must achieve Level B2 in an approved secure English language test prior to enrolment. For further guidance please visit the UK Visa and immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
You will be invited to share a portfolio of your work related to this course. A selection of 20 images showcasing concepts, inspirations, sketches and finished work which can presented in person or digitally via a PowerPoint presentation or PDF document. You will receive an email with full guidance on this after we have received your application. In some cases, we may contact you to arrange a further chat. Don’t worry, this will be an informal meeting either face-to-face or online, to find out more about you and your work.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| International | £14630 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Hereford College of Arts
Folly Lane
Hereford
HR1 1LT