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Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at University of East London - UCAS

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2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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University of East London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is ranked first in London for "Learning Opportunities" (NSS 2023). Our  university degree in graphic design blends traditional visual communication with emerging technologies. The programme encourages experimental thinking from the beginning. It provides a space to work with others which is fundamental to working as a graphic designer in any industry. Comprehensive Skill Development. Develop a range of graphic design skills including practical, conceptual, theoretical, social, and commercial knowledge. Study editorial and print design, typography, web and app design, as well as broader visual communication practices such as studio photography, moving image, 3D prototyping and animation Practical and Theoretical Understanding. You will gain an understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of graphic design processes. Creative Community Building. Through collaborative projects and workshops, you will expand your knowledge base. You will contribute to the development of a dynamic creative community and learn how to have a successful graphic design career. A foundation year at the University of East London (UEL) is more than just an extra year—it’s your pathway to success. It helps you adjust to university life, build confidence, and develop essential skills for levels 4-6 of your chosen degree. With dedicated support, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to thrive in your studies and future career while becoming part of a supportive community.

Modules

Foundation Year: Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness, Creative and Technology Industries Study Skills, Creative and Technology Industries Data Skills, Media and Communication Skills, Architecture and Visual Arts in Practice. Year 1: Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth), Practice 1, Contextual Studies 1, Research into Practice 1, Experimentation and Application 1A, Experimentation and Application 1B. Year 2: Professional Life 2 (Mental Wealth), Practice 2, Contextual Studies 2, Research into Practice 2, Advanced Experimentation and Applications, Advanced Practice, Industrial Sandwich Placement (Optional). Year 3: Professional Life 3 (Mental Wealth), Practice 3, Independent Major Project Part A, Independent Major Project Part B, Research into Practice 3 – Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation (Optional), Research into Practice 3 – Extended Research Project (Optional). For more information about individual modules, please visit our course pages via the link below.

Assessment method

Each module in the graphic design degree 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 a 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. YEAR 1: Coursework 100% YEAR 2: Coursework 100% YEAR 3: Coursework 100%

How to apply

14Jan

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:
W219
Institution code:
E28
Campus name:
Docklands Campus
Campus code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

For detailed information on entry requirements for our courses, please see the individual course pages. We consider a range of UK and worldwide qualifications at the appropriate level and also take relevant work experience into account when considering an application. Many courses have a Foundation Year option for those students whose qualifications do not meet the BA or BSc entry requirements. Applicants should have, or be working towards, grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent Level 2 qualification such as Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics or Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication) Entry requirements are intended only as a guide for applicants. They are not a guarantee of an offer, nor of the conditions that may apply. When making a decision on your academic suitability, we will make an assessment of you as an individual and will use information other than qualifications; which may include predicted grades, performance at Level 2, relevant work experience, previous study at degree level, personal statement, references and any portfolio, written test or interview, to make our decision. If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Applicant Relations Team from Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) on +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 or https://uel.ac.uk/about/contact-us

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Applicants are required to attend an interview for discussion of their portfolio of work.

Portfolio

Your portfolio should contain between three and five projects that you have undertaken in the areas of drawing, print, graphic art or illustration. It should be between ten and fifteen sheets in length and should not exceed A1 in size. 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
International £15560 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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Graphic Design (with Foundation Year) at University of East London - UCAS