Course summary
If you are interested in how people read and understand images and text, and want to help them in almost every aspect of their lives, the Graphic Communication degree at the University of South Wales is for you. You’ll develop skills that are essential for creative communication, including printed media, advertising, corporate branding, publicity, editorial, and information and interactive web design. The emphasis is on practical studio-based work, reinforced by lectures and seminars. There are live projects each year, working directly with design companies and industrial clients to enhance your portfolio and employability. You’ll also have the opportunity to enter industry competitions and follow in the footsteps of our award-winning students such as Samantha Withers, winner of Starpack, and Kirsty Alexander, who came third in the Puffin Book Prize.
Modules
In your first year, you will get a solid grounding in the elements of graphic communication. You can develop and push your creative ideas using traditional media and new technologies. You will explore type, brands, life drawing, and computer graphics using industry-standard software. In year two, you can focus on specific areas of graphic communication such as print or interactive media, and explore design theory to support your practical work. To ensure you are ready for the workplace, we will introduce you to aspects of professional practice and development. Your final year is an exciting one as it is your chance to shine. There are plenty of live briefs and competitions that culminate in a major project and the annual design show. For this, you will have the challenge of creating your own brief to showcase the skills and creativity you have developed. Year One •Graphic Communication projects •Visual Studies •Design in Context •Computers Graphic Applications Year Two •Graphic Communication Projects 2 •Graphic Communication Projects 3 •Graphic Design in Context •Professional Design and Practice •Creative Industry Collaborative Project •Work Experience Year Three •Graphic Communication Final Project •Critical Research •Design Management •Design Competition
Assessment method
Your work is assessed entirely through the submission of coursework, with the majority (80%) through a practical portfolio of work. The remaining elements integrate practice and theory through written and other forms. You will be encouraged to discuss your work critically with staff, leading designers and other students, through individual and group critiques in a supportive studio environment.
How to apply
31Jan
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:
- WF13
- Institution code:
- W01
- Campus name:
- Cardiff
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 - 112 points
A level - BCC - CDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM - MMP
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - A* - D
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English at Grade C or above, or their equivalent but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £9000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £12300 | 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
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.
Provider information
University of South Wales
Llantwit Road
Treforest
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL
Clearing contact details
Enquiries and Admissions Team
03455 760606
Additional information
Clearing 2024 Thursday 15th August 8am-9pm Friday 16th August 8am-9pm Saturday 17th August 8am-6pm Sunday 18th August 8am-6pm Monday 19th August 8am-6pm Tuesday 20th August 8am-6pm Wednesday 21stAugust 8am-6pm Thursday 22nd August 8am-6pm Friday 23rd August 8am-6pm Saturday 24th August TBC Sunday 25th August TBC Monday 26th August Bank Holiday W/C Tuesday 27th August 8.30am - 5pm Monday-Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday