Course summary
Why choose this course? The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of graphic design. Through a blend of theoretical studies and practical projects, you'll explore various aspects of visual communication, preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries. You will: Access modern studios, workshops, and digital labs to enhance your learning experience Participate in guest lectures, field trips, and workshops led by industry professionals Apply your knowledge through hands-on projects that mirror real-world design challenges Connect with a vibrant community of creatives and potential employers Qualify for a free and full subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of study Showcase your work in public exhibitions, gaining exposure and professional experience Learn from practicing artists and scholars with significant industry experience Be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects Learn how to interpret a brief, identify, and solve problems, develop creative individuality, and produce a professional portfolio Gain personal, professional, and entrepreneurial skills including working as a freelance designer: from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients Be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions Key Course Features: If you have been out of education for a while or looking for a career change and undecided as to which discipline to choose, a foundation year is an opportunity to explore and develop core skills in art and design. A foundation year can be a standalone accreditation or a precursor for a chosen degree programme. Learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards, and understand how your work fits into the industry. Be introduced to a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on design and the development of a unique personal style. Engage with a wide range of modules covering design fundamentals, typography, digital skills, and professional practice. Develop proficiency in leading design software and contemporary design techniques. We have an in-house prototype publishing house where you are able to experiment with alternative binding and folding systems. Also, in the faculty, we boast a two colour Risograph printer, a modern screen-printing facility, 3D printers, laser and traditional cutters and sublimation printing, all of which can help you realise your projects in prototype. Our graphic design department boasts a rich legacy, with esteemed alumni such as Jenny-Lee Fisher, Darryl Higgins, Gaz Lawn, Andy Garside, Andy Cheetham and David Barraclough. You will benefit from a personalised study program that encourages an outward perspective, engaging in live briefs with local, national, and international impact. Participate in prestigious competitions like D&AD Impact Awards; D&AD New Blood Awards; AGDA Best Design Awards; Indigo Awards; ADC Annual Awards; The Design Kids Awards; TDC Typeface Design Competition; The Young Ones ADC Competition and the World Brand Design Student Awards. Due to our intimate and exclusive cohorts, we offer frequent 1-2-1 contact, an open studio policy and flexible workspaces for your entire course. As a member of our energetic creative community, you will forge lasting connections and valuable professional networks. Our programme encourages an environment where industry experts and alumni return each year to regularly share their insights with each new generation of commercial designers.
Modules
What you will study YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR) The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly. There will be a range of practice assignments that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts. MODULES Study Skills for Success (Core) Arts Engagement (Core) Visual Language (Core) Creative Reasoning (Core) Arts in Context (Core) Progression Project (Core) Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional) YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4) In year two, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of graphic design, focusing on building a strong foundation in both theory and practice. MODULES Design Fundamentals: Learn about composition, colour theory, and basic design software tools. Typography Basics: Explore typefaces, text arrangement, and the role of typography in visual communication. History and Theory of Design: Study key design movements and their cultural contexts. Drawing and Visual Studies: Enhance your sketching and observational skills. Introduction to Branding: Understand the basics of visual identity and brand design concepts. YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5) Year three builds upon the foundational skills, encouraging independent creative thinking and introducing industry-relevant practices. MODULES Advanced Typography and Layout: Delve deeper into typographic hierarchy and layout principles. Digital Skills Expansion: Advance your proficiency in design software and explore motion graphics and web design principles. User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Basics: Learn to create user-friendly digital interfaces. Branding and Identity: Develop cohesive brand elements through real or hypothetical client briefs. Design Theory and Analysis: Engage in contemporary design issues and critique sessions. YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) The final year focuses on preparing you for the professional design world, emphasizing specialised skills, major project work, and portfolio refinement. MODULES Specialised Modules and Electives: You can choose to specialise in areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, digital illustration, or other specific design paths. Final Major Project: Undertake a self-directed project showcasing your unique design voice. Portfolio Development and Finalisation: Refine and present a cohesive, professional body of work. Professional Practice and Career Preparation: Participate in workshops covering CV creation, portfolio presentation, and interview techniques. Research Project: Conduct an in-depth study on a design-related topic. The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Assessment method
Teaching & Assessment You will experience a blend of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and project-based learning. Assessment methods include essays, exams, portfolios, and presentations, designed to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and practical application of design concepts.
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:
- W290
- Institution code:
- G53
- Campus name:
- Wrexham
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
International applicants
This course is not currently available to those requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 - 72 points
A level - EEE - DDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MP - MM
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Wrexham University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | 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
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW