Graphic Design

UCAS code: W210

Here's what Arts University Bournemouth says about its Graphic Design course.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design is designed to provide a dynamic, student-centered learning experience. It offers a broad-based approach that integrates specialist professional knowledge with theoretical academic understanding, relevant for a wide range of graduate-level roles and postgraduate study. Through project-based enquiry-led practice, sense-making activities, open-minded experimentation, robust critical thinking, and integrated writing output, we encourage students to build their knowledge of graphic design practice and an understanding of its language and culture at every step.

The course benefits from a deep understanding of professional practice, sustained by our passion for conceptually led design projects and co-collaboration with our industry partners and the wider creative sector. The curriculum is informed by industry, and key themes support progressive learning, giving graduates a stronger critical knowledge of self-efficacy, participatory creativity, emerging technologies, and experimentation. Graduates of the programme are highly employable for their creative ideas, design skills, process thinking, and teamwork.

We believe that conceptual thinking, resulting from a creative openness to prototyping and exploration, will define the future of graphic design. Thinking through making is core to the course. ‘Bringing ideas to life’ involves taking a concept or thought and turning it into a tangible reality or action, expressed through creativity, innovation, and craft. This approach promotes design practice as a conversation, not a monologue, where students are encouraged to work collaboratively on set and industry-led projects. This creative experience is at the heart of graphic design, building strong studio communities and wider networks while mirroring industry practice. Co-creation helps to re-frame ideas, challenge assumptions, and build trust and empathy for the ideas and experiences of others.

The curriculum embraces the ongoing advancement of innovative technologies and addresses design challenges brought on by climate emergency, social injustice, economic inequality, and cultural development. Students learn how to respond ethically, with curiosity, and strategically to new challenges and opportunities by identifying the essential themes relevant to each unit. Our aim is to inspire future designers to become responsible practitioners, gain core conceptual and technical skills, and understand the immense potential for graphic design to influence and shape the way people see, think, and behave in the world.

At all levels, students participate in activities such as study trips, events, set and ‘live’ projects, and designer-led workshops, all designed to integrate professional and transferable skills. This integration helps students become more confident, empathetic designers positioned within the context of ‘design practice.’ Studio and cultural visits, attendance at the portfolio ‘Network Event,’ and placement options inform career ambitions and support the transition from the course into industry or further study.

Distinctive features of the course

• Belief in the power of design to evoke emotions and create meaningful connections to change the way people see, think, and behave in the world.

• Integrates experimental, speculative, iterative approaches to gathering insights, defining problems, and identifying creative opportunities.

• Empowers students with the confidence to advocate for change and to express their creativity in an authentic way.

• Uses co-collaboration principles to design for change and enhance user engagement.

• Embeds a wide range of specialist, professional and transferable skills throughout the course.

• Encourages networking opportunities and significant skill development through interaction with industry partners at the forefront of the sector.

Coursework and practical work