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Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Graphic Design

University of Derby

(4.1)
432 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Graphic Design course at University of Derby.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

B,B,C

You may also need to

Submit a portfolio

Most popular A-levels studied

See who's studying at University of Derby. These students are taking Graphic Design or another course from the same subject area.

Visual communication
SubjectGrade
Fine ArtC
MathematicsD
Craft and DesignB
GeographyB
GraphicsB
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: W211

Here's what University of Derby says about its Graphic Design course.

Think differently with BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Studio-based, hands-on and endlessly inspiring, this degree opens your eyes to what graphic design is, what it can do and what it is for.

Why choose this course? We help you decide what kind of designer you want to be. You’ll explore typography, layout, branding, publications, printing, packaging, exhibition design and digital moving images to appreciate graphic design in its many contexts and formats.

Is this course for you? Working as a graphic designer is fun, stimulating and demanding. If you want a career where you’re always discovering new trends, technologies, ideas and challenges, look no further than BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

How you will learn Finesse your skills alongside Animation and Illustration students in our spacious new design studio, harness up-to-date facilities in our digital print resource, and build impressive prototypes in our workshops. You’ll present your work at our Big Show and potentially at London design shows too.

Opportunities and experiences BA (Hons) Graphic Design offers boundless variety. Work with local and national employers on live design briefs. Visit galleries and exhibitions. Be inspired by a vibrant guest lecture programme. Take part in high-profile competitions and follow in the footsteps of our award-winning graduates.

Careers and employability We emphasise professional practice so there’s every chance to build networks, identify your strengths and promote yourself in the industry. You could advance your career in areas such as art direction, editorial design, typography, branding, advertising, corporate identity, interactive media, signage or online design.

Find out more: www.derby.ac.uk/art-and-design-courses/graphic-design-ba-hons/

Source: University of Derby

Course details

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Department

Department of Art and Design

Location

Main Site | Derby

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• Visual communication

Start date

September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year (provisional)
Scotland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Wales£9,535 per year (provisional)
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Channel Islands£9,535 per year (provisional)
EU£16,900 per year (provisional)
International£16,900 per year (provisional)

University of Derby student reviews

(4.1)
Based on 432 reviews from University of Derby's students and alumni
5 star
44%
4 star
30%
3 star
16%
2 star
5%
1 star
5%
All reviews

Showing 306 reviews

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

The student union care for the university and its students ensuring we are happy, healthy and thriving during our time in university. They put on events with freebies to boost morale as well.

(5)
Student Union

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

The halls and university are really close to the city so getting around is easy, especially with the university buses. The city is definitely a student friendly place with plenty of clubs and late night food places, as well as a variety of shops and other entertainment for those who aren’t into club...

(5)
University life

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

The university is definitely value for money and so are the halls. There is financial support available for those who need it and the union ensures that you still have fun even if you are on a strict budget by hosting free events on campus.

(5)
Finance

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

The university and halls have a great support system which ensures you get the help you need quickly and from a diverse team of professionals.

(5)
Support

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

The facilities are very clean and up to standard for our labs and lectures. Any maintenance is quickly sorted as well.

(5)
Facilities

3rd year

Forensic science

10 months ago

Forensics is an amazing course to study with a blended mix of lectures and labs, you are sure to have a broad knowledge about every main path of forensics. The staff are very knowledgeable and supportive and the sessions are action-packed and full of useful information. Labs are weekly and are criti...

(5)
Course

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Derby

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

Here you can see ratings from University of Derby students who took the Graphic Design course - or another course in the same subject area.

Design studies

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

88%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

85%

low

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

90%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

78%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

75%

low

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

83%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

81%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

88%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

69%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

87%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

67%

low

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

67%

low

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

88%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

62%

low

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

79%

low

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

87%

med

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

61%

low

How well organised is your course?

60%

low

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

61%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

50%

low

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

63%

low

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

63%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

71%

low

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

65%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

70%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

87%

low

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

62%

low

Student information

See who's studying at University of Derby. These students are taking Graphic Design or another course from the same subject area.

Visual communication
Mode of study
Full-time96%Part-time4%
Gender ratio
Female69%Male31%
Where students come from
International16%UK84%
Student performance
2:1 or above57%
Number of students110
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about University of Derby graduates who took Graphic Design - or another course in the same subject area.

Design studies

Graduate statistics

65%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

80%

In work, study or other activity

90%

Say it fits with future plans

75%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

15%

Web and Multimedia Design Professionals

10%

Artistic, literary and media occupations

10%

Skilled trades occupations

10%

Teaching Professionals

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from University of Derby graduates who took Graphic Design - or another course in the same subject area.

Creative arts and design

Earnings

£20.1k

First year after graduation

£22.6k

Third year after graduation

£24.5k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Graphic Design.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

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