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*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Available in clearingGraphic Design
Build your portfolio and develop as a unique graphic designer. This course positions you within a diverse industry, able to adapt to exciting opportunities.
Course overview
-
W210 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Main image: Student artwork by Ayrton Ainley
Develop your creative approach to the practice of graphic design, by working on a combination of industry projects, course briefs, and self-initiated concepts.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Explore the spectrum of disciplines including editorial, digital, photography, typography, motion graphics, and film
- Undertake national and international competition briefs which are assessed by industry professionals and academics
- Discover your strengths and develop your individual style
- Have the opportunity to gain professional mentoring from visiting practitioners from diverse fields of communication design
- Engage with organised studio visits alongside external exhibitions and events
- Showcase your projects to the public and impress industry through physical and digital exhibitions and campaigns
- Drive your own learning and set your own targets, as you would in the workplace
Real-life experience
Our students have worked alongside practitioners and on live briefs from organisations such as:
You can see some examples of work from our students at the Graphic Design Degree Show.
Hands-on opportunities
Your course team draw upon extensive local, national and international connections to offer multidisciplinary experiences within the field of graphic design. They’ll also guide you through decisions about specialisms and professional practice. You’ll have the opportunity to negotiate a short internship or placement as part of your final year of study. Recent graduates have undertaken internships at Accept & Proceed, Field, Spin, and Us Studio, which have subsequently led to employment.
INSIDE/OUT
Our INSIDE/OUT lecture series brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site.
Why study the BA Graphic Design course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Leeds' thriving creative sector and our close links to industry create countless internship and placement opportunities for graphic design students and graduates
- Tutors with extensive experience as active practitioners will share their knowledge and professional contacts
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Graphic Design – student stories Hear Georgia talk about her final year project and course at the Leeds School of Arts End of Year Show.
Student Work | Art & Design Explore student work from our Art & Design subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
72
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
72
points required
48 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Diploma in Foundation Studies at Distinction
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Diploma in Foundation Studies at Distinction
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
This module introduces you to the study of graphic design at the Leeds School of Arts and to an expanded, socially engaged approach to visual communication. You'll respond to a series of project briefs that introduce key design concepts, diverse contexts and perspectives, research methods, and ideation processes. Through experimentation, testing, and development, you'll build confidence in shaping and refining your ideas. You'll learn how to respond to feedback, make effective use of resources, and take increasing ownership of your learning. Alongside practical work, you'll explore histories, theories, and case studies that both inform and are influenced by creative practice. By developing research skills – gathering, analysing, and interpreting information ethically and creatively – you'll begin to form your own critical insights and understand how research strengthens your design decisions. As the module progresses, you'll develop strategies for documenting your design process, laying the foundations for a reflective and responsive creative practice within an evolving discipline.
This module explores how meaning is created and communicated through visual language in graphic design. You'll examine narrative, sequence, symbolism, and systems of signification, considering how design shapes interpretation and audience experience. Through a range of projects, you'll experiment with both independent and collaborative approaches to developing visual languages and storytelling strategies. You'll explore how design responds to social, political, environmental, and cultural contexts, while remaining attentive to the needs of diverse audiences and users. You'll investigate contemporary formats and emerging technologies, analysing how they expand the possibilities of visual storytelling. A small-scale self-initiated project will give you the freedom to generate your own content and centre the values most meaningful to your developing practice. Upon completion, you'll be able to situate your work within wider cultural and socio-political contexts, recognising the role graphic design can play in communicating ideas and addressing societal concerns.
What you'll learn
This module explores how graphic design operates within communities, networks, and creative movements – locally, globally, historically, and in contemporary practice. You'll examine how designers challenge established norms, collaborate across disciplines, and create new platforms for sharing work. Through a series of projects, you'll engage in collaborative and co-creative approaches, including self-initiated work, competitions, and external opportunities. You'll learn how shared authorship, inclusivity, and mutual responsibility shape effective creative partnerships. Workshops, seminars, and live activities will help you expand your technical and research skills in increasingly complex settings. You'll adapt your communication strategies to suit different audiences – from peers and creative communities to external partners and clients – while continuing to build a portfolio that reflects your developing identity as a designer. Throughout the module, you'll critically reflect on your personal and professional positioning, considering how your practice responds to social, environmental, and ethical challenges. You'll take greater ownership of your learning and begin to shape your future direction through live briefs and work-related learning opportunities, including the Industry Placement Year.
This module focuses on the settings in which graphic design operates and the opportunities available to creative practitioners within industry and the wider cultural sector. You’ll select and negotiate projects aligned with a range of graphic design practices and specialisms, shaping work that reflects your evolving interests. You’ll explore how visual systems, identities, play, and language can communicate powerful ideas and engage diverse audiences. Through research and critical analysis, you’ll refine your understanding of how context influences meaning, form, and interpretation. The module encourages experimentation with materials, formats, and presentation strategies, helping you bring coherence and purpose to your work. You’ll practise professional modes of presentation suitable for both community-facing and industry settings. By the end of the module, you’ll demonstrate increasing creative agency, applying empathic and informed approaches to complex subject matter while recognising how audience and setting shape the impact of your work.
What you'll learn
This module supports you in defining your direction as a designer in your final year of study. Through a combination of self-directed, course-led, and external briefs, you’ll consolidate your specialist interests and further develop your graduate portfolio. You’ll negotiate and realise a coherent series of projects that communicate your design identity, research strengths, and professional ambitions. Your portfolio will reflect both research-informed thinking and high-quality practical outcomes, positioning you for employment, collaboration, or postgraduate study. Throughout the module, you’ll engage with professional practices in real-world contexts, strengthening transferable skills such as project management, communication, and self-promotion. Supported by tutors and your wider community of practice, you’ll refine how you present yourself and your work to external audiences. The module challenges you to consider how your practice will continue to grow beyond university and how you’ll create the conditions for it to thrive.
As the culmination of the course, this module brings together your practical, critical, and contextual learning to establish your professional and ethical positioning as a designer. You’ll negotiate, develop, and realise a substantial body of work that demonstrates sustained research, critical thinking, and creative resolution. Your projects will show how ideas evolve from initial investigation through experimentation and refinement to resolved outcomes. You’ll continue to enhance your practice at every stage of development, recognising how design can foster awareness, curiosity, sensitivity, and meaningful engagement across diverse audiences and stakeholders. Through carefully articulated research, process documentation, and final outcomes, you’ll communicate the narrative, impact, and intention behind your work. This module represents your transition into professional practice, demonstrating your creative agency and your ability to respond thoughtfully and responsibly to contemporary design challenges.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£150-300. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- External hard drive (£70. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Portfolio (£60. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Sketchbooks (£50-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Digital camera (£100-250).
- Subscriptions / competitions (£100 per year).
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and could include travel, accommodation and sustenance.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£150-300. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- External hard drive (£70. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Portfolio (£60. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Sketchbooks (£50-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Digital camera (£100-250).
- Subscriptions / competitions (£100 per year).
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and could include travel, accommodation and sustenance.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
The demand for critical and responsive graphic designers, who follow more than just trends, is growing across industries, including in fashion, television, film, branding and advertising. You could work in the development of online content or in other design sectors such as health, environment, and campaign work. Your adaptive approach, entrepreneurial flair and ability to generate ideas and projects will make you a valuable addition to any team. You could also continue your studies on one of our postgraduate degrees.
Areas you could find job roles in include:
- Graphic design
- Branding
- Art direction
- Creative strategy
- Visual research
- Trend forecasting
- Creative artwork
- Digital design
- Editorial design
- Motion graphic design
- Animation
- Packaging design
- Fashion design
We support individuals to reach their full potential, committed to demystifying industry, responding to planetary needs, and opening up opportunities every step of the way.”
Tara Langford
Course Director
Creative Opportunities in Leeds
Leeds has a thriving creative sector; home to hundreds of innovative start-ups, agencies, design businesses and countless other opportunities for graphic design graduates.
Dr Jo Hamill
Head of Subject / Leeds School of Arts
Dr Jo Hamill is the Head of Subject for Art and Design within the Leeds School of Arts. Her practice-based research explores the convergence of a number of interdisciplinary concerns, linked by the commonality of language. Her on-going project, Gutter Words, explores the physical and editorial manipulation of found and literary texts, pursuing a form of radical intimacy.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
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