Leeds School of Arts ShowÂ
The End of Year Show celebrates the work of students from across the arts. We invite you to experience their visionary projects online.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Graphic Design
Ignite your creativity as you generate new ideas in an increasingly visual world. This course will enable you to showcase your design skills to industry.
Course Overview
-
W210 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Main image: Student artwork by Ayrton Ainley
Develop your own creative approach to the study and practice of graphic design. You’ll work on a combination of brief-led and self-initiated projects.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Explore a wide spectrum of disciplines including design for print, illustration, photography, typography, animation and moving image
- Undertake national and international competition briefs which are externally 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 by exhibiting your work at the end of your final year
- 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:
- Harvey Nichols
- The BBC
- Leeds Art Gallery
- The NHS
You can see some examples of work from our students at the Graphic Design Degree Show 2023.
Hands-on opportunities
Your course team will 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 Graphic Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- 100% of students on BA (Hons) Graphic Design were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- Our close links to industry and creative businesses will create multidisciplinary internship and placement opportunities
- 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
- Leeds' thriving creative sector provides countless opportunities for graphic design graduates
*National Student Survey 2023
Graphic Design Develop your own approach to the study and practice of graphic design
Graphic Design Degree Show 2023
Explore the amazing work of our talented graphic design graduates.
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
120
points required
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
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Interview Required
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview - interview dates will be published in due course. Invitations are sent via UCAS and you should check your UCAS Hub account for further interview details. At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (artwork or photographs of artwork together with written assignments), general knowledge and your enthusiasm for Graphic Design.
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
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
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 C 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.
International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Interview Required
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview - interview dates will be published in due course. Invitations are sent via UCAS and you should check your UCAS Hub account for further interview details. At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (artwork or photographs of artwork together with written assignments), general knowledge and your enthusiasm for Graphic Design.
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
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
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.
Teaching & Learning
This course represents the breadth of possible practices within the field of graphic design, ranging from design for print and screen, advertising, typography, photography, moving image and animation. You are encouraged to explore this breadth in the earlier stages of the course, as a means of understanding your own creative potential. This initial exploration supports you to progress towards narrowing your area of interest and to engage with a deeper level of creative investigation.
What you'll learn
Undertake a number of short projects, which will introduce you to the course philosophy and your wider course community. You will explore some of the key principles of idea generation, problem-solving and communication in new and unexpected learning scenarios and develop strategies to initiate work.
Gain an understanding of contemporary graphic design, illustration and visual communication through its relationship to the history of art and design in general. You will begin to be able to locate your own work within wider contexts.
Investigate some of the fundamental building blocks of graphic design through a series of short projects, designed to build on your existing skills and introduce you to new ones. You will take part in a range of workshops and learning activities, which will support the integration of process skills into your project work.
Explore a broad range of practices related to graphic design, such as branding, advertising, editorial, user experience and interaction, and art direction. You will be presented with a series of creative scenarios, which will require resourcefulness and adaptability for you to work with a professional perspective.
Investigate, interpret and analyse images, combinations of image and text as well as sequential and moving image forms through a theoretical and practical application of semiotics. You will develop an appreciation of different communication models and their relevance to understanding the functions of visual communication in general.
What you'll learn
Explore the rigorous craft of typography as a means to manage language, function and space, and consider how meaning and expression can be used to enhance a visual form. You will work through practical problems of managing complex amounts of information within a defined space and format, to enhance communication and the reader/viewer experience.
Integrate theory and practice through a critical study presented through written, visual and/or audio-visual formats connecting your research and critical understanding of the work made in the studio.
Extend your knowledge of technologies that relate to graphic design through the creation of multiple and varied visual outcomes. This module will develop your creative thinking skills, extend the scope of your graphic design practice, and it encourages innovative playful experimentation to extract unexpected results from technologies.
Through the exploration of selected and negotiated studio projects, this module aims to build the skills relevant to your creative direction. It aims to develop your creative voice and reflect on the location of your graphic design practice, within a professional setting.
You will introduced to key debates, both historically and in a contemporary context, within graphic design and visual communication, and you will be encouraged to apply some of these to your own emerging practice. You will develop critical thinking by researching, analysing, reflecting on, responding to and discussing some of the key debates within graphic design.
What you'll learn
Create a body of work appropriate to your emerging practice. Through negotiation, you will propose, develop and refine projects allowing you to build on, acquire new skills, and explore appropriate practices within graphic design.
Develop your ideas and approaches towards graphic design by negotiating, developing and refining a coherent body of work which represents consolidation within your practice. You will build on the work you produced in semester one, and continue existing project ideas, experimenting and developing new forms for the work, or initiating and self-directing new projects that explore related ideas.
You are encouraged to engage with a range of transferable professional practices in a real-world, external context, challenging you to consider how your practice can exist beyond university.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of 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)
- Course educational visits (£150-750)
- Placement costs will vary, and you will 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.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
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)
- Course educational visits (£150-750)
- Placement costs will vary, and you will 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.
100%
of students on BA (Hons) Graphic Design were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
20th
in the UK for Fashion & Textiles
BA (Hons) Graphic Design | Student insights Student Callam talks about his time studying graphic design at Leeds School of Arts
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
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
In an increasingly visual world, the demand for graphic design is growing across industries, including the fashion, television, film and advertising. You could work in the development of online content or in other design sectors such as architecture. 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.
Job roles could include:
- Graphic designer
- Creative artworker
- Digital designer
- Editorial designer
- Motion graphic designer
- Animator
- Packaging designer
- Fashion designer
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
Jo Hamill is the Course Director for BA (Hons) Graphic Design within the Leeds School of Arts.
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.
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
Your Beckett experience
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
