BA (Hons) in Graphic Design (Visual Communication and Illustration)

at University of West London

This graphic design degree will give you the means to develop your own unique visual identity and find work in this important creative discipline. 
 

This course focuses on the practice and application of graphic design. The practical skills you develop will be backed up by theoretical and contextual studies of graphic design in history and culture.
 

While your studies are founded on traditional and established graphic design processes and principles, they also embrace the future of design. This means you will cover a broad range of study areas, including:

• typography
• print design
• illustration
• design development
• motion graphics
• web design
• design for mobile devices
• animation
• conceptual design thinking
   

You will have access to a variety of specialist equipment, including computer labs and digital print, photography and video studios. Through studio-based work, you will develop the skills and competencies to become a capable professional. 
 

As this course is taught from our main campus in Ealing, we integrate London exhibitions, gallery shows, design lectures and other events into our study programme, bringing the best in design into your classroom.
 

The select number of places available on our BA (Hons) Graphic Design means that we can offer you the one-to-one support you need to learn to express yourself visually. You will be taught using a range of methods, including: 

• lectures
• workshops
• studio-based sessions
• seminar groups
   

This combination of teaching methods will help you to build the practical, conceptual and strategic skills you need to become a respected designer. 

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). We also accept other English language examination equivalents. Contact our International Office to find out more.
 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 
 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
 

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
 

Level 5 (year 2) entry To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.
 

Level 6 (year 3) entry To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
 

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
 

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2023/24 academic year are subject to change.
 

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

A graphic design career can take you in a number of inspiring directions. Once you complete your graphic design degree, you could go on to work in: 

• graphic design studios
• interdisciplinary consultancies
• publishing houses
• new media/multimedia studios
• advertising agencies
   

Some of our former students have also successfully set up their own design businesses.
 

Students who pursue a career in illustration tend to work on the basis of freelance commissions.