School of Art, Design and Architecture

BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Foundation

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code W21F
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

This course is a four-year programme of study that includes an additional foundation year, enabling you to develop the required practical, technical, academic and creative skills for your undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.

Careers with this subject
The course encourages creativity, experimentation and risk-taking but blends this with a strong emphasis on vocational skills and preparing students for employment. Each project that students undertake has a real-world context, with either fictional or actual clients, audiences and problems to solve.
A 'careers spine' is introduced in year 2, along with placement opportunities, and year 3 has a dedicated five-week module where students research the industry, prepare an employment strategy, develop a brand identity for themselves and apply this to CVs, business cards, social media and digital portfolios.
We have a network of over 100 professional design studios that students can be put in touch with, and we consult with them to ensure course content is industry-relevant and up-to-date.
This means the majority of our graduates find regular paid employment in the creative industries within a year of leaving university. As well as becoming graphic designers, our graduates land roles as digital designers, art directors, UX designers, motion designers, marketing executives, social media managers, account handlers, strategists, researchers and academics.
Positions tend to be permanent, full-time and salaried. As your career progresses, so does your pay:
  • Junior: £17,000 to £25,000
  • Middleweight: £21,000 to £40,000
  • Senior: £30,000 to £55,000
  • Director: £50,000 to £100,000
Here are just a few of the world-leading design agencies our graduates have worked for:

Industry Liaison Day

Mid-way through the final year, we invite professional designers from our network into the studio to see student portfolio presentations. Students will typically present to six to nine designers throughout the day during three separate sessions. Afterwards, not only do they feel more confident in their abilities and fully prepared for real-world interviews, but many will walk away from the day with business cards and offers of internships.

Key features
Your foundation year will:
  • Welcome you to an engaging, experiential learning environment with a focus on active exploration, experimentation and discovery across a wide range of material, methods and media.
  • Help develop your practical, technical and creative skills through studio and workshop based projects.
  • Provide training in key learning skills for further undergraduate study and build an awareness of practice, context and theory.
  • Introduce you to the accessible community of experienced academics, practitioners and technical staff that will support you on your studies.
  • Give you access to a wide range of enviable specialist workshops, laboratories and facilities across the campus and become part of our vibrant student community through the various opportunities available within the School of Art, Design and Architecture.
  • Enable you to explore and develop your personal interests and strengths as a creative practitioner.
This course is an integrated part of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of
Or one of the following related degree programmes:
When you join the BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Foundation, you’ll also:
  • Develop innovative ideas in response to design briefs, and creatively solve design problems using images and typography. The course places emphasis on graduates having industry informed expertise, ensuring you’ll stand out in the job market. Good graphic design relies on the relationship between type and imagery... this course will teach you mastery of both.
  • You’ll develop your knowledge and develop yourself by taking advantage of a learning environment that includes open plan studios with 360 degree views of a thriving city centre, the Devon coastline and Dartmoor National Park. You’ll also be prepared for a dream career, with our graduates finding creative fulfilment working for companies such as Leo Burnett, Future Publishing and IBM.
  • In your final year you can choose a specialism to match your interests and career goals with options that relate directly to the design industry. Choose from Identity and Branding, Editorial and Publishing or Information Design.
  • Have direct contact with visiting speakers from prestigious studios such as Snask, Hey Studio and Dalton Maag.
  • Present your work to practicing graphic designers during our ‘Industrial Liaison Day’.
  • Enjoy small, personalised teaching groups, with tutors who know your name and your work.
  • Explore our diverse resources, including printmaking and photographic studios, cutting-edge Mac workstations, Fab Labs and a unique letterpress workshop.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • The Foundation pathway provides students with non-standard entry points to progress onto the BA (Hons) course. The Foundation year allows you to develop skills across a range of media and introduces creative best practice in preparation for the first year of the undergraduate programme. During the Foundation year you will have the opportunity to explore creative processes relevant to visual design, animation, illustration, print-making, fine art, and photography. The course is designed to encourage visual exploration and creative discovery within an engaging and vibrant studio setting. Upon successful completion of the Foundation course, you will join the undergraduate BA (Hons) programme equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete an undergraduate degree.

    Core modules

    ADA001
    Materials, Methods and Media 30 credits

    This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

    100% Coursework

    ADA002
    Image, Type and Narrative 30 credits

    Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

    100% Coursework

    ADA003
    Risk and Resolution 30 credits

    Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

    100% Coursework

    ADA004
    Critical Themes in Art & Design 20 credits

    This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    GDES424
    Type And Image 40 credits

    This module introduces students to the use of typography in conjunction with imagery and encourages exploration of ‘text and image’ solutions to graphic communication problems. Understanding and use of the design process is further developed. Graphic design debates and contexts are introduced, as are ways of articulating these using academic conventions.

    GDES434
    Editorial Design 20 credits

    Students are introduced to editorial design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography, image, layout and format, play a part in the communication of editorial content. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of editorial design, is developed.

    GDES444
    Identity Design 20 credits

    Students are introduced to identity design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography and other aspects of a visual identities, play a part in how brands communicate to their audiences. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of identity design, is developed.

    GDES454
    Digital Design 20 credits

    Students are introduced to digital design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography and other aspects of graphic design can communicate information and experiences through digital media. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of digital design, is developed.

    GDES464
    Type as Image 20 credits

    This module introduces students to typographic practice within the context of graphic design andencourages exploration of typographic solutions to basic graphic communication problems. Typographyprinciples and terminologies are introduced and explored. Elements of the design process, such asresearch, concept development, and critical reflection, are introduced and attempted.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    GDES514
    Designing with Type 20 credits

    This module extends and develops students understanding of typographic practice. A complex graphic communication problem is answered typographically. Students are encouraged to explore new methods and techniques, whilst honing their understanding of the design process developed at level 4.

    100% Coursework

    GDES524
    Experiment 40 credits

    Students are encouraged to explore typography and graphic design processes that are playful, creative, non-routine and may contain elements of risk. The importance of experimentation as a way of revealing unforeseen possibilities within the design process is introduced. Key perspectives for analysing graphic design practice are introduced, and students are asked to apply these to their own analysis, following academic conventions.

    100% Coursework

    GDES534
    Developing Design Practice 40 credits

    Students work towards a number of designed outcomes, building upon knowledge and skills gained at level 4, particularly in the fields of editorial design, identity design and/or digital design. Further perspectives for analysing graphic design practice are investigated, and students are asked to apply these to their own analyses, following academic conventions.

    100% Coursework

    GDES544
    Common Challenge: Collaborative Project 20 credits

    Students are given a ‘macro-level’ topic, that is determined and introduced at a faculty level, and work together with other students to produce a graphic design response. The benefits and challenges of teamwork and collaboration are explored. Results are presented, alongside those from other programmes, at the end of the module.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 4

  • Core modules

    GDES614
    Minor Project 20 credits

    After reflecting upon level 5 learning experiences, future aims and personal interests, students, in negotiation with tutors, propose and undertake a project that solves a complex graphic communication problem. Solutions must have a typographic emphasis. The project can also provide an opportunity to further explore or confirm potential award option choices: core, editorial, identity or digital.

    100% Coursework

    GDES624
    The Competition 20 credits

    Students undertake designs in response to a brief set by an international design competition. A project proposal is constructed, in negotiation with a tutor, that must also connect to a chosen award option (core, editorial, identity, digital), if relevant, and enable complex, novel solutions.

    100% Coursework

    GDES634
    Portfolio 20 credits

    Students are asked to investigate employment or postgraduate possibilities that reflect personal aims and ambitions. Self-promotion items are designed in response, including a portfolio presenting the body of design work produced during the course to date.

    100% Coursework

    GDES644
    Major Project 40 credits

    After reflection and consultation with tutors, a project proposal and schedule of work is devised, outlining a complex and challenging graphic communication task. Upon approval, the student undertakes self-directed supervised study, leading to the production of a major body of work reflecting personal aims, interests, and award option, where relevant.

    100% Coursework

    ADA600
    Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

    The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Don’t have 32–48 UCAS tariff points? We will consider ‘non-standard’ applications on a case-by-case basis.
This programme offers access to study at university for those students who may not have the standard entry profile for Year 1 BA study. Equally, the programme is designed for those returning to study who have relevant work/professional experience but not the required academic profile for Level 4 entry. It is also suitable for Level 3 learners whose subject choice does not include the necessary background, but who are otherwise academically capable.
A levels: For Level 3 entry the Tariff points entry level will normally be 32–48 points from A level or equivalent. Non-standard applicants will normally be interviewed.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended
Irish Leaving Certificate:Irish Highers, H5 in five subjects equivalent to 32–48 points.
International Baccalaureate:24 overall
T levels
Pass in any subject.
Proficiency in English: Students for whom English is an additional language will need to demonstrate ability in spoken and written English equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 and/or successfully complete the university’s special test before entering the foundation year.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
We are looking for applicants with good potential including with non-standard qualifications and background, so will consider every application on a case by case basis.
Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.
See our portfolio advice for further information.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Succeed as a graphic communicator

Become a graphic design expert
Get hands-on with unique resources
Learn from experts and gain practical skills with regular access to state-of-the-art digital and print facilities.
Students and visiting design professionals taking part in portfolio surgeries in the graphic design studio
Personalised, supportive, welcoming
With an individualised approach to teaching, we offer enviable support in your journey through university.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography - graphic design for good
Do graphic design for good
Through collaborative projects, students learn how graphic design can help make our world better in the future.

An industry-relevant curriculum

Although it's been running for over 25 years, the course is continually developed by staff, in consultation with industry, to keep it relevant and up to date.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography

Learn from experts in their field

  • Lecturer in Graphic Communication
    Programme Leader – Designer and artist with work held in the MoMA collection
  • Associate Head of School - Education and Student Experience
    Typography expert, Director of the International United Designs Alliance
  • Associate Head of School - Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions
    Digital design expert, exhibited in London, Bilbao and Copenhagen
  • Lecturer in Graphic Communication
    Branding expert, clients include Universal Music Group and the BFI
  • Associate Lecturer

Platform for success

Our graduates work for some of the top global creative agencies

Eva Dage, BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography
Eva Dage
Eva joined the course from Latvia and now works as a Lead UI / Visual Designer for IBM in their research and development laboratories in Hursley.
Rowan Green, BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography
Rowan Green
Rowan’s time at Plymouth lead to him becoming Design and Visual Identity manager for the National Trust. He now runs his own successful practice.
Paul O'Brien, BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography
Paul O'Brien
After working as a senior designer for several years, Paul now freelances for agencies including PearlFisher, JKR, Taxi Studio and Design Bridge.

  • [UK top 25 for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times 2021)

  • [UK top 10 for design and crafts (Guardian University Rankings 2022)

  • H92% student satisfaction (2022 National Student Survey)

  • ]75% in design occupations within 15 months (2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography - portfolios

How to prepare your portfolio

When applying, you’ll need to show us a portfolio of creative work, but don’t worry; because our students come from a range of different backgrounds and courses, there are a number ways you can do this.
Your portfolio should demonstrate originality, depth of learning and evidence of engagement. Creating one that gives an impressive idea of the breadth of your work could make you eligible for an unconditional offer.

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