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Graphic Design

Course details
  • BDes (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 07/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Merchiston Campus

Course summary

Graphic design shapes the way we see and think about the world around us. Join our award-winning students on the BDes (Hons) Graphic Design learning how to use graphic design to tell meaningful stories that make a difference.

The four-year BDes (Hons) Graphic Design degree offers a highly regarded and carefully considered programme which equips our students with the skills to meet current industry demands and nurtures thoughtful graduates who understand the value of ideas, ethics, concept development and deep thinking in design.

Gain practical work experience supported by our network of local, national and international industry partners along the way. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to undertake live-projects, placements and international exchange.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W210
Institution code:
E59
Campus name:
Merchiston Campus
Campus Code:
M

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Open days

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - CCC

preferably including one of: Art and Design/Design and Technology: (Product Design).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a preferably related subject. Related subjects include - Art and Design/Art and Design Practice/Creative Media Practice/Creative Media Production/Creative Digital Media Production. Others may be considered, please enquire with our admissions team.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 6 credits M: 39 credits

Pass Access to HE Diploma in a preferably related subject with 45 credits overall with minimum 39 Credits at Merit & 6 Distinction including preferably one of Art, Product Design, Design, Technology at Level 3.

Scottish Higher - BBBC

Preferably including one of: Art and Design, Design and Manufacture or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking. If you are eligible for an adjusted offer under our Contextual Admissions Policy, please see the ‘Minimum Qualification Requirements’ below.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Minimum grades DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a preferably related subject. Related subjects include - Art and Design/Art and Design Practice/Creative Media Practice/Creative Media Production/Creative Digital Media Production. Others may be considered, please enquire with our admissions team.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points

Award of 27 points overall with 6,5,4 in HL subjects including preferably one of Visual Arts or Design Technology.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3, H3

H2, H3, H3, H3 at HL including preferably Art.

T Level - P

T Level should preferably be completed in a Creative/Design subject. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

Minimum year 2
Please note there are limited places available for Year 2 entry.

SQA Advanced Higher - BBC including preferably one of: Art and Design or Design and Manufacture

A-levels - BBB including preferably one of: Art and Design/Design and Technology: (Product Design)

HNC
Pass HNC in a relevant subject with Grade B in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3 Entry Requirements
Please note there are limited places available for Year 3 entry.

HND
Pass HND in a relevant subject with Grade B.

Other Entry Requirements
As part of the selection process suitably qualified applicants will normally be invited to submit a portfolio/attend an interview.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Scottish Higher - BCCC

Preferably including one of: Art and Design, Design and Manufacture or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking at grade B. The grades listed above are our minimum entry requirements for applicants who meet our widening participation criteria. For further information about our entry requirements and our widening participation criteria as outlined within our Contextual Admissions Policy please visit our website.

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Edinburgh Napier University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

International - Year 1 £18,220 - £21,120 (See course page for details)

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