Graphic Design (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA?
Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Join the graphic design programme at Arts University Plymouth, where you will experiment and push boundaries to create design that matters. From bold branding to socially responsible campaigns, you’ll master the universal language of design while developing versatile skills that open doors worldwide.

With innovation, sustainability and real-world impact at the core of this course, this is your chance to design with purpose and shape a more responsible future.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Graphic Design

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree W214 / 4-year extended degree W211

• Typical UCAS points: 104–120

Award-winning creativity and inspiration

Our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course invites you to join award-winning students, recognised by D&AD Best in Show, Creative Conscience, JDO Raw and more. You’ll stay sharp by exploring current trends, culture, and global events, turning everyday inspiration into powerful design.

By promoting self-expression alongside communication for the greater good, you’ll develop the skills to thrive in a fast-moving creative industry.

Why choose this course?

• Learn by doing: work on real client briefs and projects that connect you directly to the creative industries.

• Be inspired to lead change: our course pushes you to think differently, innovate, and use design as a tool for impact.

• Build essential skills: from core design and research techniques to creative problem-solving, you’ll develop the foundation to thrive as a designer.

• Network like a pro: access local and national events such as Plymouth Design Forum, Plymouth Art Weekender, D&AD New Blood Festival, New Designers, and more.

• Industry connections that matter: gain insight from your own mentor and meet visiting lecturers from leading names like Pentagram Design, Mother London, Getty Images, G.F Smith, Fiasco Design, and Anthony Burrill.

Careers and future opportunities

Career opportunities include: Graphic Designers, Letterpress Designers, Web Designers, Brand Managers, Print Designers, Design Managers, Digital Designers, Motion Graphic Designers, UX Designers, Advertisers, App Designers, Content Producers, Studio Managers, Educators, Editors and Creative Directors.

Course Modules

The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate programme.

You’ll develop confidence in your use of drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging and design methods, and you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials, equipment, processes and software.

As the year goes by you’ll specialise in your chosen undergraduate subject (illustration, graphic design, fine art, etc.), helping you to become a confident, independent and creative artist, designer or maker.