Commercial Surface Design

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The multi-disciplinary global surface design industry covers design fields such as surface pattern, illustration, photography, graphic art and fine print. Our BA (Hons) Commercial Surface Design undergraduate degree course offers a unique opportunity to work with our extensive industry partners through live project briefs, placements and trade exhibitions across fashion and interior surfaces, through tableware, packaging design, stationery, homeware, to automotive, wallcoverings and wall art.

The University of Greater Manchester's BA (Hons) Commercial Surface Design course is a dynamic undergraduate degree employing the creative disciplines of illustration, surface design, graphics and photography. Throughout the course, theory-informed practice will help you develop a broad portfolio of traditional and digital design skills.

We'll introduce you to the varied working practices of studio designers in the industry and guide you as you investigate the range of materials and products surface designers create. Our expert team will support you to experiment with multi-disciplinary materials and techniques. You can take advantage of our print and embellishment facilities for fabric, paper, wood, plastic, metal, glass and ceramics and explore the possibilities and potential of digital embroidery, laser cutting and printing. You'll also benefit from opportunities to work in our specialist workshops, including photographic studios with dark rooms, industry-standard computer suites running the latest design software, and textile and fine print workshops, as well as in our spacious design studios.

This highly creative course is taught by dedicated professionals with extensive experience in research, design, self-promotion, selling and exhibiting. You'll have the chance to showcase your work to international manufacturers and design studios at trade show events, where continuous links with the industry confirm our up-to-date course content. Our graduates can gain impressive studio positions or operate as freelance creatives designing for both national and international companies.

A key focus of the course is on developing your commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills. These include marketing yourself, exhibiting work nationally and internationally, working in design studios and how to start your own business. We'll support you in planning for a successful career and exploring alternative choices in the wider creative industries. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future and maximise your potential for success.

By studying for your BA (Hons) Commercial Surface Design degree at the University of Greater Manchester, you can develop essential knowledge and skills in traditional and digital surface design while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus.