Graphic 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.

Marketing materials created by graphic design professionals influence our choices every day. The University of Greater Manchester’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design will prepare you for a career in this exciting and ever-changing field of visual communication. We'll support you in developing the skills to create media for screen and print, using typography, photography and illustrative skills to grab attention and communicate ideas, values and emotions in a matter of seconds.

Every day, we read adverts, engage with websites and spend money based on choices influenced by marketing messages delivered through graphic design. We digest information on health, wellbeing, sustainability and thousands of other topics because graphic design professionals produce content for digital and traditional media. By studying for your BA (Hons) Graphic Design undergraduate degree course at the University of Greater Manchester, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of graphic design principles and practices, ready to start your career in this exciting profession.

Our expert team will guide you as you learn to creatively combine ideation, photography, illustration, typography, and copywriting to communicate messages for clients ranging from big brands to small businesses and political parties to health providers. You'll learn how to grab your audience's attention and inform and persuade them of new information or trends.

Your studies will focus on graphic design. The course is designed to help you understand the creative and technical possibilities of contemporary graphic image-making, coupled with great typography and driven by original thinking. We'll encourage you to explore the theoretical and historical elements that influence design and think critically about your own work and that of others.

We'll also focus on helping you develop career-relevant skills. Creativity, technical knowledge, problem-solving, teamwork, independence, time management, and communication skills are all essential for success as a professional graphic designer.

This industry has seen massive changes in working methods, practices and media in recent years. However, the creative thought process that designers employ remains the same. Designers use words and images to communicate messages and meanings. These new developments continually add to the creative possibilities and excitement of a career in this sector, so we'll support you in developing the lifelong learning skills you'll need to adapt and thrive. You'll learn to take ownership of your professional development, maximising your potential for success and enjoyment of the creative process, all while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus.

Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.

Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.