Graphic Design

Join BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Arts University Plymouth to experiment and push boundaries to create design that matters, from bold branding to socially responsible campaigns. With innovation, sustainability and real-world impact at its core, you’ll develop versatile skills to bring ideas to life online and offline.

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

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, you’ll design with purpose and shape a more responsible future.

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.

Skills for a fast-changing industry

These skills, from traditional print practices to brand development and immersive technologies, will enable you to thrive in this ever-changing landscape. Learn to bring your ideas to life both online and offline.

With the support of our expert academics, your studies will instil professional confidence, enriching you personally as you graduate as a progressive problem-solver and effective communicator, equipped with knowledge of ecological sustainability, emerging technologies and user-centred design.

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.

Student satisfaction

100% of Graphic Design students gave the best possible response to 12 of the 27 National Student Survey 2025 questions, including “How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?”.

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

Arts University Plymouth offers a year long sandwich year option. Framed within the institution’s innovative Common Unit Framework, the sandwich year experience is offered as a unit that contributes to your BA (Hons) Degree.
The sandwich year can take the form of an internship or work placement, and can take place in the UK or abroad. It is intended to give you the possibility of gaining experience in art and design practice in a ‘real life’ industry setting, before you return to complete the final year of your degree. You will be able to build your CV and, if you choose to take on your sandwich year outside of the UK, enhance your experience of international creative practice.
Sandwich year placements will be selected by each student who wishes to take one, assisted by Course staff within AUP. Opportunities may also come through corporate approaches to AUP or through links built by your course tutors. Each placement opportunity will be reviewed by the University before being approved to ensure its suitability to be part of your course. During the Sandwich Year you remain enrolled at AUP with access to IT and your email accounts, online library and learning support.
Once approved, the sandwich year will count towards your overall degree and completion of it will be acknowledged on your degree certificate.