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Graphic Communication

BA (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 21/09/2026 · UndergraduateCardiff
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

The role of designers has changed enormously. They design change, help people understand and solve problems, and improve the lives of others. Design is as much about what we feel and how we live, as it is about what we see. USW's Graphic Communications course is bold, exploring emerging and future communication practices. Developed in consultation with industry, it offers specialist pathways in graphic design, branding and experience design. You’ll be encouraged to experiment with new technologies, learn how to work with the public, clients and others to understand the problems they face and develop effective solutions. You may help a school encourage children to eat healthily, work with a city to improve the wellbeing of its citizens, or help a company communicate with new audiences.

A core element of this Graphic Communications degree is research through practice – you’ll develop essential skills and you’ll work with organisations and employers to help them improve the way they work. Our Cardiff Campus, in the heart of the City Centre, is home to our Creative Industries students, so you’ll get the opportunity to work with other students on most of your projects. This collaborative approach develops your ability to work in and lead teams, to act and learn independently, preparing you to take up graduate positions or establish your own design practice. In the National Student Survey 2017, 97% of BA (Hons) Graphic Communication students were satisfied with their course.

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:
W212
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Cardiff
Campus Code:
B

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 96 points

To include an Art and Design related subject

A level - CCC

To include an Art and Design related subject

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

To include an Art and Design related subject

Access to HE Diploma

Pass the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant Art & Design subject with a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A* - D

We accept the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma in lieu of a third subject.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

The University normally requires Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C/4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

T Level - Pass (C and above)

Passing the T Level with Pass (C or above in the Core) to include an Art and Design related subject

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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.

Data from:
This course and 12 other design studies courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

90% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

60 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
EU£9790Year 1
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
International£16200Year 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

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

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