A Brighton Graphic Design degree prepares you for a variety of rewarding career paths, including roles such as a graphic designer, branding specialist, brand strategist, UX/UI designer and art director.
Art and Design at Brighton is ranked in the top 20 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two and live projects with professional clients. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further and explore who you are as a designer; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.
Top reasons to choose this course
Explore all aspects of design, from typography and editorial to moving image and visual identity.
Push creative boundaries through an open, exploratory approach that encourages experimentation and innovation.
Build professional connections through projects and networking opportunities with experienced creatives.
Benefit from our outstanding facilities including design studios, specialist workshops, VR, 3D tech and an extensive art and design library.
Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year to apply your learning in a real-world setting.
You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work in our Graduate Show, a large-scale public exhibition at the end of your degree.
Our graduates are making their mark at major creative institutions such as the Royal Opera House, Channel 4 and The Tate. Many of our graduates also go on to own their own companies.
Why Brighton is a great place to study Graphic Design
Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Graphic Design. From independent studios to galleries and design festivals, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community.
Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to exhibitions and industry connections that extend beyond the campus. Living and studying here gives you the chance to explore new ideas in a supportive, open-minded city known for its culture, innovation and craft.
Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for music, media and fashion.
Year 1
You’ll explore the foundations of graphic design, developing your visual language and creativity through studio-based projects. Modules cover visual communication, media and messages, and contemporary contexts, helping you understand both historical and current practices while experimenting with a range of techniques.
Core modules
Introduction to Graphic Design
Cultural Contexts in Graphic Design
Graphic Design: Media and Messages
Contemporary Contexts in Graphic Design
Year 2
You’ll deepen your skills and start to specialise in areas that interest you, working on more complex design projects. Modules in design practice, professional practice and research methods support your development, while collaboration and independent work help prepare you for professional life.
Core modules
Graphic Design: Modes of Communication
Global Challenges – Visual Communication
Graphic Design: Audiences and Contexts
Ethical and Personal Responsibilities in Graphic Design
Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year.
Final Year
You’ll undertake an independent project that showcases your skills, creativity and critical thinking. Supported by professional practice and portfolio preparation, you’ll present your work in the Graduate Show, gaining exposure to industry professionals and peers.
Core modules
Independent Graphic Design Practice
Critical Graphic Design Research Project
Graphic Design: Major Project
Graphic Design: Professional Practice
This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
University of Brighton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
The following entry points are available for this course:
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each element, or equivalent English Language qualification. |
Review our English Language requirementshttps://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/applying-here/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/index.aspx
At Brighton we recognise that not everyone's background provides the same advantages, and we know that grades are not the only indicator of potential.
If you meet our contextual admissions criteria we will make you an offer which is at least 16 UCAS points lower than our standard offer. You may also be eligible for additional financial and practical support from us through the Brighton Boost cost of living support package.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
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.
Fees are payable each year and will increase annually in line with inflation.
Tuition fees for full-time UK / Home undergraduate students in academic year 2026–27
Annual course fees:
Honours degree £9,790
Placement year £1,958
Integrated foundation year (except the School of Business and Law) £9,790
Integrated foundation year in the School of Business and Law* £5,760*
*The £5,760 fee is for the foundation year only. Subsequent years are charged at the regulated undergraduate fee.
Many courses include the option of a salaried placement year. Tuition fees for a placement year are charged at a lower rate.
Regulated fees:
Tuition fees for UK / Home students on undergraduate courses in England are set by the UK government and are known as regulated fees. From academic year 2026–27 onwards, regulated fees will increase annually in line with forecast inflation. The regulated fee will be £9,790 in academic year 2026–27 and £10,050 in academic year 2027–28 (subject to parliamentary approval).
Standard tuition fees for full-time international students in academic year 2026–27:
Classroom-based courses £17,796–19,692
Laboratory or studio-based courses £17,796–19,692
Placement year £1,958
Phone:01273 644000
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Phone:01273 644644
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At University of Brighton
