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Communication Design

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 to 4 years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Scottish Borders
More about Heriot-Watt University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Our BA (Hons) Communication Design is a globally focussed programme that equips you with the skills to harness design as a powerful tool to inspire, inform and influence the world around you. Through creative thinking, hands-on design and a people-focused approach, you’ll learn to ask the right questions, spot problems and turn ideas into solutions. This course will ensure you are prepared to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and confidence, producing work that matters in an ever-evolving global design industry.

You’ll explore a wide range of media, including graphic design, photography, motion graphics, branding, publication design, and digital experiences including UI/UX. This mix of creative approaches will help you think beyond traditional design and business models. Your projects will focus on how people interact with systems and experiences, giving you the tools to create new ideas that challenge the norm and make a positive impact.

Studio-based learning is at the heart of the programme. You’ll work both independently and collaboratively on briefs for commercial entities or to promote social awareness and inclusivity, while building strong research and problem-solving skills. Peer-to-peer learning and collaborative studio practice will boost your confidence and adaptability, while strong links to industry provide you with the opportunity to work with partners through placements and live, real-world projects.

Through our Go Global programme you will have the opportunity to study for a semester or longer at our campus in Dubai, ensuring that by graduation you have developed the skills necessary to become a globally focused designer, ready to create ideas and strategies that influence, innovate, and drive change.

Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Scottish Borders

Study options

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 to 4 Years

Start dates

  • 13 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W6CD
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Scottish Borders
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
W6CD
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Scottish Borders

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BCC

For entry to Year 2: ABB.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish HNC
Pass

HNC Pass in relevant subject for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit.

Scottish HND
Pass

HND in a relevant subject with a C in the graded unit for entry to Year 1. For Year 2/3 entry: HND in a relevant subject with BB in the graded units.

Scottish Higher
BBBB

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish Advanced Higher
ABB

plus BBBB at Higher for entry to Year 2

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 29

For entry to Year 2: 30 points.

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

in a relevant subject for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DMM in relevant subject.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level BCC

For entry to Year 2: ABB.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

Scottish Higher BBBC

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) Pass

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio
Selection is by application and submission of a portfolio, which will demonstrate your aptitude to textiles through use of colour, texture, rhythmic pattern-making and a logical design process. The ability to produce observational work in the form of both controlled and gestural drawing, painting and relief work should also be shown. Applicants are invited to submit a digital portfolio before the end of February. Late submissions may be accepted, please contact portfolios@hw.ac.uk for more information. If upon review of a portfolio it is deemed appropriate, we will contact an applicant for interview. Online portfolio feedback sessions with an academic will be offered following your submission. What to include in your digital portfolio: Your application must include a portfolio of 10 to 15 carefully curated pages in PDF format. Please ensure that the images used in your submission are high resolution and of good quality. These images should include examples of past work and must include evidence of the following: Research and investigation: To show the level of your engagement in visual investigation and research and how well you apply and integrate it within a design project. This could be through the medium of notetaking, sketches, photographs, painting, collages and so on. Design development: To show your ability to explore and develop ideas in a creative and critical way; and your level of skill and ability in the use of different visual methods and techniques to express development. We want you to show a strong evolution of your work and ideas. Visual communication and presentation: To clearly communicate and visually express a few of your most successful design projects from start to finish in a professional way.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.

Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.

As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country

Historical entry grades data

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.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790
Scotland£1820
EU & International£20080

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

Subject to confirmation

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