Graphic Design BA (Hons)

This course gives you the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in graphic design. When you join us you will start by learning ways to generate concepts and ideas. You will evolve your skills in artistic layout, drawing and visual communication. Projects throughout the degree allow you to focus on your practical abilities. These projects increase in complexity as you progress and involve working with industry clients. As you work on them you will learn about:

• Typography
• Branding
• Editorial composition 
• Image making
• Motion graphics
• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design
• Traditional Press
• 3D type and lettering

Alongside this exploration, we will also introduce you to the histories and theories of graphic design. This will allow you to identify what interests you most, so you can conduct your own research in these areas.

When you choose to study with us, you get more than the skills you need to succeed. You gain experiences that make you stand out. We give you opportunities to:

• Work with clients and graphic design companies on live briefs
• Enter design competitions to showcase your work internationally
• Complete work placements in industry and learn from visiting professionals
• Visit international cities to experience contemporary design around the world and find new inspiration
• Exhibit your work at our annual degree show, the perfect way to build a professional network

Our team of expert designers and technical specialists will really get to know you by supporting your personal practice and ambitions.

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters, full time.

In your first year, you will study 4 compulsory modules. These are:

• 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
• 1 compulsory module in semester 1
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2 

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 2

In your second year, you will study:

• 1 compulsory module in semester 1
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
• 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 3

In your third year, you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules across semester 1 and 2
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

We deliver your modules through:

• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Seminars
• Individual and group tutorials
• Practical workshops

Each module has regular tutor contact. We schedule our taught sessions usually between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include design work, reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange academic tutorials with your module tutors throughout the year to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

There are no exams on this course. Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:

• Professional and academic portfolios
• Presentations
• Essays
• Exhibitions
• Feedback tutorials
• Group discussions 

For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your work.

Your future with a degree in Graphic Design

On this course you will gain the specialist creative and technical skills you need to pursue a career in graphic design. You will also build skills in communication, research and analysis that can lead to a range of other creative and digital roles.

This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:

• Graphic Designer
• Specialist Illustrator
• Creative director
• Publisher
• User experience (UX) designer

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.

Postgraduate courses at York St John University

Graphic Design MA

PGCE at York St John University

Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.

Discover more about PGCE

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.

Qualifications

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Portfolio Day

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work with our tutors and share with them your passion for the subject.

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry onto this course is:

• £9,250 per year for full time study
• £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time

These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

International 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree:

International fees and funding

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses. 

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.