BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Why study this course?

• Benefit from ARU’s strong connections with creative agencies, studios, and publishers.

• Gain experience through live briefs, placements, and collaborative industry projects.

• Showcase your work in ARU’s Graduate Showcase and national exhibitions.

• Learn from experienced lecturers and practising designers within an award-winning institution.

• Access industry-standard software and design facilities including Mac and PC suites, wide-format printers, and professional studio environments.

• Graduate with a professional portfolio, showreel, or website ready for employment in the creative industry.

Entry requirements

Academic Route

Minimum Age: 18 years

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:

• Level 3 Qualifications (A Levels, NVQ Level 3, Diploma, Certificate, or Access to Higher Education Diploma)
• International Baccalaureate
• High School Level Qualifications
• Level 2 Qualifications or equivalent (for example, GCSEs, NVQ Level 2, Diploma, or Certificate)

Work Route

Minimum Age: 21 years

Applicants who do not meet formal academic entry criteria may apply through the Work Route. This route recognises relevant professional experience in the field, or related industries as an alternative pathway into higher education. Some exceptions may apply for applicants with professional experience in other fields. This entry route ensures that motivated and experienced candidates can progress academically and professionally.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language, applicants must complete an approved free English language test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.

Assessments

We, like you, believe in real-world assessments that can be applied in everyday life rather than tests. As a result, each assessment on this course includes employability skills that you may use for your future career, such as creating presentations, case studies and doing real-world research and analysis. You will create a portfolio of work to demonstrate your newly learned abilities and expertise.

• Design projects and practical assignments.

• Portfolio submissions and digital presentations.

• Research reports and reflective journals.

• Group projects and peer evaluations.

• Final major project and professional portfolio development.

Modules

Study & Career Progression

Graduates of this course are equipped to enter a wide range of creative and design-related professions. Possible career paths include:

• Graphic Designer

• Branding and Identity Designer

• UX/UI Designer

• Art Director

• Packaging Designer

• Motion Graphics Designer

• Digital Content Creator

• Creative Project Manager

• Advertising and Marketing Designer

• Web Designer

Graduates may also choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in design, digital media, or related creative disciplines.

Student Fee's & Finance

The Tuition Fee of the course may vary depending on the institution you wish to study at, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU & International Students and eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses.

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on an Indefinite stay, apart from the tuition fees, you could also receive support from the government via Student Loans Company to cover some living costs while studying.

• Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of your course and are paid directly to the course provider.
• Maintenance Loan pays for day-to-day living expenses like rent, bills, food and books. Unlike the fees loan, it's paid directly to your student bank account once a term and you can spend it on anything you like.
• Student Finance has to be paid back, however, you only make Student Loan repayments once you've left your course AND are earning enough. Repayments vary with your salary, and stop altogether if your income drops too low.
• Students can also apply for other types of special support grants, such as childcare grants or Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible.
• Moreover, almost all universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.