Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Arts University Bournemouth
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Location

Main Site - Arts University Bournemouth

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Arts University Bournemouth

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Art & Design
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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T Level
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Course info

BA (Hons) Graphic Design is designed to provide a dynamic, student-centered learning experience. It offers a broad-based approach that integrates specialist professional knowledge with theoretical academic understanding, relevant for a wide range of graduate-level roles and postgraduate study. Through project-based enquiry-led practice, sense-making activities, open-minded experimentation, robust critical thinking, and integrated writing output, we encourage students to build their knowledge of ...Read more

BA (Hons) Graphic Design is designed to provide a dynamic, student-centered learning experience. It offers a broad-based approach that integrates specialist professional knowledge with theoretical academic understanding, relevant for a wide range of graduate-level roles and postgraduate study. Through project-based enquiry-led practice, sense-making activities, open-minded experimentation, robust critical thinking, and integrated writing output, we encourage students to build their knowledge of graphic design practice and an understanding of its language and culture at every step.The course benefits from a deep understanding of professional practice, sustained by our passion for conceptually led design projects and co-collaboration with our industry partners and the wider creative sector. The curriculum is informed by industry, and key themes support progressive learning, giving graduates a stronger critical knowledge of self-efficacy, participatory creativity, emerging technologies, and experimentation. Graduates of the programme are highly employable for their creative ideas, design skills, process thinking, and teamwork.We believe that conceptual thinking, resulting from a creative openness to prototyping and exploration, will define the future of graphic design. Thinking through making is core to the course. ‘Bringing ideas to life’ involves taking a concept or thought and turning it into a tangible reality or action, expressed through creativity, innovation, and craft. This approach promotes design practice as a conversation, not a monologue, where students are encouraged to work collaboratively on set and industry-led projects. This creative experience is at the heart of graphic design, building strong studio communities and wider networks while mirroring industry practice. Co-creation helps to re-frame ideas, challenge assumptions, and build trust and empathy for the ideas and experiences of others.The curriculum embraces the ongoing advancement of innovative technologies and addresses design challenges brought on by climate emergency, social injustice, economic inequality, and cultural development. Students learn how to respond ethically, with curiosity, and strategically to new challenges and opportunities by identifying the essential themes relevant to each unit. Our aim is to inspire future designers to become responsible practitioners, gain core conceptual and technical skills, and understand the immense potential for graphic design to influence and shape the way people see, think, and behave in the world.At all levels, students participate in activities such as study trips, events, set and ‘live’ projects, and designer-led workshops, all designed to integrate professional and transferable skills. This integration helps students become more confident, empathetic designers positioned within the context of ‘design practice.’ Studio and cultural visits, attendance at the portfolio ‘Network Event,’ and placement options inform career ambitions and support the transition from the course into industry or further study.


Distinctive features of the course

• Belief in the power of design to evoke emotions and create meaningful connections to change the way people see, think, and behave in the world.
• Integrates experimental, speculative, iterative approaches to gathering insights, defining problems, and identifying creative opportunities.
• Empowers students with the confidence to advocate for change and to express their creativity in an authentic way.
• Uses co-collaboration principles to design for change and enhance user engagement.
• Embeds a wide range of specialist, professional and transferable skills throughout the course.
• Encourages networking opportunities and significant skill development through i

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
57/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
49th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
93rd
Design Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 98 = 2% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
2%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Design Studies graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK Design Studies graduate salary
£19,000
What students say
Z
Zoe
19 Feb 24

This uni has such a great culture and it feels like an great place to be creative. I just wish there was a better student union bar (not a costa by day) and better options for..Read more

O
Oona
15 Feb 24

Aub is a great place to study, the facilites that we have access to such as the print room and bindery as well as the computer suites, are amazing. There are also frequent student..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBC - BBB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

CCCCCD Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

112 - 120 Grades / Points required

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

DMM Grades / Points required

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Highers – five passes at Grade C or above

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Popular A-level subjects

Design Studies

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Art & Design
59%
Fashion & Textiles
20%
Photography
20%
English Literature
18%
Graphic Communication
14%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£17,950 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£17,950 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£17950 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Graphic Design reviews

Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Z
Zoe
19 Feb 24
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
This uni has such a great culture and it feels like an great place to be creative. I just wish there was a better student union bar (not a costa by day) and better options for...
Read more
O
Oona
15 Feb 24
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Aub is a great place to study, the facilites that we have access to such as the print room and bindery as well as the computer suites, are amazing. There are also frequent student...
Read more
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How Graphic Design students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 56 reviews
5 star
45%
4 stars
39%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 764 reviews
5 star
42%
4 stars
43%
3 stars
13%
2 stars
2%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

Arts University Bournemouth
Arts University Bournemouth , Poole

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is one of just 15 higher education institutions in the UK that specialises in arts-based...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
93rd
Arts University Bournemouth
Wallisdown Poole BH12 5HH United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Branksome  0.9 miles away
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