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Graphic Design

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Derby

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Think differently with BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Studio-based, hands-on and endlessly inspiring, this degree opens your eyes to what graphic design is, what it can do and what it is for.

Why choose this course?
We help you decide what kind of designer you want to be. You’ll explore typography, layout, branding, publications, printing, packaging, exhibition design and digital moving images to appreciate graphic design in its many contexts and formats.

Is this course for you?
Working as a graphic designer is fun, stimulating and demanding. If you want a career where you’re always discovering new trends, technologies, ideas and challenges, look no further than BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

How you will learn
Finesse your skills alongside Animation and Illustration students in our spacious new design studio, harness up-to-date facilities in our digital print resource, and build impressive prototypes in our workshops. You’ll present your work at our Big Show and potentially at London design shows too.

Opportunities and experiences
BA (Hons) Graphic Design offers boundless variety. Work with local and national employers on live design briefs. Visit galleries and exhibitions. Be inspired by a vibrant guest lecture programme. Take part in high-profile competitions and follow in the footsteps of our award-winning graduates.

Careers and employability
We emphasise professional practice so there’s every chance to build networks, identify your strengths and promote yourself in the industry. You could advance your career in areas such as art direction, editorial design, typography, branding, advertising, corporate identity, interactive media, signage or online design.

Find out more: www.derby.ac.uk/art-and-design-courses/graphic-design-ba-hons/

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
W211
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Derby 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?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
W211
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

112 points
We encourage you to outline all your qualifications and achievements in your application to provide us a full picture. Your offer will typically be based on your predicted and/or achieved grades from full level 3 qualifications or above e.g. A levels, BTEC Ext Diploma, Access to HE, etc. Any subject specifics are outlined below in the A-levels section, and these specifics are applicable across all equivalent qualifications. A strong application/performance and appropriate experience will be taken into account where typical criteria is not met.

A level

BBC

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

DMM

Access to HE Diploma

D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits with 45 at Level 3

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification

T Level

M

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

English language requirements

IELTS overall score at a minimum of 6.0; with at least IELTS 5.5 in each band (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) or another Secure English Language Test(SELT)at CEFR level B2 or above

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 have excluded the Grades on Entry data for this course. We may operate some flexibility with entry grades to support widening participation, though most of the students that enrol on this course achieve the published entry tariff or above. Applicants who achieve grades below the published tariff may be offered an alternative course or a 4-year route if there is one available. For further information please contact askadmissions@derby.ac.uk.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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 enough data available

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£16900*Year 1
International£16900*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

The quoted fee is an indicative fee based on last year’s fees, as the fees for the 2026 term not yet been confirmed.

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