Course Overview
Course summary
On this course you’ll learn a broad range of creative, technical and professional skills and use these to respond to industry-standard briefs and collaborative project work – preparing you for life as a professional graphic designer.
Our Graphic Design BA reflects both the multi-disciplinary nature of today’s graphic design industry and the constantly evolving society in which we live.
A graphic designer is a creative problem solver who understands the psychology of how and why people engage with visual messages such as brands, across numerous formats – including screen, print, objects and physical spaces. During the course you’ll learn the latest processes and software, but you’ll become far more than a technologist. Instead, you’ll use analogue and digital tools to explore typography, photography, film and visual effects to create powerful interactive content that engages, promotes, entertains and informs.
Collaboration is at the heart of this course. Located at our Harrow campus you’ll be an integral part of our Art, Design and Visual Culture community, working alongside students from illustration, animation, games design, film, photography, music, fashion and journalism. Through project work you’ll learn how to collaborate with people from other disciplines effectively, and gain crucial teamwork and communication skills.
The main aim of the course is to prepare you for a successful career. Taught by experienced industry practitioners, you’ll take professional core skills modules throughout your three years of study. This can be complemented by an optional additional year spent on placement with a relevant company or studying abroad. You’ll also have access to events and industry-set competitions through our links with organisations such as New Designers and D&AD.
Top reasons to study with us
- Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design
- Join an institution ranked in the UK top 20 for communication and media studies (QS World University Rankings 2024) and for student satisfaction in communication and media studies (Complete University Guide 2024)
- Study in an extensive design-focused campus 20 minutes from central London, taking advantage of the capital’s cultural and creative opportunities
- Become proficient in industry-standard software tools including Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier Pro and XD
- Work in advanced facilities including our extensive print, 3D and photographic studios and our specialist Emerging Media Space for 3D printing, laser cutting and realities such as VR, MR and AR.
- Learn to market your skills, network with industry professionals and find work through the Westminster Enterprise Network
- Spend a year on placement or studying abroad, adding an impressive element to your CV
- Exhibit at our end-of-year student showcase at London Gallery West and the New Designers industry show
Course structure
Each year you’ll study a mix of core and collaborative modules complementing these with choices from a wide and varied range of optional modules. You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of formats including workshops, lectures, seminars, critiques and technical sessions. In project work you’ll collaborate with students from your course and other disciplines, helping you to build your team-working and communication skills.
You’ll also get to hear talks from visiting industry speakers, take part in workshops, and go on trips into central London to museums, galleries and design fairs.
In the first year you’ll get a broad grounding in contemporary graphic design practice and culture, exploring how to construct meaningful visual messages through image and typography, composition, layout, colour, history and theory. This is supported by option modules in drawing and visual effects.
Core modules include:
- Design Cultures
- Creative Technology and Design
- Digital Practice
- Graphic Explorations
- Typography
Option modules include:
- Drawing Explorations
- 2D Computer Animation
- 2D Game Development
Credit Level 4
In your second year you’ll continue to build your creative and technical skills, applying them to industry and national competition briefs, learning to use different types of software. Choosing from optional modules will give you the chance to experiment and identify the direction of your work.
Core modules include:
- Sequence and Message
- Collaborative Practice
- Visual Representation and Information
- Brands
Option modules include:
- Concepting for Games
- Extended Reality for Creatives
- UX/UI Design
- Visual Storytelling
- Web Design
Credit Level 5
After Year 2 you can opt to do a year’s placement (or series of short placements) in a relevant company, or study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. This will lead to the final award: BA Honours – Graphic Design with Professional Experience or International Experience.
- Extended Work Placement (Visual Media)
- Study Abroad (Visual Media)
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
In your final year you’ll focus on a major design project, complemented with optional modules that further define your creative strengths and enable you to drill deeper into specialist areas of graphic design. The year culminates with the chance to take part in our student showcase.
Core modules include:
- Critical Design
- Major Project (Graphic Design)
- Professional Practice
Option modules include:
- Contextual Research Project
- Digital Arts Experimentation
- Entrepreneurship for Creatives
- Designing Narrative Experiences
Credit Level 6
Graphic design at Westminster
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
The Graphic Design BA can take you in a number of different directions. Many graduates go on to join graphic design studios or start their own practice. Some specialise in fields such as UX (User Experience), visual effects, virtual and augmented reality, game design or animation, working for a variety of organisations – from start-ups to global brands.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Entrepreneurial alumni
Our alumni have founded successful design companies such as Dusted Branding, Hugo and Cat, and Muuks Creative.
Westminster Enterprise Network
Hub giving students access to workshops, business advice and project work within well-known companies.
3,000 employers worldwide
Westminster’s Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers around the world.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas including:
- Creative direction/art direction and advertising
- Design for interaction
- Branding and identity design
- Editorial and publishing design
- XR and experience design
- Games design
- Information design
- Illustration and animation
- Social design
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- BBC
- BBC Interactive News
- The Guardian
- The British Museum
- The Science Museum
- The British Library
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- Orange
- Transport for London
- FutureBrand
- DixonBaxi
Our alumni
- Rodney Edwards, VP Microsoft – Design Windows and Surface, Seattle USA
- Adam Concar – Creative Director at rbl Brand Agency
- Roger Dickinson – Experience Design Director at NTT DATA
- Matt Miller – Chief Design Officer at Clippd
- George Lewis Jones – Design Director at Coley Porter Bell
- Barbara Somiai – UX Designer Vice President at JP Morgan Chase & Co
- David Wall – Co-founder at Dusted Branding
- Robert Cressey – Partner and Director, Design at BCG Digital Ventures
- Marja Hautala – Designer and Co-founder at Muuks Creative
- Rakesh Chadee – Senior Creative at adidas x OLIVER Agency and D&AD mentor, judge and speaker
- Johannes Smith – CEO and Co-founder at Hugo & Cat
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Stephen Hall
Senior Lecturer
Stephen is a highly experienced practitioner who has spent 20 years in a studio design practice alongside his teaching and research career at leading universities. Commercially, he has specialised in delivering illustrative graphic design solutions and strategies for national and international clients across the public and private sectors, and providing consultancy for creative agencies on digital branding and advertising.
Having initially graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, and exhibited his 2D work, Stephen became a pre-digital freelance illustrator in Australia. Later, a stint teaching and illustrating in Japan led to him studying graphic design in the UK during the emergence of the internet, interactive media and digital cultures.
Today’s designer needs to be a critical thinker – especially when it’s about challenging the brief and saying to a client: I think you actually need to do this.
Course Team
Our tutors have extensive experience across a diverse range of topics including branding, UX/UI, typography, print, illustration, animation, emerging realities and design theory and history, and fine art. They continue to work in industry alongside their teaching duties, ensuring that you learn the latest commercial practice and thinking during the course.
Why study this course?
Multidisciplinary, creative campus
Work alongside students from illustration, animation and photography courses among others at our Harrow campus.
Fantastic location
With central London only 20 minutes away by tube, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a creative capital.
A supportive environment
You’ll have a personal tutor and access to all the support you need to stay motivated and informed.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
- BTEC Diploma – DD
- Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass – IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
More information
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
Please include between 10 - 15 pieces of work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Ideally your portfolio should include:
- a balance of initial sketches and visual explorations as well as more resolved final work or artefacts.
- at least one entire project that was created for a specific audience, showing development from the seeds of an idea to final outcome.
- work that shows your range of technical and creative abilities.
- explorations of varied media are appreciated, such as digital images, traditional artwork, print media, games, animation, film, web, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, or installation.
- a short sentence with each piece that helps us understand ideas behind the work and your creative thought process.
How should I structure my portfolio?
You can submit your portfolio in one of two ways.
- Upload your work to a digital portfolio platform such as Behance.net, flickr.com, ArtStation.com, or other.
- Create a digital portfolio as a PDF document and upload to a cloud storage platform such as Google Docs, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other.
We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link into a word/text document and upload that to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Importantly, please ensure there are no passwords or expiry dates on the portfolio so that we can view it without requesting access.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our degree.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of and which demonstrates your ideas, interests, and creative skills.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
Please include between 10 - 15 pieces of work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Ideally your portfolio should include:
- a balance of initial sketches and visual explorations as well as more resolved final work or artefacts.
- at least one entire project that was created for a specific audience, showing development from the seeds of an idea to final outcome.
- work that shows your range of technical and creative abilities.
- explorations of varied media are appreciated, such as digital images, traditional artwork, print media, games, animation, film, web, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, or installation.
- a short sentence with each piece that helps us understand ideas behind the work and your creative thought process.
How should I structure my portfolio?
You can submit your portfolio in one of two ways.
- Upload your work to a digital portfolio platform such as Behance.net, flickr.com, ArtStation.com, or other.
- Create a digital portfolio as a PDF document and upload to a cloud storage platform such as Google Docs, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other.
We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link into a word/text document and upload that to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Importantly, please ensure there are no passwords or expiry dates on the portfolio so that we can view it without requesting access.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our degree.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of and which demonstrates your ideas, interests, and creative skills.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
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Student work
A selection of work created by our Graphic Design BA Honours students.
Westminster Degree Shows
The Westminster Degree Shows are an annual collection that showcases the creativity, vibrancy and artistic talent of our undergraduate arts courses. You can see the latest online collection on Westminster Degree Shows.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
Basic art and studio materials are provided, but you may need to pay for some specialist art materials. We advise that it’s preferable to have your own laptop.
If you are unsure what to purchase, our technical support team can advise you once you have enrolled.
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
Basic art and studio materials are provided, but you may need to pay for some specialist art materials. We advise that it’s preferable to have your own laptop.
If you are unsure what to purchase, our technical support team can advise you once you have enrolled.
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Our Facilities
We provide dedicated studio space for each cohort which includes both collaborative and individual workspace. Our studios are equipped with computers, photocopiers, printers and scanners for IT and digital production.
Our facilities accommodate many different techniques including screen printing, relief printing, photography, animation, painting, drawing, 3D fabrication and digital printing, laser cutting.
We are constantly improving and expanding our facilities, and have recently invested in Wacom tablets and an Emerging Media Space for technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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