Why choose this course?
The strength of this course is that it enables you to develop a sound base of conceptual and technical skills, along with a deep understanding of the real design process.
With an outstanding reputation in the UK for developing the innovative, commercially aware and adaptable multi-skilled designers demanded by today's creative industry professionals, our graduates are employed across a wide variety of industries.
All three years feature two core modules covering practical and theoretical work. We encourage you to develop your own interests and express your viewpoints, imagination and visual skills within specialist areas such as:
- print
- illustration
- advertising
- branding
- new media
- motion graphics.
Throughout the course you'll get regular feedback via group tutorials, individual portfolio reviews and personal development planning. Lectures in design theory are complemented by guest lectures from industry professionals. Team working in small groups is also an important feature, helping to develop your communication skills that are essential in many commercial graphic design practices.
Graphic Design student work gallery
Have a look at some of the work our students have created, in our Graphic Design gallery.
2013 End of year Degree shows
Open days
To get a real taste of this course, why not visit us on one of our open days?
Can't visit us? Talk to us online...
We know it's not always possible to come along to one of our open events, particularly if you don't live in the UK. Throughout the year we will be running a series of live chat sessions, where you can log on and talk to us remotely.
Find out more about live chats for this course on our live chat webpage.
Latest news
Find out what's going on in the School of Art & Design on our news pages and the Facebook page.
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
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Please note the following information for applicants
Fact file
UCAS code: W211 BA/GD
Entry requirements: Please see the
Applying section
Starting: October
Course length: Three years full-time
Study location: City site
Fees and funding:For more information please see our applying and fees section.
What will I study?
This course is taught by specialist staff including internationally recognised practitioners, researchers and educators who are actively involved in the contemporary graphic design arena.
Year One
- You will gain a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles and history of graphic design.
- You will also participate in a series of project briefs and a learn-by-doing approach combines creativity with technology and incorporates modern software and visualisation techniques.
Year Two
- You'll begin to expand on your creative development and work through the design process in a series of projects.
- These will include areas like brand identity, interactive design, advertising, illustration, typography, editorial design and digital techniques.
- You'll have the chance to take up a work placement for up to four weeks within a commercial design company.
Year Three
- You'll have the freedom and flexibility to specialise in areas of your choice by developing your own projects and design briefs.
- You'll get the chance to enter national competitions.
- You'll put together a portfolio of self-initiated degree show work and a fully research dissertation on a subject of your choice.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and based on coursework.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
Specialist equipment and facilities
Our facilities reflect what's used in industry. We have state-of-the-art multimedia and digital video editing facilities, photographic studios and darkrooms, and one of the largest suites of latest generation Apple Macs owned by any UK university. All hardware and software is upgraded on a regular basis so you're always using the very latest technology.
Take a look at our art and design facilities through 360 degree panoramas and images.
Course visits and trips
During your second year you'll have the exciting opportunity to study in New York (at the Fashion Institute of Technology), Barcelona, Milan, Prague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Gent.
You will also have the opportunity to spend part of your degree studying abroad through the University's SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme.
View the full course specification 
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
Your career development
We've developed exceptional links across the design industry – a fact highlighted by the success of our graduates.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for the likes of:
- Sony Europe
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Futurebrand
- Getty Images
- The British Museum
- NB Studios
- Atelier Works
- Form and The Applied Information Group.
Find out more about the our Graphic Design students have won.
Notable Alumni
Find out more about our graduate success stories on the School of Art and Design website.
Excellent placement opportunities
Although this course does not offer a formal placement year, students are encouraged to undertake informal work placements, and enter live industry competitions. All our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links to industry.
Giving you competitive advantage
In today's competitive job market graduates often find that a degree is no longer enough to attract employers. A work placement is a valuable addition to your education. You'll gain real-life work experience that will make you stand out from the crowd and enhance your employability in your chosen field of work.
What are the benefits of a work placement?
Practical work experience has many benefits for you. It can help in your day-to-day studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual's effort and is not guaranteed.
Entry requirements
You will need:
- a minimum of 280 UCAS tariff points
- GCSE English grade C or above (Literature or Language)
- GCSE Maths or Science grade C or above, or equivalent
- a creative portfolio.
UCAS points
The 280 UCAS tariff points needed for entry to this course should be taken from a minimum of two full A-levels or equivalent qualification (such as a BTEC Extended Diploma). Additional tariff points obtained from AS-levels, where the subject was not continued to A-level, will also be accepted.
If you are unsure whether the qualifications you have, or are currently studying for, meet the minimum entry requirements for this course, please contact us before submitting an application through UCAS.
International qualifications
If you hold international qualifications, take a look at the alternative qualifications we accept for this course.
Are you an international student who does not meet the direct entry requirements for this course? You can prepare for it at Nottingham Trent International College. Their Foundation Certificate in Art and Design offers students a direct progression route to this degree on successful completion to the required level.
English language requirements and English support
Find out more about our English language entry requirements and English language support whilst you're studying with us.
Mature students
We welcome applications from mature students (over the age of 21) for this course. We will assess applicants of this nature on an individual basis.
If you are a mature student, you will still need to apply to us by UCAS form, but you don’t necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements. You must, however, have a portfolio to present at interview.
How to apply
Application for this course is through the UCAS application form.
You can follow our step-by-step instructions when applying through UCAS. You can also find out more about the application process on the UCAS website.
Once you have applied, make sure you check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder. We may need to contact you during this time. Good luck with your application.
Application deadline
To join this course in September 2013 you need to apply to us by 15 January 2013.
Applications received after this date will be marked as ‘late’ and only considered if places are still available, after all on-time applications have been assessed.
The admissions process (2013 entry)
Selection for this course takes places through UCAS application form and, where invited, interview and portfolio.
UK applicants
The table below shows you how we asses different types of applicants, once we've received their UCAS application.
| Type of applicant | Online Work Submission | Interview |
|---|
| A-level / BTEC Extended Diploma / Other | Yes | Yes |
| Art and Design Foundation Diploma | No | Yes |
| Mature | Yes | Yes |
A-level / BTEC Extended Diploma / Other applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements (or are a mature applicant) but have not completed an Art and Design Foundation Diploma, we will ask you to make an online work submission of 12 examples of your practical work and a short written summary.
If we need you to submit work, we'll contact you when we receive your UCAS application. Your online work submission will be used to decide whether to invite you to attend an interview at the University.
Art and Design Foundation Diploma applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements and are completing an Art and Design Foundation Diploma, we'll invite you to attend an interview at the University without requesting an online work submission first.
Interview and portfolio information
If you are invited to attend an interview at the University, you will bring your portfolio with you for assessment. For more information about what we look for during an interview, and some useful tips for your portfolio, download our BA (Hons) Graphic Design interview and portfolio information.
Overseas applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements we will ask you to send us 12 examples of your photography work and a written summary about each piece of work.
When we receive your UCAS application we'll contact you to tell you how to submit your work online. Overseas applicants are not expected to attend an interview at the University.
The admissions process (2014 entry)
Selection for this course takes places through UCAS application form, online work submission and, where invited, interview and portfolio.
UK applicants
The table below shows you how we asses different types of applicants, once we've received their UCAS application.
| Type of applicant | Online Work Submission | Interview |
|---|
| A-level / BTEC Extended Diploma / Other | Yes | Yes |
| Art and Design Foundation Diploma | Yes | Yes |
| Mature | Yes | Yes |
If you meet the minimum entry requirements for this course (or are a mature student) we will ask you to make an online work submission of 12 examples of your practical work and a short written summary.
Once we receive your UCAS application we will contact you with information about how to submit your work to us. Your online work submission will be used to decide whether to invite you to attend an interview at the University.
Overseas applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements we will ask you to send us 12 examples of your work and a written summary about each piece of work.
When we receive your UCAS application we'll contact you to tell you how to submit your work online. Overseas applicants are not expected to attend an interview at the University.
Personal statement
The UCAS application form requires you to write a personal statement as part of your application. For some tips on what to include, use our guide to writing an effective personal statement.
Funding
We are committed to ensuring that all UK students have access to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, and have introduced a system of scholarships aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course.
For information about Nottingham Trent University scholarships please visit our fees and funding webpages.
Open days
To get a real taste of this course, why not visit us on one of our open days?
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
"I chose this course due to its successful rate of graduate employment in a design related profession. I knew NTU's links with industry were very strong and was impressed to see the University associated with internationally renowned agencies such as Interbrand and Paul Smith.
"My college tutors recommended the course due to its great reputation. After attending the Open Day to see what the fuss was about, I realised that this was the course for me.
"I particularly enjoy the live briefs that are set by external agencies, as they give an insight into what is expected of you professionally. Competition briefs are fun too and tend to bring out the best in people's work. I was fortunate enough to get short listed for the Puffin Book Design Award 2011, which was one of my proudest achievements.
"The strongest aspect of this course has to be the tutorials and the contact time you get with your tutors and peers. This has been a fundamental part of my growth as a designer. No matter how stuck I am with a project, the tutorials always help me come up with a solution. It's also a brilliant way of seeing my peers' work and their approaches to briefs, which often inspire me to try out new methods."
Read more student profiles
