About this course

Develop the expertise and knowledge for a career in graphic communication. Learn core design skills in graphic design, type, motion, interaction design, illustrative and image practices. Choose to focus on a specialism or keep your interests broad as an interdisciplinary designer. Experiment with emerging and cutting-edge technological platforms alongside explorations of traditional physical media.

Based at Winchester School of Art (WSA), you’ll attend lectures and workshops run by expert creative practitioners in well-equipped design studios. You'll also be able to pitch your designs to industry professionals and visit studios, galleries and cultural spaces in London and overseas.

You'll learn visual, technical, transferable and conceptual skills through your engagement with four communities of learning.

These are:

design for good
identity and information
language and narrative
future environments

The latest industry knowledge is embedded into this graphic communication course, to help you become a career-ready designer. You’ll engage with creative professionals who will share their expertise and creative practice.

You’ll learn about sustainable and ethical practices, civic engagement, widely used technologies and innovation and business.

Take part in exhibitions from the WSA degree show to the London graduate showcase. We'll encourage you to enter international competitions such as the Silent Book Contest and the Student Award Scheme run by the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD).

You can also spend a year abroad studying overseas at one of our partner universities.

Our weekly guest lecture series allows you to meet and discuss the work of exciting contemporary practitioners and creative agencies, and build important industry networks.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Winchester.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

Our standard offer is BBB including an art or design based subject at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.

A-levels additional information

A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art or design based subject

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Non-academic entry requirements

All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work

A-levels

BBB including an art or design based subject

A-levels additional information

A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBC including an art or design based subject

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art or design based subject

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Non-academic entry requirements

All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll study 4 modules every academic year, including combined theory and practice modules. They'll give you the context in which to develop your graphic communication skills in practice. You'll develop a range of visual, technical, transferable and conceptual skills through engagement with key thematic areas of practice.

Year 1 overview

Explore the underlying essential principles required for working successfully in the field of graphic communication. This will involve exploring techniques, methodologies and theories related to essential skills. These include creative thinking, design research, idea generation, iteration and experimentation.

You'll learn about:

the key principles of creative practice
the social, political and cultural influences shaping graphic communication design
applying graphic communication fundamentals
the history of graphic communication across the twentieth century

At the end of your first year, you’ll be able to explain and apply some of the key requirements of being an interdisciplinary or specialist practitioner.

Year 2 overview

Focus your learning in greater depth and expand your skills and knowledge within 2 of the 4 communities of learning. You’ll have the opportunity to sign up for different technical masterclasses to broaden and develop your specialist knowledge and application of practice within graphic communication.

You'll learn about:

graphic communication themes in greater depth, as either a specialist or interdisciplinary practitioner
a critical issue within a changing graphic communication landscape
your own practice by exploring a subject that inspires you

You'll also have the chance to work with students from other art and design degrees to broaden your opinions and reference points. You'll also have the opportunity to spend a year in employment or studying abroad.

Year 3 overview

External projects will encourage you to test your ideas within professional contexts. Gain a working knowledge of the creative industries through briefs in partnership with external practitioners, businesses or organisations. Your final major project involves elevated levels of independence with the production of ambitious and informed outcomes that creatively communicate your ideas to an audience. You’ll develop a personal professional planning and promotion plan that prepares you for entry into the creative industries or further study.

You'll:

work with studios from the creative industries to pitch and deliver creative solutions for real projects
align your career aspirations with a personal ethos that defines your own graphic communication philosophy
enter the industry as career-ready designer complete with a portfolio and a suite of personalised promotional assets
combine all the skills you’ve acquired to create a research-led final project

You'll also compete in prestigious international student design awards to gain industry recognition.

The year culminates in the end-of-year show where you'll showcase your work to clients, employers and industry professionals.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Communities of Learning

In this module you will be exposed to the principles and practices of the four communities of learning which form one of the distinctive features of the Graphic Communication programme. These communities are: • Identity / Information; • Design for go...

Contemporary Practice and Critical Issues

This module is designed to develop knowledge of the critical issues that surround graphic communication. It introduces key ideas and concepts through a review of the social, political and cultural influences that are shaping where the discipline is headin...

Histories and Theories of Graphic Communication

This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of the historical and contextual development of graphic communication across the twentieth century. It introduces key ideas and concepts that will inform your practical work through an examination of t...

Introduction to Graphic Communication

This module introduces the essential principles of the Graphic Communication programme and gives you the opportunity to understand and examine the key skills and working methods required for your studies at Higher Education. As well as engaging in practic...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

29%

Scheduled learning & teaching

71%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

blogs
essays
individual and group projects
portfolios

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

100%

Coursework

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Nicola Hirst is the course leader.

Careers

As a graduate of this graphic communication degree you’ll be a highly skilled creative practitioner, ready to take your place in one of the fastest growing areas of the economy.

Our graduates work in creative areas such as:

graphic design
interaction design
photography
motion design and animation
illustration

Our employability focus includes:

ongoing advice from tutors with extensive experience in the creative industries
careers events to introduce you to potential employers
collaborative relationships with organisations such as De La Rue, Antalis Papers and Made Thought

You’ll find our graduates in high profile companies, such as:

Mother
ustwo
Protein Studios
Moving Brands
The Boiler Room
iLoveDust
Digital Annexe
Johnston Works
Activision M&C Saatchi
Google Deep Mind
Elle
Jack Wills
Blueprint
The Guardian
Harpers Bazaar
The Sunday Times
Wallpaper Magazine
Territory
Golden Wolf
Phantom

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

Our in-house Studio 3015 provides paid design and marketing internships for our graduates. Through our network of institutional, professional and industry contacts, you’ll work on live projects to build a professional portfolio to show employers.

As part of your course, you can also choose to take a year-long paid placement with a professional design studio or creative agency. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional experience.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £23,400.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: W211
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

Portfolio Guidance

Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It is your opportunity to show us your work, and it is our opportunity to find out more about you. You may not have presented your work before, so here is some help in preparing your portfolio.

What do you want to see in my portfolio?

Your portfolio should demonstrate a lively, inventive approach to the development of course projects and personally‐directed work. It should be carefully selected, as this will show us your critical ability. Your portfolio should be accessible and comprehensible, showing the development of ideas from initial drawings, workbooks or photographs to finished pieces. Please include sketches and drawings in your digital portfolio.

Your portfolio should reflect your understanding and awareness of graphic design, advertising and photography in their many forms and knowledge of practitioners whose work has influenced or interests you. We like to see evidence of sensitivity in response to surface, form, tone and mood, and in the materials used. Show us the range of your work: drawing, for example, shows your ability to observe still life, structure or people with accuracy, so make sure to include some. If you have had the opportunity to study the human figure, please include life drawing in your portfolio, but remember that we are also interested in seeing more creative and experimental work.

How many pieces should I include?

We would suggest a maximum of 25 pieces of work, including sketchbooks. Your work should have been produced within the past two years, although earlier work can be included if it is particularly relevant to your interests and development.

Will I be expected to have in‐depth knowledge of relevant design software?

We would expect you to have had some hands‐on experience of computing hardware and awareness of photo‐manipulation software such as Photoshop and page‐layout software such as InDesign etc. This is desirable but not essential.

Information for Mature students

We understand that mature students may not have work that is structured in the same way as A‐Level or Foundation students. We are, however, still interested in seeing self‐directed work, including sketchbooks and finished pieces.

We also understand that some applicants may have to include work that is over a year old. Life experience and any courses that you may have taken over the last few years will be relevant, but make sure that you include as much recent work as possible in your portfolio.

Top Tip

Tailor your portfolio to the course you are applying to. Investigate the Graphic Communication programme thoroughly before making your selection.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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Graphic Communication (BA)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area

Art, design and fashion

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

Non-academic entry requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

Non-academic entry requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

Year 1 modules

Communities of Learning

Contemporary Practice and Critical Issues

Histories and Theories of Graphic Communication

Introduction to Graphic Communication

Year 2 modules

Collaborate (Graphic Communication)

Explorations

Professional and Critical Contexts

Self-initiated Project

Year 3 modules