University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Graphic Design Communication

University of the Arts, London · London
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Graphic design communication is the discipline of visual communication at professional scale: the design of messages and systems that convey information, build brands, guide users and shape how organisations present themselves to the world. It encompasses typography, image-making, layout, motion graphics, interaction design and branding, and it operates across print, screen, digital and environmental media. The graphic designer's task is to make complex ideas clear, to make communication beautiful and engaging, and to ensure that visual choices serve the purpose and audience of each piece of work.

At the University of the Arts London this programme is delivered through one of the world's leading creative universities, providing an environment of exceptional creative ambition and professional rigour. You will develop your practice across the range of graphic design disciplines, working with type, image, colour and composition in ways that develop both your visual sensibility and your ability to execute work to a high technical standard. The programme includes a sandwich year and work-placement experience, giving you a significant period of professional practice within the UK's creative industries during your studies.

Working in real design environments, with real clients and professional briefs, is central to your development as a practitioner. The programme runs full time over three years.

You will build a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates the range and quality of your design thinking and technical execution. Critical and contextual understanding of design history, theory and contemporary practice is also a central part of your education.

Graduates from graphic design communication programmes work as graphic designers, art directors, brand designers, motion designers, UX designers, typographers and visual communicators across agencies, in-house design teams, the cultural sector, publishing and the technology industry. The UAL name is particularly well recognised by creative employers.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
<48 pts2%
48-63 pts1%
64-79 pts2%
80-95 pts10%
96-111 pts9%
112-127 pts12%
128-143 pts7%
144-159 pts6%
160-175 pts11%
176-191 pts3%
192-207 pts4%
208-223 pts4%
224-239 pts2%
240+ pts7%
How they qualified
79% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels79%
other higher education15%
the IB3%
an Access course1%
another degree1%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
96%
Continue past first year
84%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£23,500
3 years on
£29,500
5 years on
What students say National Student Survey
84%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching86%
Assessment & feedback80%
Academic support88%
Well organised83%
Learning resources86%
Student community80%
In students' own words
★★★★★
Would do it again
The course has exceeded my expectations. The best part: the studio culture is incredible — you learn as much from your peers as your tutors. If I'm honest, would like to see more industry guest speakers in later years. On the city — local c
Class of 2022 · Part-time
★★★★
Would do it again
The course has exceeded my expectations. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, would like to see more industry guest speakers in later years. On the city — good transport links make it easy to visit
Postgraduate · Part-time
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on University of the Arts, London's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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