BA (Hons) Graphic Design (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

This year will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the diverse disciplines within the creative arts, allowing you to explore and develop foundational skills in multiple disciplines through a balanced and structured curriculum.

Modules:

• Study Skills for Higher Education: Alongside artistic practice, you will develop essential academic skills needed for success in higher education. These skills prepare you for the academic challenges of a degree programme and equip you to think critically and analyse your work.
• Art History and Contextual Studies: This module introduces you to the historical and theoretical frameworks that inform contemporary art and design. You’ll gain an understanding of key movements, influential artists, and cultural contexts, improving practical work with a deeper conceptual foundation.
• Practical Skills and Techniques: Throughout the foundation year, you will be encouraged to experiment with a wide range of techniques and materials. Core practical areas include Printmaking, Graphic Design, Photography, Fine Art, Illustration, Animation, and Ceramics and Jewellery.
• Project-Based Learning and Department Rotations: You will undertake projects within each department, gaining practical experience and exposure to a variety of creative tools and techniques.
• End-of-Year Public Show: The foundation year culminates in a public final show, offering you the chance to showcase your work to peers, faculty, family, and the local community. This exhibition provides invaluable experience in preparing, curating, and presenting your work in a professional setting, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

This year will introduce you to the fundamental principles, techniques, and software skills in graphic design.

Modules:

• Design Fundamentals: Introduction to composition, colour theory, and typography, as well as basics of design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Typography Basics: Exploration of typefaces, basic text arrangement, and typography's role in visual communication.
• History and Theory of Design: Overview of key design movements and major influences in graphic design history to understand cultural contexts in design.
• Drawing and Visual Studies: Developing sketching and observation skills to build a strong visual foundation.
• Introduction to Branding: Basics of visual identity and brand design concepts.
• Project-Based Learning: Hands-on mini-projects focusing on the fundamentals, allowing you to experiment with creative approaches.
• Portfolio Development Introduction: Begin building a portfolio with first-year projects, focusing on presentation and basic documentation.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

This year is designed to build on foundational skills with more complex projects, encouraging independent creative thinking and introducing industry-relevant practices.

Modules:

• Advanced Typography and Layout: In-depth study of typographic hierarchy, layout principles, and working with grids in design.
• Digital Skills Expansion: Introduction to motion graphics and web design principles, as well as advanced use of design software, including Photoshop for digital imaging, Illustrator for vector design, and InDesign for publication layout.
• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Basics: Exploring usability and functionality in design; learning the basics of creating user-friendly digital interfaces.
• Branding and Identity: Developing a brand’s visual identity with real or hypothetical client briefs, and creating cohesive brand elements, including logos, colour schemes, and mock-ups.
• Design Theory and Analysis: Examining contemporary design issues, critique sessions, and in-depth analysis of design trends.
• Professional Practice: Exposure to real-world design processes and client interactions. The module will feature guest lectures from industry professionals and potential field trips to design studios or agencies.
• Project-Based Learning with Increased Complexity: You will start to take on freelance-style projects or hypothetical client briefs, and will engage in more complex, collaborative projects that simulate real-world design challenges. 
• Portfolio Building: Refining and expanding your portfolio with higher-quality, more sophisticated pieces.

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) 

This year will prepare you for entry into the professional design world, with a focus on specialised skills, major project work, and portfolio refinement.

Modules:

• Specialised Modules and Electives: You can choose to specialise in areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, digital illustration, or other specific design paths.
• Final Major Project: A substantial, self-directed project allowing you to demonstrate your unique design voice and showcase your skill mastery. This is often aligned with professional interests or an area of specialisation, serving as the centrepiece of your portfolio.
• Portfolio Development and Finalisation: Intensive portfolio review and refinement, focusing on presenting a cohesive, professional body of work.
• Professional Practice and Career Preparation: Career workshops covering CV creation, portfolio presentation, interview techniques, and personal branding. You’ll gain insights into freelance work, job searching, and self-promotion within the design industry.
• Research Dissertation: Some courses may include an optional dissertation or research project on a design-related topic, encouraging critical thinking and academic writing.
• Showcase and Exhibition: This course concludes with an exhibition or portfolio showcase, allowing you to present your work to the public, industry professionals, and potential employers.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Our general requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

Candidates may be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work. Experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the extent and depth of such subject knowledge. Students from overseas, or who are unable to attend an interview, are asked to send their portfolio of work digitally for consideration.

An admissions tutor considers each application individually. Different qualifications are considered, including Scottish Higher, Irish Leaving Certificate, the Welsh Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, Access courses, BTEC, VCE, GNVQ, A and AS levels as well as other overseas qualifications.

Progression from HND / FDA

Applicants with relevant HND qualifications, or a foundation degree in a relevant Art and Design subject area may progress onto Level 6 of a BA subject to Glyndŵr University’s RP(E)L procedures.

Teaching & Assessment

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as assignments and modules are completed.

There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques, and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, screen-based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays, and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our  has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s FAQs can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication, and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry. Students studying graphic design at the School of Creative Arts have gone on to work in a variety of jobs including: 

• Freelance graphic designers 
• Creative directors 
• Junior roles within design studios 

This degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MA or PGCE level.

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.