BA (Hons) Graphic Design Bachelor's degree at Falmouth University
BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Falmouth University. You'll work on real-world design projects, combining creative practice with critical understanding of how design functions in professional contexts.
About this course
Study Graphic Design at Falmouth. Learn to create impactful visual communication and work on real-world projects. Apply now. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Falmouth University, based in Falmouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Design studies graduates from this provider, 84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 77% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 84% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 92% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 4 modules
- Design is?Core
Module details
Develop a hands-on understanding of what graphic design is, considering creative processes and idea-generation techniques that help define the subject. Through playful, experimental, and disruptive ways of working, broaden understanding of how key principles, habits and awareness of your own practice can shape design outcomes.
- Design fromCore
Module details
Learn how graphic design is informed by a rich history of practical and critical discussion. Experiment with and challenge the building blocks of design language to craft clear messages in response to current communication challenges.
- Design beyondCore
Module details
Practically consider the relationship between design, storytelling and 'purpose' when delivering a message. Utilise a variety of media from human (analogue) through to non-human (AI), and enhanced ways of developing idea generation.
- Design withCore
Module details
The backbone of the course. Be part of live and/or research-led studio projects, working collaboratively with staff, fellow students and designers from the wider creative community. Projects respond to questions and solutions that can positively impact society and the natural environment.
Year two 3 modules
- Design forCore
Module details
Consider how graphic design has been used for facilitating a conversation between message and audience. Experiment with visual hierarchy, typography, content creation, a broad range of media, branding, and environmental applications to consider the role design can play in shaping effective delivery.
- Design againstCore
Module details
Explore a designer's place as a radical instigator, activist, and disruptor. Question actions, become catalysts for change and consider responses to global urgencies (ecology, degrowth, the rich/poor divide). Develop more radical approaches to behaviour-change and how creativity can offer powerful solutions.
- Design towardsCore
Module details
Introduction to the role of designer as an agent of positive social change. Marks a central shift in focus where you become both the writer and designer of your own self-authored projects. Engage with user-centered communication challenges and research methods to support social innovation.
Year three 2 modules
- Design asCore
Module details
Designed to kickstart final year with more experimental and critical approaches. Projects run at different levels and speeds. Develop self-initiated design projects that probe the boundaries of the subject, covering applied design (working for a 'client') or authorial design (working for yourself).
- Design worksCore
Module details
Consider the context of design beyond university, exploring future ways of working framed around traditional, fictional and/or experimental forms of studio practice. Work individually or collaboratively on client, competition, or research oriented briefs.
Integrated Foundation Year 4 modules
- ExploreCore
Module details
Begin foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. Take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
- TechniqueCore
Module details
Take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. Enhance analytical and organisational abilities.
- IndustryCore
Module details
Enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. Gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
- LaunchCore
Module details
Develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project serves as the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
At Falmouth, you'll work on real-world projects and learn to create impactful visual communication. A course like this typically begins with visual foundations, colour, composition and form, alongside hands-on workshops in print, textiles and digital making, supported by design history and theory. In Year 2, you'll develop a sustained personal direction through studio practice, explore digital and emerging media such as software, motion and 3D, and work on live briefs with real clients and deadlines. Year 3 allows you to focus deeply on a specialist pathway such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital, whilst building professional practice skills and a portfolio. You'll conclude with a self-directed final project that you'll exhibit in a degree show.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you think visually and want to understand how design influences communication and behaviour. You should be curious about the relationship between form, meaning, and audience, and willing to test ideas through making and critique. You'll thrive if you're organised enough to balance independent creative projects with structured coursework, and comfortable receiving and acting on feedback in group settings. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; typical offers fall within the 128–143 UCAS tariff band.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 87% of Art & Design graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £27,000 across the sector; after five years, graduates earn between £20,825 and £29,400. Around 55% of working graduates progress into highly skilled roles or continue their studies. Paths vary: some move into in-house design teams, agencies, freelance practice, or related fields like marketing, publishing, or digital media.
University & format
This is a Bachelor's degree (BA Hons) studied full-time at Falmouth University, a University located in Falmouth, on the Falmouth Campus. The course runs for 3 years and is taught in English. Falmouth awards nationally recognised degrees as a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The course holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Professional placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 91% |
| another higher-education qualification | 3% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 3% |
| a foundation course | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code W214). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Falmouth University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £23,000 – £26,000 | 50 |
| 3 years after | £22,000 | £17,000 – £26,500 | 415 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £20,500 – £32,000 | 420 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 155; response rate: 56%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 86.3% · in work or study 84% · continued 92%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Falmouth University
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Falmouth Campus
455 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Falmouth University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £19,950 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Falmouth University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Falmouth University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Falmouth University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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