Graphic Design BA (Hons)
University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton
Course overview
BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton is a future-facing degree built around real-world design practice. You’ll explore how design informs, provokes, persuades, and connects – from branding and UX/UI to experience design, campaigns, and emerging technologies. At the heart of the course is a strong studio culture where experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking are encouraged.
You’ll work on live briefs, respond to complex problems, and build a portfolio that reflects both your ideas and your ambition. You’ll study alongside Illustration peers in selected modules, benefitting from cross-disciplinary insights while developing your own specialist practice. From day one, you’ll work with both traditional tools and the latest software to bring your ideas to life across print, digital, motion, and beyond.
Whether you’re creating content design for brands, tackling social issues, or developing immersive experiences, this course equips you with the technical ability, strategic mindset, and creative confidence to make a meaningful impact as a designer. For satisfied with teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2026. For overall student positivity in the National Student Survey 2025.
Key highlights
- Covers branding, UX/UI, experience design, campaigns and emerging technologies
- Live briefs and complex problems build a professional portfolio
- Strong studio culture encouraging experimentation, collaboration and critical thinking
- Selected modules shared with Illustration students for cross-disciplinary insight
- Traditional tools and latest software across print, digital and motion
Entry requirements
- A-level: BBC — …study BA Graphic Design at the University of Northampton would be: BBC at A Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level In addition, we expect applicants to have studied art or a relevant s…
- BTEC: DMM — …Design at the University of Northampton would be: BBC at A Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level In addition, we expect applicants to have studied art or a relevant subject at A Level,…
- T-level: Pass — …at A Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level In addition, we expect applicants to have studied art or a relevant subject at A Level, BTEC or equivalent.
Scholarships
ICAEW Foundation Bursary
Three annual payments of £4,000
Up to £12,000John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.
Up to £2,000Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship
This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.
Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary
£500 per year of study
Up to £1,500TD Lewis Scholarship
The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.
Up to £100The Chancellor's Fund
Up to £50The University of Northampton International Scholarship
The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Wilson Endowment Scholarship
Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.
Up to £1,500
Careers this course leads to
- Graphic designer
- UX/UI designer
- Brand designer
- Motion designer
- Content designer
- Experience designer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,000 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.