A person walks past a design exhibit A person walks past a design exhibit

Available with:

  • Foundation Year
  • Placement Year

Course Summary

As a part of the creative community at Chester, you will develop an innovative, individual visual language that aims to deal with the demands of an intensively competitive global marketplace. 

At Level 4, we encourage confidence and understanding by creating a ‘hands-on’ multidiscipline studio atmosphere built around Skills Acquisition and Playful Risk Taking. Experimental practice and guidance will provide you with the core skills of design and the opportunities to explore new and unique solutions. 

At Level 5, the emphasis becomes Design Through Research, considering the needs of client and audience. You’ll explore the cultural, social and ethical concerns of design and will develop your position on issues such as representation, sustainability and evolving technologies such as VR and AI and their social, commercial and entrepreneurial possibilities.  

To ensure you're future-ready, we embed employability and entrepreneurial skills across our curriculum, and Level 5 also offers the opportunity to experience graphic design in the real world through a work placement module and an optional year in industry (4-year degree). This optional year in industry will allow you to embark on a relevant placement within the industry area of your choosing, allowing you to apply current skills and better understand the demands of the commercial world.  

At Level 6, you focus on your own Authorship and Professionalism within the discipline, defining your own briefs and shaping your portfolio to reflect the designer you are and the career you want. The final year provides experiences to engage with employers and employment scenarios, mock interviews, portfolio surgeries and pitches to clients within a safe environment. Development of these transferable skills will support the vision of your creative work when pursuing graphic design as a social and commercial activity. 


What You'llStudy

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • An introduction to creative and critical thinking concepts
  • Considering credibility; belief and truth
  • Identifying how language is used for persuasion
  • Identifying how image is used for persuasion
  • Recognising how media is used for manipulation
  • An introduction to advertising and marketing techniques
  • Representation and misrepresentation of data
  • Applying critical thinking skills to contemporary media and technology

 


Module aims:

1. To introduce approaches to analytical and critical thinking.

2. To develop an understanding of critical thinking when applied to language, image, traditional and online media.

 

Module content:

  • Creative tools and methods used in the construction of visual messages.
  • Analogue and digital visualization media.
  • Colour theory.
  • Basic elements and principles of design.
  • Media manipulation and practice with creative problem solving methods. 
  • Analytical and observational visualization techniques exploring line, volume, tone, spatial relationships, composition, form and perspective through drawing, photography and screen based digital tools.

Module aims:

1. To acquire and apply the skills and techniques necessary for the creation of visual communication messages and artefacts.

2. To identify problems and issues related to exploiting tools and media in visual arts practice.

3. To appreciate the creative dynamic generated through the interaction of ideas, material/medium practice and context.

4. To work and contribute within a group environment and develop a capacity for self dircted study.

 

 

Module content:

  • Identify concepts that underpin and inform visual communication practice. 
  • Introduce ideas on narrative, design, communication, creativity, imagination, semiotics and interpretation. 
  • Exploring concepts and methods of constructing meaningful visual communication messages.
  • Understanding differing demands of self-expression and communication problem solving.

Module aims:

1. Develop an awareness of the scope of the conceptual and practical frameworks associated with visual communication practice.

2. Develop the ability to exploit visual language to create effective visual communication.

3. Develop the ability to generate ideas and identify appropriate working methods in response to visual communication challenges.

4. Develop independent creative decision-making and the capacity for self directed study.

5. Identify and utilise appropriate research strategies and information retrieval procedures.

Module content:

 

  • Introduction to semiotics and visual language
  • Emerging trends: environment and interiors
  • The birth and evolution of cinema
  • The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
  • Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
  • Photography as social commentary
  • The internet and digital spaces

 


Module aims:

1. To develop students' understanding of western civilization through an understanding of that civilization's visual texts.

2. To develop students' abilities to communicate orally, visually and through academic writing.

3. To develop students' interpretative abilities through the promotion of skills of visual interpretation.

 

 

Introduces subject-specific skills, the theory, practice and context of design and relevant technology, playfully experimenting with traditional and digital media to increase confidence, understanding and skill sets in your creative language.

Module content:

Level 4 introduces students to

  • The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
  • The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
  • A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
  • The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
  • The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
  • The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
  • A range of approaches to problem solving 
  • The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning

Module aims:

The aim of this module is to introduces the key aspects of a level 4 degree within Art or Design, including:

  • foundational knowledge,
  • problem-solving skills,
  • effective communication,
  • personal responsibility,
  • subject specific skills and
  • the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries

Extends creative language, investigates complex problems, explores the power and ethics of design, emphasises the needs of client and audience, and develops your knowledge of critical theory, research methods and practice.

Module content:

The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in relation to this work placement-based experiential learning module. The experiential content is freely structured and determined by negotiation between the student, UoC placement supervisor and host organisation placement supervisor. It is informed by the module’s overarching aims and learning outcomes and by the objective of optimising added value for both the host organisation and the student experience (including graduate outcomes).

A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement. The workshop will also support students’ development of their learning portfolio, and provide an opportunity to access an overview of final year module options ahead of L6 module selection. In-person and online participation in the mid-placement workshop will be enabled.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.


Module aims:

This module introduces students to the working environment enabling them to put into practice the theories and skills developed in the first two years of the programme. Its aims are:

  1. To provide an opportunity for students to apply and enrich their previous theoretical knowledge and understanding of course content through observation of and insights derived from working in an organisation and professional environment.
  2. To enable students to develop their practical and transferable skills in an industry environment and to experience a broad range of tasks and responsibilities within their field of interest
  3. To enable students to pursue professional and personal development in an applied environment
  4. To enable students to recognise the nature of tasks, workloads, problem solving, and individual and team-based working methods in a professional environment.

Module content:

In this module students will explore a range of motion media which may include digital and non digital projects for animation, film and sound design. Fundamental design issues that are fore-grounded by these digital and non digital environments as well as those creative opportunities unique to them will be explored. This will provide a basis to enable further and higher level study on the programme.

The list of topics is illustrative of what may be covered:

  • Key concepts and ‘practice’ within motion media, animation, sound design and its impact on design
  • Introduction of the fundamental concepts of motion design; the additional dimensions offered by animation and its impact on design (for example, sound design; multiple media; technical constraints and possibilities)
  • Introduction of the fundamental concepts of animation including narrative, storyboarding, sound design, approaches, and applications
  • Introduction to specialist software skills using relevant software programmes
  • Overview of key supporting and specialist information provision websites

Module aims:

  • To explore key concepts in developing motion media artefacts
  • To introduce digital and non digital motion media methods of resolving motion design challenges
  • To develop an awareness of the possibilities and limitations of motion media in a graphic design context
  • To explore non digital motion design and animation concepts and skills
  • To develop basic skills in exploiting contemporary motion media tools and systems
  • To produce creative motion media solutions in response to challenges set

Module content:

  • In this module students will undertake a variety of design led research methods— individually as well as collaboratively—that are useful for generating ideas and concepts and the constructing of design proposals and solutions within a user centred context. Focussing the design process on the evidencing and communication of independent design judgement through the construction of visual arguments.The list of topics is illustrative of what will be covered:
  • Managing the design process
  • Research methods for design investigations
  • Working effectively in groups
  • Constructing a visual proposal for a graphic design-related project
  • Establishing a message
  • Communicating a visual argument
  • Developing and visualising concepts

Module aims:

To develop an understanding of the designer and user’s context within the design process through the communication, development and production of a design project.

Including:

  • The exploration of a range of design research methods of investigation, both individually and collaboratively, which define as well as inform design possibilities and solutions in order to effectively convey project intentions.
  • Facilitating the construction of a critical and contextual framework against which students can locate their creative work.
  • Facilitating responsibility for sharing as well as making available research results.
  • Developing effective project management skills.
  • Allowing students to follow different pathways for design outcomes.
  • Familiarising students with ethical issues related to design practice.
  • Formulating a visual proposal exploring alternative possibilities drawn from research to form the basis for resolving a design problem.
  • Creating design artefacts that are defined and informed by research and are communicated effectively for an appropriately defined audience.

Module content:

Communication is at the heart of Graphic Design practice.

This module will investigate communication methodologies, the influence of the communicated message and the social and cultural impact it produces.

This module builds on the knowledge and understanding introduced in Level 4 of the programme by developing research, analytical, cognitive, transferable and practical skills required for the interaction between theory and professional practice.

Through a series of practical projects this module will explore issues relating to graphic design practice and will examine a variety of approaches and strategies to engage an array of different audiences by constructing meaning through appropriate use of signs and codes.

The impact of traditional, new and emerging technologies will be evaluated and tested via the construction and communication of messages from client to audience and audience to client.

Project briefs will allow for skills development via the exploration of a variety of possible solutions across a range of media.   Indicative areas of study during this module are:

  • Knowledge and understanding of critical contemporary issues, contexts and concepts relevant to Graphic Design.
  • Knowledge of more complex and challenging contexts enabling students to exhibit greater independent ability both conceptually and in their own practice.

Module aims:

This module aims to introduce students to communication theory and to afford them the opportunity to exercise some personal responsibility and decision-making in the development of outcomes to multiple briefs that that explore a range of media and medium and integrate theory, context and practice, taking into consideration the needs of the intended audience. Including:

  • To develop a critical understanding of contemporary issues, context and concepts relevant to design industries
  • To investigate and evaluate a variety of approaches to research that will inform project intentions
  • To identify personal strengths and needs and acquire new skills necessary for the successful resolution of communication problems
  • To articulate research findings and ideas in visual and written forms, informed by the work of other graphic design practitioners.
  • To apply graphic design concepts and principals to solve varied communication problems aimed at diverse audiences

Module content:

This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.

Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.

Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions 


Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-

  • Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
  • Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
  • Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
  • Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries

Module content:

This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.

The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style. As such, it will complement existing modules and pathways across disciplines. It will not overlap existing provision.

By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics. Moreover, by having student learners from different art and design disciplines involved, the module will encourage peer learning and build student confidence through its multidisciplinary nature. 


Module aims:

  1. To exchange knowledge of a wide range of concepts of narrative and style in different media and across media.
  2. To develop knowledge of a wide range of methods of story identification and analysis, and stylistic identification and analysis, in different media and across media.
  3. To enable students to develop a range of skills in identifying and analysing stories and styles, relevant to their own practice and the wider context of their specific subject disciplines.
  4. To enable students to engage critically with concepts of narrative and stylistics across a range of media.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Promotes autonomy and determines future pathways through live briefs, self-generated briefs, competition briefs, business planning and your final show and development of a professional portfolio.

Module content:

Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design. 

Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.  

Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.


Module aims:

Modules aims are to:

  • Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
  • Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
  • Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
  • Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
  • Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures

Module content:

This module gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake advanced study of a design issue. The chosen research topic will reflect the interrelated nature of their theoretical and practical studies in design practice.

In this module students will research and investigate a chosen subject related to their personal practice and write an extended design study. This module will consist of:·        

  • Seminars and lectures on research skills and methods in relation to academic writing which stimulate a critical analysis of the key themes and debates which inform design practice.
  • Self-directed research evidenced in the development of a Learning Agreement to guide the research project and a Contextual Journal to collate research findings, neither assessed.

Module aims:

  • Identify and independently pursue a specific research topic evidencing links to personal design practice.
  • Develop the skills and confidence necessary to independently research their subject in order to inform professional practice within a range of design related areas.
  • Apply the appropriate methods and skills of academic writing which evidence an advanced understanding of the links between practice and theory.

Module content:

There are a diverse number of disciplines within the graphic creative industries. Designers may work as freelancers, as part of a permanent design group or may form project specific groups for various projects or clients. While the diverse range of activities cannot be predicted or accounted for there are a set of core skills and principles that will apply to all design practitioners. This module seeks to address those skill sets and requirements in order to prepare the students for the key principles of business and production management, presentation, client handling and design practice. 

During this module students will be required to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills, team working and work flow management via professional presentations and print production. Students will be required to present ideas and concepts regularly to peers and to respond to and offer peer feedback. This module is comprised of two sections; the first involves the investigation of business concepts and entrepreneurial opportunities. Student teams will present a business plan evidencing concepts of marketing, basic financial management, production and distribution. 

The second part of this module is comprised of dealing with a live client brief. Under the supervision of an industry professional who will be acting as a creative director / studio manager, students will investigate and respond to an external client brief. They will research and investigate the requirements for the client. Students will produce ideas and designs in response to the brief and demonstrate their design concepts and artifacts via professional presentation to the client.


Module aims:

Enable students to develop an understanding of the business requirements for Graphic Design, through team-work, negotiated skills and understanding of professional requirements and judgments for presentation, printing and production.

The following is an indication of subjects that may be covered during this module:

  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills, understand and respond to changes in the brief and unpredictability during a client project.
  • Manage and guide a ‘project pipline’ in a professional manner from concept through to production.
  • Professionally present and pitch their ideas and creative concepts to a client audience.
  • Critically reflect and make judgements on their own working practices and that of their peers during team scenarios.

Module content:

The module will encourage students to define their future career ambitions through negotiated projects that are informed by their personal values and interests and will address an identified need. Students will focus on showcasing their creative potential to possible future employers or produce materials that will lead to their successful application to post-graduate education.

Projects will revolve around: playful experimentation; the acquisition and extension of skills; the exploration and innovative use of new tools, materials, methods and platforms; the identification of opportunities for collaboration.

Students also have the opportunity, with tutor approval, to enter appropriate student competitions—for example the RSA Student Awards or the D&AD Student Awards. Students will be expected to act autonomously, with minimal supervision or direction, throughout this module.


Module aims:

To facilitate the development of a professional level of personal design practice through the exploration and realisation of negotiated self directed brief/s that evidences the ability to manage time and resources effectively, work with others, administer a personal workload and meet appropriate deadlines. Including:

  • The analysis and review of existing skills, knowledge and understanding, with the intention of identifying uncertainty, ambiguity and limits, in relation to future career aspirations.
  • The development of a negotiated project/s, that addresses recognised needs while consolidating existing skills, knowledge and understanding, which will clearly position the individual within an identified area of practice.
  • The application of design thinking in the form of research for, through and about design in order to identify, define and solve problems relevant to individual design practice.
  • The investigation of relevant ideas, tools, techniques and relationships in order to acquire and apply knowledge, that challenges, or is informed by design practice and/or thinking at the boundaries of the discipline.
  • The visual articulation and realisation of design intentions that evidence contextual relevance, critical analysis, reflection and individual authorial confidence.

Module content:

Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation. Content will also cover research methods - appropriate for each student's individual research. This may include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, secondary and primary research, qualitative and quantitative research, and others as and when relevant. The dissertation is an independent research project in negotiation, with and supported by, a supervisor. The content of meetings will be driven by the student's individual research topic, progress and response to feedback.


Module aims:

The module aims to:

  • Develop extensive and sophisticated specialist knowledge articulated to a very high standard in academic written work.
  • Successfully manage research study and writing process to meet interim and final deadlines.
  • Produce research and analysis which reflects an interpretative and critically reflective study.
  • Develop a rigorous understanding of appropriate research methods.
  • Develop the ability to negotiate a topic for independent research and justify the viability of that research.
  • Assist in development of a topic based on a research question or other appropriate context of research.
  • Accurately record, present and reference material from a range of different sources.
An overview of the Department of Art and Design

An overview of the Department of Art and Design

Who you'll Learn from

Andrew Hooper

Programme Leader: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Andrew Hooper

Dr Alan Summers

Programme Leader: MA Design & BA (Hons) Product Design
Dr Alan Summers

Dr Janey Deng Klingelfuss

Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design
Dr Janey Deng Klingelfuss

Gareth Price

Lecturer Graphic Design
Gareth Price

Kevin Furlong

Senior Lecturer Graphic Design
Kevin Furlong

Stephen Clarke

Lecturer in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Photography
Stephen Clarke

How you'll Learn

Teaching 

You will learn within a working studio environment, in large and small group settings via lectures, seminars, tutorials, tutor-led and student-led discussion, technical and creative workshops, individual and group task activities, and individually directed and structured study. 

Assessment 

Most of the assessment is project-based, comprising of a body of research, idea generation and design development, plus finished graphic artefacts. A small amount of assessment is through presentations or pitches. There are no exams but there will be a form of academic writing each year (essay/dissertation), which will be introduced, developed and supported throughout the degree.

Beyond the Classroom

As part of your Level 5 studies, you will take our Preparation for the Creative and Cultural Industries module, where you will explore the potential career paths available to anyone with an Art or Design degree. You will be supported in the steps required to securing a work placement of at least 80 hours, giving you the opportunity to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. This provides you with a crucial advantage in gaining employment after graduation. 

Alternatively, you may wish to explore other cultures while you work and undertake our Experiential Overseas Learning module. With Experiential Overseas Learning, you can take advantage of our long-established links with organisations worldwide and undertake a five-week work placement abroad.  

An additional option for most students is the yearlong Study Abroad module. This offers the exciting opportunity to study overseas for a full academic year. 

If you opt for this module, you will undertake study at one of our partner universities, once you have successfully completed Level 5; it is expected that you choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which accrue at least (100 credits; 50 ECTS). 

Additional subjects may be taken, but these can only be used for credit if the university abroad assigns ECTS credits to them (i.e., if students pass all the required assessments associated with the relevant module at the university abroad).

As an alternative to the Study Abroad module, at the end of Level 5, you can opt to undertake Working in the Creative and Cultural Industries, our yearlong work placement module. This is an opportunity to enhance your subject understanding through observation and application of subject skills in the workplace; gaining professional insights, exploring industry tasks and responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth and transferable skills, and familiarising you with real-world work dynamics, problem-solving and teamwork.

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

 

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

Please refer to the Extra Information section below.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4

Scottish Highers - BBBB

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma - 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

At the University of Chester, we believe creativity knows no bounds and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to join our vibrant family of artists and designers. Our art and design courses are designed to nurture creativity, foster innovation, and develop the skills necessary to excel in the creative and cultural industries. We understand that creativity is a talent that can be cultivated and honed, regardless of prior qualifications. If you have a passion for creativity and a desire to learn and grow in the world of art and design, we encourage you to apply to our courses, regardless of your qualification subjects.

Applicants will be required to attend a portfolio interview before an offer of a place can be made. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in an art, design or media-based subject.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma (Art & Design): MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points including 4 in HL Visual Arts

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Art

Scottish Highers: CCDD including Art

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) – Pass overall

T Level

Considered alongside a Level 3 Art and Design qualification

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Art and Design): MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Graphic Design including a Foundation Year requires that you have studied Art & Design or acceptable alternatives.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Where you'll study Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Where specific outcomes are required for a part of your assessment, the course provides these resources. Replication of these or use of materials which are a unique choice of the student may incur personal costs.

Access to core eBooks relating to course subject focal points and provision of design materials, both practical (paper, pens, brushes, etc.) and digital (access to computers and software), are provided. Specialist equipment, such as photography and printing resources are available on site.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graphic Design at the University of Chester will prepare you for a wide range of careers within and beyond the creative industries. Our graduates are working with employers such as the BBC, Laura Ashley, Co-Op, Music Magpie, Games Workshop and the NHS, designing user experience and user interface, websites, packaging, brand identities, apps, motion graphics, editorial and interiors. 

Progression options

  • Design MA

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.