“The facilities are fantastic! The photography studio is so professional with all the equipment you could need.”
BA (Hons)Graphic Design
Apply on UCAS
- 2025
- 2026
- 4 years with foundation year
- 3 years
UCAS code: GD01
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a graphic design degree at Solent University
Carve out your career in design across print and digital platforms. Solent gives you freedom to explore your craft in dedicated design studios.
- Top0in the UK for learning resources in design studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
- 0%positivity score for academic support (NSS 2024)
- 0%positivity score for teaching on the course (NSS 2024)
- Enter industry competitions to gain exposure for your creative work. Past students have found success at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards, the Design and Art Direction (D&AD) Awards, and the Creative Conscience Awards.
- Access to high-end printing and design facilities, including two Vandercook letterpresses, three screen print beds and three Intaglio/etching presses for calligraphy and etching work.
- Pitch for paid work with commercial clients through our in-house agency, Solent Creatives.
- You will build a professional portfolio to evidence your experience.
- We are a well-established university in the art and design field, with links back to 1855, and we offer a traditional art school for the 21st century.
- Recent graduates are now working for prestigious companies including KPMG, Aviva, Ordnance Survey, Gotta Be! Marketing, Wake Media, Red Funnel Group, Hendy Group, and NTT Data Europe.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Course overview
Graphic design at Solent University encourages you to explore a range of professional techniques and develop your own unique visual style. Throughout the course you will create visual products for a range of printed and digital mediums, and explore academic theories and visual culture in the context of contemporary graphic design.
Your professional development is supported by a wide range of high-end printing and design facilities. These include two Vandercook letterpresses, three screen print beds and three Intaglio/etching presses for calligraphy and etching work. Students also have access to photographic studios and darkrooms; a fully equipped workshop for metal and wood-working, and Apple Macs with the latest Adobe Creative Suite software.
The course’s teaching team come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and many are still active in the industry. The team’s close links with practising professionals have enabled past students to take part in a variety of work-based opportunities, live briefs and placements.
Graphic design students are also encouraged to submit their best work to design competitions, securing valuable exposure. Past students have found success at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards, the Design and Art Direction (D&AD) Awards, and the Creative Conscience Awards. Recent successes include two final year students - Alfie Agostinelli and Oscar Trangmar - who won a coveted pencil at the 2023 D&AD New Blood advertising and design awards.
This course is also available as a one-year top-up, please contact our admissions team for further information.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
This graphic design programme is ideally suited to students from a fine art, design or illustration background who want to improve their communication skills while developing a professional portfolio.
What does this course lead to?
Recent graduates work in a variety of areas including graphic design, illustration, multimedia design, web/UX design and motion graphics and are working for companies such as:
- Wake Media
- Stagestruck LTD
- Aviva
- KPMG
- Gotta Be! Marketing
- Photon Energy
- Mitchell and Stones
- Red Funnel Group
- NTT Data Europe
- Twinkl Educational Publishing
- Aurum Solutions
- Silverback
- Capital Hair and Beauty
- Ordnance Survey
- Dulema Studio
- SCAS Education
- Indigo Graphics
- Hendy Group
- Octopus Energy
- Select Car Leasing
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Specialist facilities you will have access to include two Vandercook letterpresses, three screen print beds and three Intaglio/etching presses for collagraphy and etching work. You’ll also have access to specialist photographic studios and darkrooms, and a fully equipped workshop for metal- and wood-working, including a Hobart laser cutter/engraver.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Orientation
On this module you will learn specific skills in the professional use of adobe creative suite, digital and analogue photographic processes, photo stencil screen printing, intaglio and letterpress printing, book binding and using the 3D workshop.
Reading Visual Culture
On this module you will undertake research about visual communication, e.g. the study of visual communication histories, styles, influences, models, and approaches.
Typography
This module will allow you to experiment with typographic elements to emphasise the meaning of a variety of texts for different audiences, for screen and print. It will give you hands-on experience of the structure of letterforms, and their origins.
Image Design
This module will allow you to experiment with image manipulation to communicate a variety of ideas, stories or campaigns for different audiences, using digital and print media.
Graphic Design History
The study of graphic design history will inform you of the key principles within the industry, and the wide ranging way in which the practice of graphic design has been applied to both commercial and social issues.
Page Architecture
This module will show you how to create page layouts for screen and print. It will give you hands on experience of structuring text and image, to tell a story effectively. You will also learn how to stimulate an audience’s interest in a subject, through the organisation of elements on a page.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Creative design projects
- Final major project
- Portfolios
- Design based portfolios
- Essays
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career as a graphic designer?
Graphic design graduates can pursue employment in a range of different creative industries. From marketing and advertising to printed media production, through to web and UX design, all major businesses require a team of talented designers in order to properly communicate with their customers and stakeholders. Graduates may also find themselves applying for work in creative agencies, or utilising their skills on a freelance basis.
In it's Design Economy 2021-2024 report, the Design Council reported that 1.97m people were working in the UK's design economy in 2020. And in 2019, the design economy contributed £97.4bn to the UK economy.
You could earn:
Graphic designer
Starting salary: £18,000 to £23,000
This can rise to £27,000 with experience. At mid-level, you could earn £25,000 to £38,000. Senior graphic designers or creative leads could earn £35,000 to £55,000. Salaries vary depending on the sector, your location, and experience.
Web designer
Starting salary: £18,000 to £24,000
With experience, salaries can increase to between £24,000 and £40,000. Those in senior roles can earn upwards of £45,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“The facilities are fantastic! The photography studio is so professional with all the equipment you could need.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Visual Communication
Do you have an eye for design? Would you like to help influence the future of visual communications? Our MA Visual Communication degree is ideal for creatives keen to refine their practice, working as part of an interdisciplinary group of students.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Year three
Printing, binding, mounting, competition entry, equipment, hand tools and research travel costs: £800
Optional costs
- Year one
Study trip: £200 - Year two
Study trip: £200 - Year three
Study trip: £300
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels in a relevant subject, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- UK applicants are required to attend a portfolio viewing.
- Applicants from outside the UK will be required to send an electronic portfolio and may be interviewed via telephone or video call.
- Direct entry into the second or third years may be considered for this course.
- Applicants over the age of 21 may be considered based on relevant experience, without having the required tariff points.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to submit an electronic portfolio for consideration.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to submit an electronic portfolio for consideration.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
104-120UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 4 years with foundation year
- 3 years
