“The facilities are fantastic! The photography studio is so professional with all the equipment you could need.”
BA (Hons)Graphic Design
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 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.
- 0thin the UK in interior design, out of 35 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- Top0%nationally for graduate earnings (LEO 2025)
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good University Guide 2026)
- 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.
- 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.
- Opportunities to sell work through the University retail space Re:So and gain paid experience through the student-run Solent Creatives to help you build a strong portfolio.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Graphic design at Solent University harnesses the power of visual communication and encourages you to explore a range of professional techniques to develop your own unique visual style. Throughout the course you will learn industry standard manual and digital technical skills to 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 - in 2024, students contributed to a Solent Mind campaign which advocates for better mental health.
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.
If you’re looking to study our graphic design degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the art and design foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the art and design foundation year.
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.
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
Intro to Graphic Design
This introductory module introduces you to studying graphic design at degree level, while helping you engage with the city and creative community you're now part of. You'll explore core aspects of the creative process, encouraging idea generation, visual experimentation, and reflective development. Alongside this, you'll learn fundamental research methods to support your working process.
Type, Layout, Image
This module introduces you to the core principles of typography, grid structures and image, building a broad foundation of skills and knowledge, including typographic hierarchy, layout systems, visual composition, and image creation. Through theoretical and practice-led learning, you will understand both the technical and historical foundations of these core areas and how they form the basis of professional graphic design practice.
Creative Thinking
This module introduces you to the core principles of creative thinking, ideation, and design processes, while exploring themes within visual communication such as cultural interpretation, and the social impact of design. Through practice-led learning, you will engage with key historical and theoretical perspectives, such as modernism, postmodernism, and semiotics.
Making Type Move
This module explores the broad themes of motion graphics in its widest sense, examining the historical, current and emerging directions of the discipline. You'll learn through manual and digital motion-graphics techniques, combining experimentation with practice-led workshops and studio-based activities, and investigate varied applications of moving type and motion design, gaining the technical knowledge needed to create your own final piece for a group showcase.
Core modules
Design Innovations
This module explores the position of graphic design and technology, and the role it plays within digital industry. The historical, current and future role of graphic design within technology will be explored through a series of workshops and studio sessions and using current industry methodologies, you will prototype an outcome that attempts to solve a problem.
Design Narratives
Design narratives explores both the role of narrative in design and how to design with narrative. The module will look at the role narrative plays in design projects and the journey of an audience. You will look at fictional design, such as props for film, and explore editorial design and using typography, hierarchy and grids to create an editorial design piece.
Brand, Strategy, Commercial
This module explores branding and strategy and the commercial role of graphic design. You will investigate the role of branding from a historical and contemporary setting and apply theory from areas such as market research and strategy. The legalities of the industry in areas such as IP will be covered as well as soft skills needed for industry. You'll also analyse the graphic design industry to understand how the you may position yourself in yourfuture career.
Design for Purpose
This module explores design for good and the role of the designer as an agent for change. It builds on ideas of behaviour change, and introduces the designer as a creative change maker by looking at the responsibilities of the designer in the world around them and social issues at a local, national and international level.
Core modules
Identity and Industry Toolkit
This module prepares you for industry through reflective practice and the creation of an industry ready toolkit and plan of action for after graduation. You will explore the idea of identity through personal branding, and participate in industry focussed sessions that also encourage the development of soft skills in practice.
Design Challenges
This module positions you in the wider context of your peers, both nationally and internationally. You'll choose competition brief(s) relevant to your career aspirations and through seminars, workshops and discussions, you will research the audience and subject, ideate, and problem-solve to develop creative solutions to the brief.
Final Major Project: Research and Development
In this module you will select a research topic for your final major project. You'll interrogate different routes into subject choices and conduct thorough research, enabling you to plan and develop a written proposal for a unique final major project that is relevant to you and your position in the creative industries.
Final Major Project: Making
In this module you'll put the proposal from the research and development module into action through experimentation, exploration, problem-solving and development of proposed outcomes with a sustained focus throughout. This process will be reflected upon critically within the development book – also considering critical discussion between tutors and peers, as well as informing your decision making. This will culminate in a significant output and body of work, forming the main part of your final portfolio.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Block teaching at Solent
You will learn by:
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
- Creative design projects
- Final major project
- Design based portfolios
- Essays
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
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 its 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.
Top 25%
of UK unis for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2025
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.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £19,081 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 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
- Foundation year
Portfolios, A4 ring binders, scale rulers, sketchbooks and basic drawing materials will be required: approx £150.
Printing: approx £100 - Year three
Printing, binding, mounting, competition entry, equipment, hand tools and research travel costs: approx £800
Optional costs
- Year one
Study trip: approx £200 - Year two
Study trip: approx £200 - Year three
Study trip: approx £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.
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 £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call: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.
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.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
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.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
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.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 4 years with foundation year
- 3 years
