Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Design

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

W210

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration of study

3 years, 4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Lauriston campus

Start date

September 2026

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

Available

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Graphic design at Edinburgh involves:

  • balancing project guidelines with personal expression
  • the interchange of traditional and contemporary technologies

Our approach 

Graphic design must: 

  • challenge the status quo 
  • cross boundaries 
  • think backwards from the future 
  • develop powerful and novel solutions

Designers should be:

  • observant
  • culturally, ethically and historically aware
  • open
  • understanding
  • receptive

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we encourage bold, lateral thinking and understanding of process, technique and business. 

Through intense, sustained involvement with the design process, we support you in producing a design that is: 

  • innovative 
  • emotive 
  • enduring 
  • aesthetic

We aim to produce skilled, confident and emotive designers equipped for contemporary graphic design demands.

Discover what it's like to study BA Graphic Design from our staff and students.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 4 years, however, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.

Programme benefits

  • You will be encouraged to develop your own individual style and voice. We don’t subscribe to or enforce a house style.
  • You will gain intensive work experience stimulated by the real-life dynamics of agency practice and will be mentored by industry professionals. 
  • You will take part in a series of live projects which include collaborations with many influential clients. 
  • In your final year, you will have the chance to incorporate your design strengths into a showcase presentation of your work in the Graduate Show. 
  • Our staff are practising designers, artists and researchers who share their experience in a hands-on and supportive environment.

My experience at ECA has been some of the best years in my journey as an emerging creative. The design education at ECA is unique due to its emphasis on insight and research alongside technical design skills. This approach has not only helped me become a skilled designer but has also significantly developed my capabilities as a creative thinker. 

The school boasts a wide range of facilities, with supportive staff who have guided me through all my projects. The course consistently encouraged me to explore beyond the studio, experimenting with various mediums and workshops, which introduced me to many new processes. 

Furthermore, the studio environment, cultivated by both students and staff, promoted inter-year collaboration and knowledge sharing. Exhibitions and special events organized both externally and internally, fostered a strong sense of community among our cohort. 

Izzy Pleasance BA Graphic Design, graduated 2024.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BA (Hons) Graphic Design

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

The costs shown here are estimated. Your costs will depend on how you decide to complete your projects. 

Materials, printing and project costs 

Additional costs for the programme include: 

  • pens, pencils, cutting tools, sketchbooks and other materials 
  • printing and workshops 
  • project or course trip in Years 3 and 4

For these, we estimate you will spend around: 

  • £100 in Year 1 
  • £100 in Year 2 
  • £150 in Year 3 
  • £250 in Year 4

For optional study trips or field-based projects, you will normally need to pay for accommodation, food and drink and travel costs.

The actual amount you will pay depends on: 

  • the projects or courses you choose to complete 
  • the nature and location of each trip 

Graduate Show and awards show costs 

In the final year, your Graduate Show will include extra production costs. These will depend on your individual needs.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

In this programme, you will learn to balance project guidelines with personal expression. You will be trained in various technologies and techniques.

Study abroad is available in Year 3, as are placements to further expand upon your studies.

Design Agency project 

Design Agency focuses on the business of design.

The Design Agency project is specific to our undergraduate programme. In 2013, the scheme won a Guardian University Award for Employability. 

This flagship initiative enables you to: 

  • graduate with an honours degree 
  • gain three years of work experience, which is important for this industry
How the project works 

Each year, Year 4 students have the opportunity to form their own design agencies. They will create their own brand for the agency and advertise vacancies at all levels, from interns to senior designers. Students in junior years are interviewed and appointed to these roles.

The project offers a rare opportunity for students across all year groups, from a University programme, to work together. This peer feedback and guidance is invaluable. 

Within Design Agency, students work collectively towards a common objective based on ability, regardless of age or experience. 

Edinburgh-based design agencies act as 'mentor partners' to the student agencies and support them with the many client-led live briefs they work on.

Design and Screen Cultures 

Design and Screen Cultures courses will be combined with your practical studio work. These give you a contextual and theoretical understanding of contemporary design.

Second year entry

If you are successful in applying for direct entry into our second year, you will not be disadvantaged compared to peers who are studying in their first year with us.

At second-year entry, courses focus on applying graphic design knowledge. We expect more lateral thinking and risk-taking with techniques and processes.

You will join the pathway of study containing:

  • Applied Graphic Design
  • Applied Typography
  • Design Agency Junior

You will have the same option courses available to you.

We also ensure that you will have access to the same suite of workshop inductions available to our Year 1 students with the Information and Technical and Technology Services team.

Compulsory courses 
  • Introduction to Graphic Design  
  • Introduction to Typography  
  • Design Agency Intern 
  • Design and Screen Cultures 

These courses cover: 

  • the concept of the graphic designer as an observer, thinker and visual translator  
  • practical and technical knowledge of the discipline through an arrangement of graphic elements, in 2D, 3D or virtual formats 
  • an introduction to key typographic principles, methods and techniques 
  • a range of practical workshops and lectures implementing traditional and digital typesetting techniques 
  • an exploration, experimentation and deconstruction of typography 
  • the principles and practice behind the world of the traditional graphic design agency 
  • work-like scenarios within the safety of the academic environment 
  • the defining features of the evolution of design and screen-based creative practice since the late nineteenth century 
  • some of the core issues that will establish a historical foundation for the development of studio practice
Option courses 

You will be able to take up to 40 credits of option courses from ECA or across the wider University. 

You should select a combination of courses that: 

  • reflect your interests 
  • enhance your main area study
Credits 

In Year 1 you will study: 

  • 80 credits of compulsory courses in your chosen subject area
  • 40 credits of option courses

Option courses normally have 20 credits each. 

Your course choices are subject to availability and discussion with your student adviser and relevant course organisers.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Compulsory courses 

This year you will study compulsory courses including: 

  • Applied Graphic Design 
  • Applied Typography 2
  • Design Agency Junior
  • Design and Screen Cultures

Through these courses, you will explore graphic design principles, theories and working practices. 

These courses cover: 

  • the creative potential of design  
  • new methods of seeing and thinking to find alternative design solutions  
  • skills in interpreting and responding to project briefs by generating creative ideas, research methods, experimentation in colour and materials, production, prototyping and digital visualisation techniques 
  • the terminology, rules and guidelines, philosophies and theories of typography 
  • exploring, organising and arranging text using traditional reproduction, printing techniques, paper and finishes 
  • work with peers across different year groups working collectively towards a common objective regardless of experience 
  • the principles, practice and strategies behind the world of various design agency structures and roles 
  • historical and contemporary perspectives 
Option courses

You will be able to take up to 40 credits of option courses from ECA or across the wider University. 

You should select a combination of courses that: 

  • reflect your interests
  • enhance your main study
Credits 

In Year 2 you will study: 

  • 80 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area  
  • 40 credits of option courses 

Your course choices are subject to availability and discussion with your student adviser and relevant course organisers.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Year 3 is a professional practice year with an external focus. You will have a range of opportunities through compulsory courses, such as:

  • 48 Hour Survival Guide
  • Research and Practice
  • Design Agency Senior
  • Externality

These courses cover:

  • professional practice with an external focus
  • ethnographic research methodologies and techniques
  • the origination and development of new approaches to information-gathering, analysis and reflection
  • prototyping as part of the exploratory process
  • the role and impact of graphic design practice in society
  • exploration of the professional context of Graphic Design, such as creative parameters, audiences and time frame
  • work-like scenarios, being part of a team in a senior role developing professionally rooted skill sets
Option courses 

Alongside Design and Screen Cultures courses, you can also choose an option course from across the wider University, depending on availability.

Externally-facing activities

Externally-facing activities may include: 

  • periods of exchange 
  • internships
  • live projects/competitions 
  • exhibitions

There are also opportunities for exchange and internships. In Year 3 we offer a work-based learning course with credit that count towards your study. 

Credits 

In Year 3 you will study: 

  • 100 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area  
  • 20 credits of option courses 

We support and encourage you to explore internships during your holiday period. 

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In your Year 4 compulsory courses you will work on set and self-initiated projects, as well as theoretical underpinning. These will include:

  • Research and Practice
  • Exposition
  • Design Agency Creative Director
  • Design and Screen Cultures 4

This all leads to an end-of-year show of your body of work.

You will also complete a written dissertation. 

Looking at the process of design in greater depth, you will explore: 

  • the design process, addressing the cycle of analysis, interpretation, trail resolution, solution 
  • set and self-initiated projects, as well as theoretical underpinning 
  • the establishment of a creative business and management role, directing peers and working collaboratively 
  • work-like scenarios developing rounded, profession-rooted skill sets, such as design thinking, risk-taking, selling, presenting, delegating, managing and networking 

This final honours year allows for focused exploration and consolidation. It encourages you to identify and plan your direction with which to seamlessly enter the professional world upon graduation.

Typically, at the end of Year 4 you will have the opportunity to take part in our Graduate Show. This is a chance to exhibit your work. You can see work submitted by previous graduates on our 2024 Graduate Show page.

BA Graphic Design Graduate Show 2024

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.

If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Your study abroad options

Placements

We support and encourage you to explore internships during your holiday period. 

In Year 3 we also offer a work-based learning course with credits that count towards your study. The course is open to anyone in the School of Design.

Field trips

Field trips may include visits to design agencies, creative spaces, exhibitions, galleries, museums, libraries, and clients' premises depending upon the project.  

In Year 3 on one particular course, students will go to a place they have not visited before or they do not feel familiar with. This could be anywhere within the UK and is of their choosing. 

In Year 4 there may be opportunities to show work at D&AD New Blood graduate showcase in London. 

In the past, there have been study trips to Amsterdam, Berlin and New York. 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Most design teaching and learning is through involvement in a range of experiential courses situated in a studio environment. 

Conceptual, material and technical issues are explored through: 

  • seminars 
  • workshops 
  • lectures 
  • tutorials 
  • critiques

Development is influenced by research and critical thinking, as well as the following contexts that shape creative design practice:

  • visual
  • intellectual
  • social
  • professional

These elements involve participation in: 

  • exhibitions 
  • competitions 
  • collaborations 
  • live industry projects

Assessment

We use continuous formative assessment throughout your study. This helps us give meaningful feedback and encourages experimentation in the studio and beyond. 

Formative assessment for compulsory courses can include: 

  • portfolio 
  • presentations 
  • essays against course learning outcomes

There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any course you study. 

Summative assessment at the end of all courses is informed by your:

  • academic progress
  • creative progress
  • performance throughout

Each course has a number of Learning Outcomes, and you are assessed against each of these. Your course grades are calculated through this summative assessment plus a moderation process.

This is a sample timetable for Year 1 students.

Semester 1
Monday
  • 1am to 4pm: Graphic Design 1A: Introduction to Graphic Design
Wednesday
  • 9am to 12pm: Graphic Design Agency Intern
Thursday
  • 9am to 12pm: Graphic Design 1A
  • 4pm to 5pm: Graphic Design Agency Intern

You will also have option courses and individual study time outside of this.

Semester 2
Tuesday
  • 9am to 10am: Design and Screen Cultures
Thursday
  • 10am to 5pm: Graphic Design 1B: Introduction to typography

You will also have option courses and individual study time outside of this.

Support for your studies

ECA’s Student and Academic Support Service (SASS) supports students throughout their studies in all degree programmes at ECA.

You will have a dedicated Student Adviser, based within SASS, who is specially trained to support you during your studies. Your Student Adviser will be your first point of contact for any support, including questions about your studies or your well-being. Your Student Adviser can support you with:

  • personal or wellbeing issues that you are facing, including how to access specialist support
  • queries related to your programme, such as course enrolments, programme transfers and academic progression
  • applying for extensions and special circumstances
  • advice about how to take a break from your studies
  • registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you’re unsure who to ask, you can contact your Student Adviser as a first point of contact.

Support for your studies

Our academic staff

At ECA, you'll join a community of practising designers, artists, illustrators, writers, critics and curators working across visual, and material culture.

Staff on the programme include:

Zoe Patterson, Undergraduate Programme Director, Graphic Design 

Zoe approaches her research through practical projects that explore the gap between schools and universities and between university and industry. 

Zoe Patterson

Mary Asiedu, Undergraduate Lecturer, PG Programme Director, Graphic Design 

Mary Asiedu

Mike Inglis, Lecturer 

Mike’s practice explores the creative possibilities that exist between public art and outsider art. 

Mike Inglis

Marco Scerri, Teaching Fellow 

Marco is a communication designer with an interest in book design, photography and printmaking. 

Marco Scerri

Orlando Lloyd, Lecturer 

Orlando maintains a professional graphic design practice working with clients and organisations, primarily in the arts and cultural fields. Orlando’s research focuses on independent publishing, specifically children’s books, under the Bumpy Books moniker. 

Orlando Lloyd

David Lemm, Lecturer 

David is interested in the construction and visual communication of narrative in response to material, spatial and situational enquiry. 

David Lemm

Donald Soutar, Teaching Fellow 

Donald is a graphic designer and art director with 25 years of studio experience. He is a long-standing member of the International Society of Typographic Designers with a keen interest in international languages and writing systems. 

Donald Soutar

You will meet, and work with most of them during your studies. You can explore the ECA people directory to discover more of the staff you will learn from.

ECA People Directory

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching, including lectures and seminars, will take place at ECA's Lauriston Campus in the Central Area. Each year, you will be assigned workspace in our studios.

You will also get to experience lectures and classes across the wider University of Edinburgh campus.

Academic facilities

You will have access to a wide range of spaces, facilities and equipment throughout your studies.

Studio space

The majority of our teaching takes place in our studio at ECA's Lauriston Campus. You will be allocated workspace in our studio each year.

Specialist workshops

In addition to the studios, you will be taught across a range of specialist workshop environments, which are predominantly located in the ECA Main Building, Hunter Building and our Evolution House building.

You will also have access to the University's:

  • extensive libraries
  • computing facilities 
  • technical facilities, such as the print workshop

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners, who will support and guide your technical development during your studies.

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Store on-campus where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free as part of being a student.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

You can find out more on the ECA website.

Facilities and resources at ECA

Investing in our learning environment

Edinburgh College of Art is excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027. ​

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.​

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus - Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career paths

Graphic design graduates work in a wide range of creative careers. The variety of skills and approaches you will learn on our programme can be applied to many disciplines. 

Typically, our graduates become valuable members of a graphic design community locally, nationally and internationally. 

We produce graduates who are aware of career possibilities in graphic design and related fields. Our programme enables you to build extensive links with the professional world through:

  • industry-led projects 
  • staff research 
  • staff contacts
  • visiting lecturers and mentors
Career paths 

Career paths include: 

  • design for print
  • digital design 
  • retail design or packaging 
  • interaction, exhibition or experiential design 
  • advertising and marketing 
  • design research 
  • multimedia 
  • design management 
  • education

Most graduates seek employment within a design studio. 

Others choose to: 

  • set up as freelancers 
  • start their own business 
  • study at postgraduate level

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

Graduate profiles

Megan Lilianna Raats

Degree: BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Year of graduation: 2020

Current work: Junior Art Director

Alumni Profile: Megan Lilianna Raats | Edinburgh College of Art

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio to show your artistic skill and potential. 

The portfolio guidance for 2026 entry will be released in August 2025.

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study graphic design.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • Centre for Research Collections
  • St. Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz & Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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Discover Uni data

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It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

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100%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for Graphic Design (Full time) at University of Edinburgh

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100%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for Graphic Design (Full time) at University of Edinburgh

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

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