BDes (Hons) Graphic Design 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Edinburgh Napier University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

20,310 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

30 Jun, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Degree

BDes

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Graphic design shapes the way we see and think about the world around us. Join our award-wining students on the BDes (Hons) Graphic Design learning how to use graphic design to tell meaningful stories that make a difference.
 
The four-year BDes (Hons) Graphic Design degree offers a highly regarded and carefully considered programme which equips our students with the skills to meet current industry demands and nurtures thoughtful graduates who understand the value of ideas, ethics, concept development and deep thinking in design.
 
Gain practical work experience supported by our network of local, national and international industry partners along the way. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to undertake live-projects, placements and international exchange.

This course emphasises the importance of ideas and originality of content as key elements and the fundamental cornerstone of the graphic design process. It encourages creativity, integrity, social and ethical responsibility and a sense of challenge in the work undertaken.

The course will expose you to design in its broadest sense, including media, motion and spatial applications.

You'll gain the skills you need to successfully operate as a professional graphic designer, learning and develop expertise in techniques ranging from the traditional to the cutting-edge and experimental, all underpinned by deepening levels of conceptual and critical thinking. You'll gain the skills to develop unique design ideas, establish rigorous design processes, deal with complex design issues, make informed judgements and communicate conclusions clearly to a professional audience.

You'll gain an understanding of the creative economy and professional design practice. Throughout your studies you’ll have opportunities to work on live projects, to undertake a work placement, and to benefit from lectures and workshops run by members of our supportive network of industry practitioners. These practical experiences provide the opportunity not only to engage with current graphic design practice but also to build your own network of contacts. Throughout the course there are opportunities for international experiences. We work on projects with international clients and collaborators around the world, and also organise annual study trips to explore the graphic design culture in a different European destination each year. And you’ll have the opportunity to apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities for a trimester in year 3. 

In the final year you'll devise your major project, articulating an individual design philosophy and further enhancing your subject specific skills and knowledge.

This is a full-time course studied over four years. You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshop sessions and independent study.
 

Programme overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Degree

BDes

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Graphic design shapes the way we see and think about the world around us. Join our award-wining students on the BDes (Hons) Graphic Design learning how to use graphic design to tell meaningful stories that make a difference.
 
The four-year BDes (Hons) Graphic Design degree offers a highly regarded and carefully considered programme which equips our students with the skills to meet current industry demands and nurtures thoughtful graduates who understand the value of ideas, ethics, concept development and deep thinking in design.
 
Gain practical work experience supported by our network of local, national and international industry partners along the way. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to undertake live-projects, placements and international exchange.

This course emphasises the importance of ideas and originality of content as key elements and the fundamental cornerstone of the graphic design process. It encourages creativity, integrity, social and ethical responsibility and a sense of challenge in the work undertaken.

The course will expose you to design in its broadest sense, including media, motion and spatial applications.

You'll gain the skills you need to successfully operate as a professional graphic designer, learning and develop expertise in techniques ranging from the traditional to the cutting-edge and experimental, all underpinned by deepening levels of conceptual and critical thinking. You'll gain the skills to develop unique design ideas, establish rigorous design processes, deal with complex design issues, make informed judgements and communicate conclusions clearly to a professional audience.

You'll gain an understanding of the creative economy and professional design practice. Throughout your studies you’ll have opportunities to work on live projects, to undertake a work placement, and to benefit from lectures and workshops run by members of our supportive network of industry practitioners. These practical experiences provide the opportunity not only to engage with current graphic design practice but also to build your own network of contacts. Throughout the course there are opportunities for international experiences. We work on projects with international clients and collaborators around the world, and also organise annual study trips to explore the graphic design culture in a different European destination each year. And you’ll have the opportunity to apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities for a trimester in year 3. 

In the final year you'll devise your major project, articulating an individual design philosophy and further enhancing your subject specific skills and knowledge.

This is a full-time course studied over four years. You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshop sessions and independent study.
 

Admission Requirements

169+
27+
96+
56+
6+
4+
Minimum Year 1 Scottish Higher
Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC preferably including one of: Art and Design, Design and Manufacture or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking at grade B.
Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC preferably including one of: Art and Design, Design and Manufacture or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking at grade B.
You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.
A Level
CCC preferably including one of: Art and Design/Design and Technology: (Product Design) Irish Leaving Certificate
H2, H3, H3, H3 at HL including preferably Art. BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. Related subjects include - Art and Design/Art and Design Practice/Creative Media Practice/Creative Media Production/Creative Digital Media Production. Others may be considered please refer to admissions team. BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject. Related subjects include - Art and Design/Art and Design Practice/Creative Media Practice/Creative Media Production/Creative Digital Media Production. Others may be considered please refer to admissions team. International Baccalaureate Diploma
Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6,5,4 including preferably one of: Visual Arts or Design Technology. T Level
Grade Pass T Level should preferably be completed in a Creative/Design subject. Please contact [email protected] to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

30 Jun 2026
4 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
1,820 GBP
International
20,310 GBP

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