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Graphic Design is a hands-on, ideas-driven studio-based course where you will learn a variety of approaches to visual communication. Distinctive creative personalities are nurtured and the unconventional is actively encouraged.
After developing your creative visual language in Year 1, you will be able to apply your skills to a...
3 years full-time · 4 years with placement year and/or overseas study
At all stages of the course we focus on contemporary and relevant design that embraces imaginative thinking. You have the opportunity to connect with industry, either through visiting speakers, 'live' briefs or work experience.
Recent destinations for work experience have included The Designers Republic, Love Creative, The Chase, True North, Bert Agency, Dinosaur, Wired magazine, Penguin Books, Truth, Code Computer Love, Modern Designers, Hope for Justice, Creative Concern, Topman, Liberty, Havas Lynx, Men's Health magazine, Design By Day, The Mill, Gyro, Elle magazine, Condé Nast, BBC, ITV, Hinterland (NY), Mike Perry (NY), Eskimo Creative, Instruct Graphics, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA and Vogue magazine.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
In Year 1 you will be introduced to the studio-based culture of the course through a series of design projects encouraging the development of ideas, experimentation with visual language and acquisition of technical skills. This is supported by a contextual programme that places practical elements into a wider cultural, critical and social context.
An introduction to the importance of ideas as a fundamental building block in the creative design process.
This module establishes the teaching methods and tools that will underpin the on-going culture of the Graphic Design programme.
Students are asked to explore a range of visual and conceptual ways to respond to a brief, including sourcing their own reference material, acquiring technical skills and using a sketchbook to explore alternative approaches to the brief. Teaching is based around a series of creative opportunities that will require students to undertake research, develop ideas, present final outcomes and reflect upon their activities.
Tutor group seminars and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by induction activities, workshops and a series of lectures. The module is primarily based in a studio situation with laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
At Level 4, this module encourages some collaborative, interdisciplinary practice and shared experience. There are lectures and talks from key research staff, students and external experts. Teaching will be in the form of tutorial groups, weekly meetings and presentations. The set projects will vary from year to year and are designed to be responsive to current creative opportunities.
An introduction to typography and page-layout that examines the relationship between words, images and the published artefact.
Students are asked to develop a range of ideas that explore text and image relationships in the context of print- and screen-based layout. Relevant digital skills are taught alongside content generation and ideation. Teaching is based around a series of creative opportunities that will require students to undertake research, develop ideas, present final outcomes and reflect upon their activities.
Tutor group seminars and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by induction activities, workshops and a series of lectures. The module is primarily based in a studio situation with laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
An introduction to visual communication that establishes the importance of a defined audience in the creative design process.
Students are asked to engage with the tools and basic techniques used in the origination of graphic design. Relevant digital skills are taught alongside lateral thinking and basic semiotic theory. Teaching is based around a series of creative opportunities that will require students to undertake research, develop ideas, present final outcomes and reflect upon their activities.
Tutor group seminars and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by induction activities, workshops and a series of lectures. The module is primarily based in a studio situation with laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
The module introduces a range of broad over-arching themes and concepts – historical, cultural, social, political, environmental and economic – to inform your knowledge and understanding of Design as integral to positive or negative change.
In Year 2 you will study more specific areas of graphic design practice. A programme of workshop projects develops both technical and conceptual skills. Studio content is developed in liaison with industry and offers opportunities for work experience.
The module enables you to further develop the research themes and skills gained in year 1, to identify and investigate specific concepts and challenges that directly inform your evolving area of design research and practice.
This module introduces the professional environment of the graphic designer and explores the impact of external factors on graphic design.
Practical studio projects analyse the influence that external considerations have on the development of graphic design ideas and introduce a vocabulary of professional specification. Coursework is based around applying a range of creative print and digital solutions within a variety of technical, professional, social & ethical constraints and specified audiences. The main projects are supported by a range of seminar and workshop activities that include opportunities for developing technical skills, engaging in research, typography, making verbal presentations, visual proposals, preparing work for portfolio presentation and working in small groups.
Tutor seminar groups and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by workshops and a series of lectures. The module is primarily based in a studio situation using projectors and laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
This module introduces the professional environment of the graphic designer and explores the impact of external factors on graphic design.
Practical studio projects analyse the influence that external considerations have on the development of graphic design ideas and introduce a vocabulary of professional specification. Coursework is based around applying a range of creative print and digital solutions within a variety of technical, professional, social & ethical constraints and specified audiences. The main projects are supported by a range of seminar and workshop activities that include opportunities for developing technical skills, engaging in research, typography, making verbal presentations, visual proposals, preparing work for portfolio presentation and working in small groups.
Tutor seminar groups and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by workshops and a series of lectures. The module is primarily based in a studio situation using projectors and laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
This module develops creative visual thinking by exploring notions of the unconventional.
Practical projects analyse the importance of developing a questioning approach to graphic design work and introduce a graphic vocabulary to challenge conventions. Coursework is based around exploiting the creative potential and the impact of technology on the development of design work; exploring how lateral thinking, risk taking, experimentation and other processes might usefully disrupt expected channels of print and digital communication. The main projects are supported by a range of seminar and workshop activities that include opportunities for developing technical skills, engaging in research, typography, making verbal presentations, preparing work for portfolio presentation and working in small groups.
Tutor seminar groups and on-going open-studio sessions are supported by workshops and a series of lectures.
The module is primarily based in a studio situation using projectors and laptop trolleys as the primary means to deliver IT-based workshops.
This module explores collaborative and interdisciplinary art and design practice. You will have the opportunity to engage in a range of external-facing learning opportunities which will encourage collaborative, interdisciplinary practice and shared experience; this may take the form of spending time outside of the University and working within the creative community and the public domain.
In Year 3 you will study a series of self-directed options designed to develop a professional portfolio that reflects your individual careers aspirations. Your work is supported by a visiting lecture programme that offers a diverse range of perspectives across the whole platform of graphic design practice.
On the third year Unit X, there is a student authored final project leading to a showcase of finished work. The module includes a brief generated by the student, which leads to the presentation of a significant body of final work. Collaborative and interdisciplinary work can be incorporated into the project in relation to the professional context and ambition of the student.
This module will develop your independent, self-directed study based around graphic design projects that have real-world parallels with the professional designer and/or creative industries. Studio based projects will extend your professional understanding and will develop your capability for self-directed learning. Three projects look at ideas of authorship based around a given theme, responding to a live brief and initiating personal work. A negotiated option within each project will build on your existing skill set and are described using a series of student authored learning agreements.
This module draws upon key ideas and research methods developed in years 1 and 2 to research and establish a substantive individual position for a personal and or professional design practice. This will establish the theoretical framework to inform and underpin the development of your studio practice and support your future graduate ambitions.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
Please see our digital portfolio requirements page for guidance on preparing and submitting your portfolio.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Please see our digital portfolio requirements page for guidance on preparing and submitting your portfolio.
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Compulsory estimate: £900
Optional estimate: £100
Average printing costs per year. In 3rd year there could be an additional amount of £100, approximately, towards printing for the Degree Show. Core materials include an A3 portfolio the contents of a pencil case, scalpel ruler. £200 to £400 per year.
Optional estimate: £1,000
Students can choose in second or third year to go on a study trip. These are optional and usually taken during self to directed time so no studio sessions are missed. £300 to £700 in both second and third year.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGraduates have gone on to be designers in design consultancies and in-house teams for industry and public authorities; magazine and publication designers; art directors and creative teams in advertising agencies; digital media designers and filmmakers for creative online content.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)W210
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
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