Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree has grown in ambition year after year, developing a highly regarded and carefully considered program which meets current industry demands and nurtures thoughtful graduates who understand the value of ideas, ethics, concept development, and design thinking.

This course allows you to study at a partner University overseas or take a work placement in the industry during your third year.

The program is also a D&AD Education Network member and has won 'best in the show'' at the D&A Graduate Showcase ‘NeShowcase' n London 'for several years and over 30 other individual student awards since 2011.

This four-year degree is supported by industry in Scotland and London, providing student placements and projects. In addition, Studio, an award-winning Edinburgh studio, has a strong relationship with the program, providing input to projects and awarding a Graduate Prize every year.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students. Competition for places varies yearly, and you aren't guaranteed a business if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBB includes one: Art and Design, Design and Manufacture, Graphic Communication, or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC includes Art and Design, Design and Manufacture, Graphic Communication, or Daydream Believers Level 6 Creative Thinking at grade B.

A Level

BCC, including one of Art and Design/Design and Technology: (Product Design)

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H2, H3, and H3 at HL, including Art.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, 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 the admissions team.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades D*D* (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 the admissions team.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three subjects at HL with grades 6, 5, and 4. These subjects must include one: Visual Arts or Design Technology.

T Level

Grade Merit 

T Level must be completed in a Creative/Design subject, or A Level Art/Product Design may be required.

Minimum year 2

Please note there are limited places available for Year 2 entry. 

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include one of Art and Design, Graphic Communication, or Design and Manufacture.

A Level

BBB to include one of Art and Design/Design and Technology: (Product Design)

HNC

Pass HNC in a relevant subject with a B grade in the graded unit.

Minimum year 3

Please note there are limited places available for Year 3 entry. 

HND

Pass HND in a relevant subject with a Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, & ISE IV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills