Graphic Design and Illustration BA (Hons)

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration course at University Centre Leeds combines practical, academic and industry experience to help you place yourself in this thriving sector. It offers a robust programme that is relevant to current design and illustration-related industries, helping you to progress in your chosen career path.<br/><br/>The course is delivered from studio space in the creative quarter of Leeds city centre and offers a supportive environment to explore and develop your skills and understanding in readiness for life following graduation. You will get time with tutors to discuss your work, exploring how your ideas and projects mesh across this course’s suite of modules. You will also build key industry experience for a strong CV and portfolio. <br/><br/>The Graphic Design industry has flourished over the past five years due to the growing popularity of digital advertising. Professionals within the sector have been vital to UK businesses developing brands across a variety of mediums, including print, the internet and film (IBIS World, 2021). By the end of 2022, industry revenue is expected to reach £3.4 billion. The industry is also expected to maintain growth over the next five years, with increased advertising activity and demand for digital design services expected to contribute to this growth (IBIS World, 2021). It’s an exciting time to qualify in a professional role and enter a thriving industry.<br/><br/>At University Centre Leeds, we aim to provide opportunities that help you develop practical skills relevant to the creative industry. We want our graduates to leave us with the skills that are key to being employable within the creative industries, from both subject-specific skills (problem solving, questioning, expressive, creative and technical), to transferable skills (communication, teamwork, project management). <br/><br/>The BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive, practice-led programme that challenges and develops your design and illustration skills. Created to facilitate progression for a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds, it’s an ideal way to prepare for various creative industry contexts. <br/><br/>You will put creative discipline at the fore on this course, nurturing a strong and coherent practice that offers opportunity for public-facing outcomes. Experiences will include working with clients, designers, publishers and concept artists. You will also engage in a range of skill-enhancing activities such as selling work, networking and self-promotion, branding, responding to professional briefs, working with the public, exploring academic research, and creating an identity for your professional practice. <br/><br/>The course is driven by real industry opportunities and the reality of being a graphic designer or illustrator in the real world. Course content has been developed with local galleries, art organisations and design agencies, as well as freelance graphic designers and illustrators.