Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

96 to 112 Tariff Points

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application

To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535

* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)

International Fee in Year 1: £19,350

Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC

* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.

International Fee in Year 1: TBC

Scholarships for 26/27 have not yet been announced. Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Year 1

In the first year, you will collaborate with the staff team to establish fundamental knowledge and skills in Graphic Design practice, employing a ‘thinking-through-making’ methodology. You will begin to delve into conceptual thinking (ideas) and visual problem-solving (design solutions) and their significance in professional graphic design. You'll gain insights into materials, methods, research skills, and design, and begin crafting meaningful graphic designs using both physical and digital mediums.

Year 2

During the second year, you will build upon the creative processes and methodologies introduced in the first year, focusing on producing more authentic, industry-relevant, and professional outcomes. Digital and physical workshops will further refine your emerging creative practice and craftsmanship skills.

Year 3

In the third year, you'll have the chance to enhance your career readiness, entrepreneurial spirit, and intercultural awareness through first-hand experience in the workplace or international study opportunities. You can pursue industrial placements or opt for study abroad programs.

Year 4

In your final year, your creative practice will align with your professional and personal ambitions, offering opportunities to undertake self-initiated projects and tackle industry-set creative briefs and/or competitions. You'll explore the intersection of theory and practice while developing your professional portfolio. This portfolio will demonstrate your ability to comprehend and interpret creative briefs, showcase your professional creative identity, skill set, methodologies, and readiness for a career to diverse audiences, all within the context of your professional aspirations.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three Year four

Year one

DE4022 -

Interchange 1 – Experimental Processes (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will delve into experimental design processes that are directly applicable to your future role in the ever-changing field of design. The boundaries between established design disciplines are continually shifting due to the ongoing collaborative nature of design projects calling on multiple skill sets, technological advancements, evolving design trends and societal needs.

The main objective is to provide you with the opportunity to explore making practice through different media, by acquire new skills or gaining experience in areas that are unfamiliar to you. For example, different briefs might explore 3D printing, upcycling, narrative storytelling and illustration or coding for designers. You will be encouraged to experiment and will be rewarded for taking creative risks. Throughout this process, you will develop into a more competent and self-assured designer, essential for a professional design career.

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DE4033 -

Graphic Design History, Theory & Context (Core,20 Credits)

This module will help you to understand the socio-cultural and historical development of visual communication and Graphic Design. Through an exploration of global historical advances in visual tools and technologies, you will study how these developments in visual culture were affected by and affect, their contemporary cultures and societies. As such, at the end of the module you will have gained an understanding how advancements in culture, society and technology inform the production of visual material and Graphic Design.

Within the module you will also be introduced to, and will utilise, visual and written analytic research methods that will enable you to develop your reflective and critical thinking capabilities, which are key skills for an emerging Graphic Designer. Your exposure to these research methods, will support your developing knowledge of how socio-cultural ideas, such as social responsibility and an individual’s positionality, inform understandings of Graphic Design.

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GD4010 -

Practice Based Graphic Design: Process and Methodology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn how to develop, establish and enhance your graphic design skills by exploring key fundamental elements of graphic design theory and principles through practice-based learning.

You will be introduced to the various methods and approaches that can aid and support the creative process, including reflection and presentation.

These will give you a greater understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design, including, amongst other things, the importance of generating multiple ideas, concept visualisation, storytelling, narrative, image-making, typography, illustration, craft, and layout.

You will be introduced to the processes of immersive research, ideation, visualisation, reflection, presentation and realisation through craft-based learning. These activities form the essential components of your design process; a process that will develop over your time on the course and into graphic design employment post-graduation.

In summation, you will be introduced to the intellectual and practical fundamentals and creative processes underpinning the practice of graphic design to improve your visual communication sensibilities and make informed choices regarding process and method in realising your concepts.

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GD4011 -

Typographic Fundamentals 1 | Form & Architecture (Core,20 Credits)

Through this module you’ll be introduced to the lexicon, anatomy, architecture, theories, practical skills and overarching guiding principles needed to understand this key component of the contemporary graphic designer’s arsenal: typography. This core element of graphic design practice has a rich historical tradition that continues to inform and shape the future of our subject. Nuanced, often misunderstood or underappreciated by some, understanding the overarching principles or form, composition, legibility, format, architecture, hierarchy and semiotics really do separate the accomplished graphic designer from the layman desktop publisher. An ability to design and craft effectively with typography to a professional standard is a core skill that the profession consistently tells us they seek out in graduate graphic designers.

You’ll develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of typography and its many creative applications. You’ll be introduced to the lexicon of typography, and the methodologies and processes necessary to work with it to a professional level. We’ll introduce you to its history, present and future, in order to foster a deeper appreciation of its visible form, semiotics, and communication.

You’ll learn about the expressive and creative potential offered by typography, technical processes, methodologies and techniques through introductions that are supported by practical workshops. You’ll learn through making, undertaking challenging and creative technical processes to help you understand established and experimental approaches to typography in graphic design.

In summation, you will be introduced to the intellectual and practical fundamentals and creative processes underpinning the application of typography within the practice of graphic design.

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GD4012 -

Practice Based Graphic Design | Ideation & Visual Problem Solving (Core,20 Credits)

Through this module you’ll continue to expand the knowledge and practicalities needed to gain an intermediate understanding of graphic design theory and practice. The work you accomplish will continue to be informed by a commitment to research, concept generation, visual problem solving and the way in which it shapes how we teach and practice graphic design. It is the same process; the briefs will be more demanding and challenging and new knowledge will be imparted through project briefs and technical workshops throughout the module.

You will continue to solve visual problems through lateral and conceptual thinking. We will expect more of you in your use of the processes of immersive research, ideation, and visualisation, reflection, and presentation, through to realisation through crafting. As before, these activities form the essential components of your design process; a process that will sustain you over through the course and hopefully into design employment post-graduation.

You’ll continue to learn and develop abilities by exploring the expressive and creative potential offered by graphic design technical processes and techniques through further skills introductions supported by practical workshop activities. Learning by undertaking new and challenging technical processes in this module, while using and developing the skills learned in earlier modules, helps you underpin novel and experimental approaches to problem solving.

In summation, you will be introduced new creative techniques while developing your intellectual awareness and creative processes that define the practice of graphic design.

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GD4013 -

Typographic Fundamentals 2 | Composition & Layout (Core,20 Credits)

Through this module you’ll develop what you have learned in Typography Fundamentals | Form & Architecture and start to explore more advanced applications of typography, drilling deeper into and expanding on the overarching principles in the macro and micro, including page composition, leading, kerning, lengths and spacing of lines, grid structure, paragraph settings.

You will learn advanced principles that underpin the practice and application of typography to feed and embellish your own emerging graphic design practice. You will explore and apply said principles around type composition, legibility and the mechanics of typography, formatting, hierarchy and semiotics. The ability to work and craft with typography to a professional standard is a core skill that the profession consistently tells us they seek out in graduate graphic designers.

You will continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of typography including key terminology, methodologies and processes necessary to work to a professional level. We will delve deeper into its history and examine possible avenues for future forms of communication.

You will learn through making, undertaking challenging practical projects using creative technical processes to help you understand established and experimental approaches to typography within the practice of graphic design.

This will be reinforced and supported by continuing practical workshop activities.

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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Year two

DE5021 -

Interchange 2 – Emerging Issues and Practices (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will explore some of the most important emerging design issues and practices that are shaping contemporary design and design research. As designers, we are in a perpetual state of evolution, responding to a world that is constantly in flux, where new challenges and opportunities arise on an almost daily basis.

This module occurs at a critical and timely stage in your design education, where you will delve into the heart of design's developing practice opportunities or most compelling dilemmas. You will learn to identify, analyse, and propose innovative opportunities to these dynamic and often complex situations. You will also learn to react to these challenges by working with others, leveraging your collective skills and knowledge to develop more nuanced design outcomes.

Emerging issues and practices may include a diverse range of topics, from sustainability, responsibility, inclusivity and diversity to technology and innovation, which may in turn have implications for cross-cultural design and global design trends.

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DE5038 -

Contemporary Design & Critical Issues (Core,20 Credits)

The module explores the key and emerging trends situated within your design discipline, and functions as an important precursor to your final year study.

This module builds on your insights from the first year and continues the discussion of design’s relational and sociocultural impact on the world. Early in the module, your tutors will present for critique examples of advanced and research-led/informed practice that will showcase the kinds of impacts. In the second half of the module, you will be introduced to the idea of data gathering, field work as well as a range of social science methods as a way to understand human-centred design. This will help you to understand better the dynamics of human behaviour and how it may be applied in your future design practice. By the end of the module, you will have begun explorative research into a design problem, setting or theme of your own choosing that can be further developed during your final year modules.

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GD5015 -

Graphic Design for Social Change (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you with explore how graphic design can have a measurable impact on communities and the wider world by contributing to positive social change. Working as a team with a given brief, you will demonstrate an understanding of the topic and a justification for your design response by using appropriate levels of creativity, empathy and respect, demonstrated through your subject immersion, design research, and working journal.

You will further develop your working skills and understanding through intellectually exploring and navigating the creative process from start to finish, with particular focus given to the relationship between the key areas of immersion, design research and ideation, development and iteration, and refinement and finishing.

You will explore and develop your knowledge, working practices and understanding of graphic design through the application of appropriate design processes and methodologies. During the module you will be presented with social challenges and will apply design thinking to navigate and broaden your understanding of how graphic design impacts societally, politically and ethically. You will understand how design experiences can drive individual actions, and how and why they can implement change.

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GD5016 -

Experiential & Collaborative Graphic Design (Core,20 Credits)

You will explore and further develop your knowledge, working practices and intellectual understanding of experiential graphic design and teamworking through the applied principles of typography and image creation/curation for physical and digital environmental applications.

Exhibition/environmental graphic design shapes the way a user interacts with a given space or environment. You will explore narrative and storytelling through applied graphic design to a designated or chosen exhibition or public space. You will understand how the editorial viewpoint can form the basis of a narrative platform for your communication and be conveyed through the compelling use of imagery and typography on both practical and emotional levels.

During the module, you may consider experiential techniques and technologies that can further enhance user experience and engagement. These could include the application of sound, tactility, olfactory components, motion graphics, set props/dressing, motion triggers, video mapping, AI, VR, AR, holographic elements, or other emerging technologies. You can explore how these could bring further dimensionality to your graphic design practice and thinking.

You will develop team-working skills, through on-going negotiation, coordination, task management and collaboration with your peers.

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GD5017 -

Creative Practice | Responsible Branding (Core,40 Credits)

This module focuses on the principles and practices of responsible branding and with consideration given to packaging design. You will explore how to apply sustainable, ethical, and/or socially aware thinking to creative branding and/or packaging solutions. Responsible branding extends beyond environmental considerations; it encompasses ethical obligations regarding the products, services, or clients you represent. A brand’s truth must be authentic, and as designers, we hold a responsibility to avoid misrepresentation or misleading our audience. Through this module, you will be expected to integrate your conceptual and practical graphic design knowledge and skills, developing those through to production considerations such as materials, waste reduction, afterlife and or environmental impact. Additionally, you will critically consider the ethical dimensions of your proposals, including the transparency and accuracy of your brand positioning and messaging. You will be tasked with developing branding and/or packaging designs that not only meet the conceptual, practical and aesthetic needs of the project but also reflect a commitment to societal responsibility. This includes making informed decisions about materials, production processes, and the long-term effects of your designs on both people and the planet. You will have the opportunity to work independently, taking responsibility for your creative process and demonstrating your ability to evaluate and refine your work. Your progress and decisions will be documented in your Working Journal, culminating in a final submission that reflects your understanding of branding and packaging as graphic designers, and your responsibility to make informed, ethical design choices while contributing to a more sustainable and transparent design industry.

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

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Year three

DE5022 -

Creative Studio 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

Creative Studio 1 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration followed by a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.

The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment. At the end of the module, you will be given time to reflect, complete and relate this work to your own professional portfolio allowing an opportunity for independent and autonomous study.

This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.

It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.

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DE5023 -

Creative Studio 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

Creative Studio 2 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration and a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.

The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment.

Dependent on the start date of your live or simulated design briefs, you will be given independent time at the beginning or end of the module develop your professional portfolio and complete your assessment tasks.

This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.

It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.

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DE5024 -

Design Placement 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.

A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.

Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement semester encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.

Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will have the opportunity to switch to the 'Creative Studio 2' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design. However, please also remember that the Creative Studio modules are full-time taught modules and therefore attract full tuition fees.

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DE5025 -

Design Placement 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.

A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.

Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.

Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will be encouraged to switch to the 'Creative Studio' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design.

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DE5026 -

Design Study Abroad 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.

Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.

You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.

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DE5027 -

Design Study Abroad 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

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Year four

DE6021 -

Interchange 3 – Contemporary Challenges and Design Futures (Core,20 Credits)

On this module, you will undertake a brief that will either tackle current challenges to designers or explore design’s role in near-future visions of society. The module will challenge, inspire, and propel you into the future as a visionary designer or ‘change maker’ equipped to address some of the pressing issues of our time.

Design challenges and our responses are increasingly complex. Technology has automated many of the simplest design tasks, leaving designers to focus on solving more complex problems. To help tackle them, most designers work in multi-disciplinary teams. Even more individual design specialists such as designer-makers work co-operatively with other craft specialists, manufacturers and business professionals to bring their work to market.

Therefore, this module led by design tutors and other subject specialists enables you to work with peers and collaborators to address contemporary challenges or future opportunities. The choice of briefs may be developed in partnership with professional design teams, set by design competitions or written by your tutors in response to important design research or practice challenges.

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DE6030 -

Future Practice In Context (Core,20 Credits)

This module will help you deliver a body of design research that will provide both contextual knowledge and intelligence to support your self-initiated studio practice. The module is driven by discovery research where you will better understand your sector/audience/challenge space before you begin creative/conceptual development work. We will support you by offering refresher online and live lectures, presentations and seminars on a selection of interdisciplinary methods and contemporary design challenges to help you finalise and finesse your research topic/domain. You will be supported to develop a research report (also known as a research deck): a powerful format used in professional and research contexts that enables design researchers to articulate, insight, need and value in a host of challenge spaces. It is also an excellent way demonstrate your maturing research, critical thinking and communication skills.

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GD6016 -

Self-initiated Briefs 1 (Core,20 Credits)

This module allows you the freedom to pursue and explore a graphic design project of your own choosing or devising. The project should involve all the creative and intellectual skills, processes and methodologies you have developed on the programme so far and should encourage a greater level of autonomous study, cumulative knowledge progression and an advanced intellectual understanding of graphic design practice, time management, decision-making, persistence and communication skills.

This is an opportunity to explore a particular area of interest or develop a portfolio of work that aligns to your career and personal ambitions.
All briefs proposed must reflect 200hrs of study and be discussed and approved by module staff prior to the start of the project.

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GD6017 -

Self-initiated Briefs 2 (Core,40 Credits)

This module allows you the freedom to pursue and explore a graphic design project of your own choosing or take on a brief set by a professional body or competition. The project should involve the creative and intellectual skills, processes and methodologies you have developed on the programme so far and should encourage a greater level of autonomous study, cumulative knowledge progression and an advanced intellectual understanding of graphic design practice.This is an opportunity to explore a particular area of interest or develop a portfolio of work that aligns to your career and personal ambitions. All briefs proposed must reflect the level of study and should be discussed and approved by module staff prior to the start of the project.

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GD6018 -

Vaughan Oliver | Design for Music (Core,20 Credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to embrace serendipity, experiment, and take some creative risks.

Vaughan Oliver (1957–2019) is a Northumbria BA (Hons) Graphic Design alumnus and was one of the most influential British graphic designers of his generation. He is best known for his work with independent record label 4AD, and working with artists such as the Cocteau Twins, The Pixies and The Breeders. His creativity inspired graphic designers as well as fashion designers, film directors, photographers and art directors and his unique experimental approach to design attracted clients from a diverse range of organisations including film director David Lynch.

This module encourages you to be curious and experiment as you explore graphic design responses for music. You will work on an authentic creative brief written by Vaughan Oliver himself. You are encouraged to immerse yourself and explore the creative and experimental philosophy Vaughan applied to his own practice.

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

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Modules Overview 2026/27

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three Year four

Year one

DE4022 -

Interchange 1 – Experimental Processes (Core,20 Credits)

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DE4033 -

Graphic Design History, Theory & Context (Core,20 Credits)

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GD4010 -

Practice Based Graphic Design: Process and Methodology (Core,20 Credits)

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GD4011 -

Typographic Fundamentals 1 | Form & Architecture (Core,20 Credits)

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GD4012 -

Practice Based Graphic Design | Ideation & Visual Problem Solving (Core,20 Credits)

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GD4013 -

Typographic Fundamentals 2 | Composition & Layout (Core,20 Credits)

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

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Year two

DE5021 -

Interchange 2 – Emerging Issues and Practices (Core,20 Credits)

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DE5038 -

Contemporary Design & Critical Issues (Core,20 Credits)

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GD5015 -

Graphic Design for Social Change (Core,20 Credits)

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GD5016 -

Experiential & Collaborative Graphic Design (Core,20 Credits)

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GD5017 -

Creative Practice | Responsible Branding (Core,40 Credits)

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

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Year three

DE5022 -

Creative Studio 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

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DE5023 -

Creative Studio 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

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DE5024 -

Design Placement 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

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DE5025 -

Design Placement 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.

A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.

Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.

Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will be encouraged to switch to the 'Creative Studio' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design.

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DE5026 -

Design Study Abroad 1 (Optional,60 Credits)

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DE5027 -

Design Study Abroad 2 (Optional,60 Credits)

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Year four

DE6021 -

Interchange 3 – Contemporary Challenges and Design Futures (Core,20 Credits)

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DE6030 -

Future Practice In Context (Core,20 Credits)

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GD6016 -

Self-initiated Briefs 1 (Core,20 Credits)

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GD6017 -

Self-initiated Briefs 2 (Core,40 Credits)

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GD6018 -

Vaughan Oliver | Design for Music (Core,20 Credits)

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YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

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To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.