About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
Learn to create innovative and effective visual communications using a variety of physical and digital media, exploring the fields of graphic design, illustration, motion design and photography. Opportunities to engage with external practitioners are integral to the programme, giving you an in-depth understanding of professional practice and enhancing your employability.
Working in our superb studio spaces, you’ll develop the practical and critical skills of a graphic artist and use research insights to guide your design. Our strong links with industry ensure the curriculum is at the forefront of current creative practice.
In your first semester you’ll work across 4 specialist pathways:
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graphic design - with a focus on creating consistent visual communications across different media; from print and editorial design, typography, branding and advertising through to user experience (UX) design and emerging media
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illustration - the art of visual storytelling for editorial publications, publishing, branding, games, digital animation and much more
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motion design - moving image for video and animation, and visual communication across multi-screen and interactive environments
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photography - exploring commercial, editorial and fine art approaches
Having gained a deeper understanding of different disciplines, you’ll then choose a specific pathway as a focus for your practice.
As part of your degree you can:
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spend a semester studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland or Turkey
-
attend lectures and workshops by leading design studios
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visit studios, galleries and cultural spaces in London and overseas
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take part in exhibitions such as the Winchester School of Art degree show, and the London graduate showcase, Other Forms, which are both attended by professionals from the creative industries
We'll encourage you to prepare entries for prestigious international competitions, such as the Penguin Student Design Awards and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards.
Six of our recent students were awarded professional membership of the prestigious International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD). Another student won a £10,000 RSA award to develop her own design idea.
What's it like to study Graphic Arts at Southampton
Course location
This course is based at Winchester.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
BBB including an art or design based subject
A-levels additional information
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Art and Design Foundation Courses
Art and Design Foundation course: Pass. If you have already achieved BBB or above, we do not require you to have completed an Art and Design Foundation course in addition to A-Levels.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art or design based subject
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
No additional information
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit including an art or design based subject
Access to HE additional information
No additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including an art or design based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
B1 B1 B1 B1 B2 B2 including an art or design based subject
Irish certificate additional information
No additional information
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including an art or design based subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels including an art or design based subject
or
BB from two A levels including an art or design based subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
75% overall including an art or design based subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.0
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
Non-academic entry requirements
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
For Academic year 202324
A-levels
BBB including an art or design based subject
A-levels additional information
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Art and Design Foundation Courses
Art and Design Foundation course: Pass. If you have already achieved BBB or above, we do not require you to have completed an Art and Design Foundation course in addition to A-Levels.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art or design based subject
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art or design based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art or design based subject Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art or design based subject
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit including an art or design based subject
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including an art or design based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
B1 B1 B1 B1 B2 B2 including an art or design based subject
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including an art or design based subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels including an art or design based subject or BB from two A levels including an art or design based subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
75% overall including an art or design based subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
Non-academic entry requirements
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll study 6 studio practice modules - one per semester – which form the heart of the course. You'll also study 6 modules that frame the context for your developing practice in terms of history, theory and professional application. You’ll study core modules to:
-
understand how historic and contemporary practices relate to the graphic artist
-
develop your research and design thinking
-
build your critical reflection skills
-
hone your making skills and technical expertise
In year 2, you can specialise further by choosing from a wide range of core modules designed to support your individual career plans.
Year 1 overview
You’ll develop key skills in design thinking and making. You’ll explore the specialisms of graphic design, illustration, motion design and photography through a series of integrated workshops and projects. Your 4 core modules will help you develop key knowledge and skills across these areas:
-
An Introduction to Graphic Arts
-
Historical and Critical Contexts
-
Specialist Principles
-
Research in Contemporary Issues
At the end of your first semester, you’ll be guided to choose a pathway to specialise in for the rest of your degree.
Year 2 overview
Your core practice-based modules help to build your practical and technical expertise within your chosen pathway, and develop your contextual and critical knowledge:
-
Specialist Practice and Skills
-
Critical Reflection of Specialism
You’ll also choose a core module from a list of options, allowing you to broaden your opinions and reference points as you engage with students from other art and design subjects:
-
Business Skills for the Creative Industries
-
Creative Futures
-
Creative Writing
-
Image and Branding
-
Sight and Sound
-
Visual Culture
You can also expand your experience by choosing from one of the following opportunities:
-
spend a semester at a partner university in Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland or Turkey
-
explore a subject that inspires you by initiating your own practice-based project
Year 3 overview
Your final core modules prepare you for professional practice and employment after graduation:
-
External Partner Project - pitch and deliver creative solutions for real projects working directly with studios from the creative industries
-
Professional and Critical Contexts - align your practice with professional standards
-
Professional Planning and Evaluation - plan your launch into industry
You'll gain industry recognition by competing in prestigious international student design awards. You’ll also combine all of the skills you’ve gained to create your final major project. Using a research-led approach, you'll create an innovative and unique project to present to clients, employers, industry professionals and the press, at the end-of-year show.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module provides an introduction to the the principles of the Graphic Arts programme and gives you the opportunity to understand and examine the key skills and working methods required for your studies at Higher Education. As well as engaging in pract...
This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of the historical and contextual development of graphic arts across the twentieth century. It introduces key ideas and concepts that will inform your practical work through an examination of the social...
This module is designed to develop knowledge of the issues that surround graphic arts. It introduces key ideas and concepts through a review of the social, political and cultural influences that are shaping where the discipline is heading. Using a range o...
This module initiates the process of specialisms within your study on the Graphic Arts programme, it builds upon your first studio module and introduces you to work within one of the following specialisms: Graphic Design, Illustration, Motion Design or Ph...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module provides you with the opportunity to broaden your research and develop a deeper critical context related to your own practice. It will allow you to take a structured approach to the documentation of research material, while facilitating a proc...
This module is one of the common core modules taken by all students on the Graphic Arts undergraduate programme. It will allow you to develop key thinking skills to construct and resolve your own self-initiated project brief. Within your brief, you be abl...
This module is the first to be taken on your specialist pathway on the Graphic Arts programme. Within this studio based module you will develop further knowledge of your own creative processes and understand ways to critically evaluate your own responses...
This module is an alternative core module. It offers you an opportunity to study aboard as part of your programme of study. This may also be understood as an opportunity to enrich your academic learning by experiencing a different academic environment i...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
This module will cover the main aspects of developing and executing a business proposition and plan within the creative industries. You will also be guided in the use free apps based on the Business Canvas to make you more competent at developing a plan f...
In a world immersed in a process of change, facing social and sustainable significant challenges, this module focuses on the capacity of creative practices to set out potential new scenarios and creative futures. It will encourage you to think and discuss...
The module provides an introduction to creative writing and familiarises you with a range of writing styles appropriate to effective communications in the wider context of the creative industries and public arena. You will be encouraged to develop a vari...
This module introduces you to issues, terminology and trends in brand signature, visual identity image and branding. The syllabus will explore aspects of identity and image in a branding context. The module will also provide you with an opportunity to ana...
Sight and Sound is designed to introduce students to the language of cinema in support of their research methodologies and professional skill sets in the creative industries. Using key texts and self-generated or found visual samples as a basis for teachi...
We live in a world that is saturated by images. Images from the far reaches of space to the sub-atomic level and just about everything in between. Images seem to have a special power over our lives, playing a part in the constructions of who and what we ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The External Projects module builds on your experiences at Part 2 by providing a focus through which you can begin to synthesise your skills, ideas and working methods into ambitious outcomes appropriate to your discipline. Emphasis will be on analysis a...
This module enables you to develop your work from experimentation to the production of synthesised outcomes. You will direct and realise your ideas through forms of visual presentation and structure that are relevant to the concepts and practical requirem...
This module focusses on employability and will allow you to research key industry practitioners, their ways of working and offer the opportunity to analyse and define an area of the creative industry which you feel will become relatable to your future car...
This module provides an opportunity to evaluate your practice in preparation for graduation. You will be required to analyse potential areas of employment or further study and locate your developing practice in relation to areas of recognised or emerging ...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- portfolios
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- portfolios
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- portfolios
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Nicola Hirst is the course leader.
Careers
As a graduate of our graphic arts degree, you’ll be a highly skilled creative practitioner, ready to take your place in one of the fastest growing areas of the economy.
Our alumni work as:
-
designers
-
photographers
-
animators
-
illustrators
You’ll find our graduates in high profile companies, such as:
-
Mother
-
ustwo
-
Protein
-
Moving Brands
-
The Boiler Room
-
iLoveDust
-
Digital Annexe
-
Johnston Works
-
The Financial Times
-
Activision M&C Saatchi
-
Sony
-
The Daily Telegraph
-
Elle
-
Jack Wills
-
Blueprint
-
The Guardian
-
Harpers Bazaar
-
The Sunday Times
-
Wallpaper Magazine
-
The Observer
Our employability focus includes:
-
ongoing advice from tutors with extensive experience in the creative industries
-
careers events to introduce you to potential employers
-
collaborative relationships with organisations such as De La Rue, Antalis Papers and Made Thought
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
-
work experience schemes
-
CV and interview skills and workshops
-
networking events
-
careers fairs attended by top employers
-
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
-
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
Our in-house Studio 3015 provides paid design and marketing internships for our graduates. Through our network of institutional, professional and industry contacts, you’ll work on live projects to build a professional portfolio to show employers.
As part of your course, you can also choose to take a year-long paid placement with a professional design studio or creative agency. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional experience.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,300.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: W210
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
Applicants will receive an invitation to submit their portfolio whilst their academic qualifications are being reviewed. Download our portfolio advice for graphic arts (152.98 KB).
We'll aim to process your application within two to six weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
