You’ll have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice.

Showcase work at major events

You may be selected to exhibit at major design showcases like D&AD New Blood and New Designers in London. These events attract top creative agencies - giving you a platform to connect with future employers.

Take part in global opportunities

Apply for a European or international exchange to one of our partner institutions, such as RMIT in Australia. You will also have the chance to attend optional study visits to a European destination.

Work on real briefs for big brands

Respond to real-world briefs set by agencies such as Brand Opus, JKR, Elmwood and Vault49. You’ll also develop professional skills through placements, competitions, guest lectures and industry collaborations.

Your studies begin with the essential principles of graphic design. You will develop confidence in using typography, image, colour, form and materials while learning how thoughtful research, idea generation and experimentation support effective communication. You will also explore the tools and technologies that underpin contemporary practice, gaining experience with both analogue and digital processes.

As you progress through the course, you will investigate the historic, contemporary and global contexts shaping the discipline and examine how design can influence, inform, persuade and inspire. You will explore motion graphics and emerging areas of practice, expanding your understanding of how designers work across a range of platforms and environments, including branding, visual identity, editorial design, UX/UI, design for screen, immersive and interactive design and illustration.

In your second year, you will broaden your perspective through collaborative projects and industry supported briefs that reflect real world design challenges. Our optional modules give you the chance to personalise your learning and shape your direction by choosing areas that support your creative interests and future ambitions.

Your final year focuses on defining your professional identity. You will build a distinctive portfolio, undertake independent research and create ideas driven work that reflects your values, skills and place within the global design community.

In the UK for Art and Design in Complete University Guide 2026

Module information

A standard full-time BA (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoOptional placement yearFinal Year

Core ModulesExpand all +

Graphic Design Tools and Technologies

Discover and work with a range of tools and technologies underpinning contemporary graphic design practice. Across a series of workshops, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with industry-standard software, digital design tools as well as traditional printmaking techniques. You’ll be introduced to specialist technical facilities within the school of art and design and learn about essential processes of print and production. You’ll build subject expertise and broaden your awareness of social, ethical and sustainable issues relating to past, present and emerging technologies.

20 credits

The Fundamentals of Graphic Design Explored

Embrace and explore the fundamental processes and principles of effective graphic design practice. In response to a range of studio projects you’ll experiment with ways to communicate ideas through expressive use of typography, image, material, hierarchy, composition and colour. You’ll hone practical design skills, nurture your creative curiosity, and establish a process-driven practice grounded in research, experimentation, play and visual thinking. You’ll be introduced to historical and contemporary contexts of the subject and guided to reflect on how these relate to and inform your personal interests, perspectives and values.

40 credits

Ideas Alive: Graphic Design in Motion

Operating at the intersection of graphic design, animation, immersive and interactive design, motion graphics is a highly sought-after area of creative practice. Throughout this module, you will be introduced to essential motion graphics principles and learn how to bring your ideas to life through storyboarding, visualisation, sequential narrative and editing. You'll be supported by industry experts to gain experience working with specialist digital software as well as analogue and mixed-media approaches to animation, moving image and video production.

The Fundamentals of Graphic Design Applied

Engage with industry-relevant briefs that challenge you to design with specific audiences in mind and demand the development and production of purposeful, well-crafted outcomes. Here, the emphasis shifts from learning about graphic design principles and processes to applying them in meaningful, effective and persuasive ways. You’ll be guided to consider wider contexts and discourse shaping the contemporary design industries, drawing insights from this to inform your emerging creative practice and future development goals.

You will study one 20-credit Optional Module. There are a range of optional 20-credit modules - these options add personalisation to your course and cover content related to your course subject area. The Optional modules may change year on year and we purposely update these regularly to allow for industry input and innovations in the subject.

Co Lab: Research, Exploration and Risk-taking

Through active participation with team-based problem solving, you will work together in mixed teams on a project where you will use your creative ideas to generate solutions to the challenge or brief. Your project will allow you to explore how creativity can make an impact in society, as you choose a theme of sustainability, social justice, enterprise and innovation or community. This collaborative learning experience will expose you to a range of new processes and approaches that will develop your creative thinking.

Expanding Territories of Practice

Think beyond disciplinary boundaries and explore divergent and emerging territories of graphic design practice. In this studio-based module, you’ll be supported to recognise the power of graphic design as a means (or tool) to educate, inform, persuade and elicit change. Creative projects will enable you to reflect on the current and future role of graphic design in a rapidly changing, inter-disciplinary world. You’ll apply your creative and critical skills to develop work that is innovate and ignites conversation and debate. You’ll be guided to think deeply, act creatively and to reflect on how you might position yourself within the global, interconnected design landscape.

Engaging with Industry

Delivered with the support of leading design studios, industry partners and practicing professionals this module will enable you to explore and refine your professional direction through direct engagement with live briefs and professional development activities. You’ll have the freedom to develop work that reflects your personal interests whilst meeting the demands and stipulations of a professional brief. You’ll gain experience working in a professional context and will benefit from industry feedback and input. Additionally, you’ll develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional designer and real-world design environments. The aim of this module is to help you identify where you’ll situate your own practice within the wider creative industries, enabling you to consider and prepare for your final year of study.

Optional ModulesExpand all +

Publishing: Experimental Formats

Explore innovative approaches to publishing in this optional module, combining analogue and experimental formats with traditional processes. Acting as visual editors and makers, you'll interpret content creatively through workshops and independent practice. Studied in mixed-course groups, the module encourages personalisation and cross-course collaboration while developing industry-relevant design, craft, and communication skills.

Typography: Use and Expression

In this optional module, you will explore both the technical fundamentals of type and its most ambitious application. Through a series of workshops, you will become editors, typesetters, designers and printers, allowing you to get hands on, critically reflect and develop your typographic skillset. Studied in mixed-course groups, the module encourages personalisation and cross-course collaboration.

Telling Stories

This workshop-based module introduces visual storytelling, exploring image-text relationships, audience, and narrative structure. You'll develop a personal project, applying these skills to your area of interest while meeting industry standards. Open to all Art and Design students, it encourages collaboration across courses, allowing you to personalise your learning and build a broader creative community.

Motion Graphics

Using a given theme, this optional module will broaden your technical and theoretical practice in the subject of motion design. You will produce a piece of short form motion design. Encompassing the use of key fundamentals such as pace, flow, narrative and audio. Whilst responding to the needs of the audience through purpose, context and environment. Studied in mixed-course groups, this module encourages personalisation and cross-course collaboration while helping you build you motion portfolio and skillset.

Digital Marketing and Communication

This module explores the fast-paced world of digital marketing and communication in fashion and lifestyle. You'll analyse digital brand experiences, experiment with new technologies, and develop a concept proposal with prototype designs. Through individual and group projects, you'll build skills in data analytics, user experience, digital strategy, and storytelling to enhance customer engagement across digital platforms.

Exploring Creative Coding

Explore the expressive potential of Creative Coding in this optional module, where you'll learn to write code using Processing to create interactive and data-driven visual work. Designed to complement your course, it offers the opportunity to personalise your learning and work alongside students from other disciplines, building new skills in an increasingly relevant area for artists and designers.

Drawing & Exploring with Natural Materials

This optional module explores sustainable creative practices using natural materials for colour, image-making, and 3D construction. Through hands-on workshops, you'll learn techniques like natural dyeing, eco-printing, and biomaterials while considering environmental impact and well-being. The module builds a foundation in sustainable design and results in a portfolio of innovative, nature-inspired visual research and experimental work.

Placement year routesExpand all +

Optional Placement Year (Sandwich)*

We have an option for all of our students to undertake a placement year and allow you to decide whether this is right for you once you have completed years 1 and 2 of your course. This time spent working in industry provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. If you are successful in securing a placement you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration.

The additional placement year incurs a fee. For international students considering the transfer to the 4-yr SW route it's important to seek advice from the International Student Support team and the Home Office regarding any potential visa implications and costs. For UK students, advice should also be sought regarding SLC eligibility, if applicable.

* If you choose to take the sandwich route option, you will need to apply for this course by using the full-time UCAS code.

0 credits

Study Abroad

If you're studying on our sandwich route you can also opt to study abroad for a full academic year, or for a semester, during Year Three. This is an optional and additional period of study that complements your degree at NTU as an alternative to taking a work placement.

This is an exciting opportunity to experience a different national culture, teaching and learning styles and subjects in an international environment. The destination university must be a year abroad / exchange partner of NTU or member of a formally recognised scheme such as the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP).

Our NTU Global and student mobility team will support you in finding the right opportunity from one of the many international partners available around the world.

Successful completion of a period of international study will earn you a standalone award an International Study Certificate (minimum six weeks) or the International Study Diploma (minimum 36 weeks).

Future You: Research, Develop, Publish

Draw from, and deepen, your understanding of graphic design by researching and critically investigating a topic relevant to your studio practice, values and future ambitions. Building on previous learning, you will negotiate a topic or area of investigation relevant to the field of design and visual culture, and take a deep dive into the theory, contexts and perspectives shaping your subject. Driven by creative curiosity and criticality, you will be challenged to demonstrate your research, written and creative skills by authoring, designing and publishing an artefact which presents and communicates your contextual investigation.

Future You: Professional Direction

This module invites you to locate and investigate your professional identity within the broader context of the graphic design discipline. You’ll have freedom to select from a wide range of project briefs representing the breadth and diversity of the discipline including live industry briefs, collaborations, national and international competitions, and staff-led briefs. You’ll be challenged to generate and refine a body of ideas-led work and to interrogate your chosen area and themes of practice. You’ll demonstrate awareness of professional standard whilst working as a socially responsible designer within the global graphic design community.

Future You: Personal Portfolio

To consolidate and extend your creative development, you'll engage in work that builds on the specialisms, themes and topics you've previously explored and interrogated. Throughout the module, you’ll have opportunities to engage with industry and external partners to network, showcase your work and develop the confidence and skills to position yourself within the creative industries. In this final module emphasis is placed on self-promotion and the creation of a portfolio that reflects your personality and passion, your unique creative voice and visual sensibilities, your professional identity and future identity.

60 credits

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Graphic Design, BA - Ben Wood

Graphic Design student

“My interview at NTU was the best interview experience I have ever had – I felt at ease, and the tutors passion for the subject and course was evident.”

Read Ben's profile

Graphic Design, BA - Tom Knowles

“Everyone might look content, but they'll be just as terrified as you. Make friends, work hard, and make something weird!”

Read Tom's profile

Jay Welles

“I've always known that I wanted to be a creative, but being at NTU has really helped me tap into that creative flow and helped me connect with people.”

Read Jay's profile

Graphic Design, BA - Jude Amponsah

“From the onset of the course, you are treated like a designer. I also enjoyed the collaborative and supportive spirit amongst my peers and tutors.”

Read Jude's profile

Kirstie Hamilton

“Penguin is such a respected design company, and being able to see my work on the Penguin Random House Design Awards website is an amazing way of getting your work out there.”

Read Kirstie's profile

Sam Gorham

“The facilities are amazing! We have access to all sorts of equipment from laser cutting machines to professional standard filming and recording equipment.”

Read Sam's profile

Amaia Kurschinski

“One of the most valuable things I have learnt is to always put your all into every project and really go for it! Be curious and think outside the box.”

Read Amaia's profile

Graphic Design, BA - Saskia Wright

“The course has pushed me to try out a number of new methods without being afraid of making mistakes.”

Read Saskia's profile

Student Work

Typeface work by Lloyd Wood

Work by Alisha Beaven

Work by Halle Jones

Work by Luke Bowler - Alkahol litmus test

Work by Zoe Lucca - Lady of Shalott

Work by Fabiana Oliveira, Graphic Design

Work by Lucy Briscoe, Graphic Design

Work by Maddie Cunningham, Graphic Design

Work by Martha O'Donoghue, Graphic Design

Video Gallery

Musical Squares’ first year project work

How you're taught

Your learning experience combines studio practice, workshops, seminars, tutorials and lectures led by staff with extensive design expertise and active industry experience. Regular critique sessions encourage open discussion and help you build confidence in sharing your ideas and presenting your work.

You will learn directly from practising designers through visiting speakers, live briefs and industry supported activities that reflect contemporary design environments. These opportunities give you meaningful insight into professional expectations and help you develop the communication skills, behaviours and independence valued across the creative industries.

Independent learning is central to the course. You will be encouraged to explore new processes, take creative risks and reflect critically on your ideas to strengthen your creative confidence and adaptability. Optional modules, placements and opportunities to study abroad give you the space to personalise your journey and shape your emerging practice.

By the end of the course, you will have developed the clarity, resilience and professional mindset needed to create a strong portfolio and transition confidently into the future creative industries.

Want real-world experience alongside your degree? Co Lab is your opportunity to work with peers from different disciplines on live projects set by industry partners. Embrace collaborative practice as you explore how creativity can make an impact in society and develop the skills employers want to see in the creative industries.

Find out more

Trips and study visits

Our graphic design students have recently travelled to Copenhagen, Berlin and Milan, where they visited design studios and met practitioners.

Trips also offer the chance to explore museums and galleries, and gather insights and inspiration to inform your own practice and project development.

Exchange opportunities

If you’re thinking about studying part of your degree abroad, the course has exchange agreements with a number of institutions around the world, such as RMIT in Australia, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and more.

Exchanges take place in Year Two of the course. You’ll receive guidance from the University about where you can go and study, and help in completing your application and arranging your exchange.

Showcase

You will be given the opportunity to exhibit your work during your time at NTU to members of the creative industries. Visit our ‘We Are Creatives’ showcase to take a look at the work of this year's graduating students’.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in our final year portfolio review at the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), and potentially at other graduating portfolio events such as D&AD New Blood and New Designers in London.

In 2026, our students achieved outstanding success in national and international competitions, gaining recognition and winning awards in the D&AD New Blood Awards, the International Society of Typographic Designers assessment scheme and at both New Designers and the New Blood Festival in London.

They also excelled in agency led competitions, securing accolades in the Brand Opus Chrysalis Awards, Born Ugly’s Ugly Duckling Award, and through live briefs with Dyson, The Art File, Profile Books and Anorak magazine earning prizes, internships and commissions that helped launch their professional journeys.

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Graphic Design

The course integrates emerging and evolving tools and technologies including Ai to ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for the future. Students are encouraged to be experimental and tangential with new technologies in our state-of-the-art facilities in the Design and Digital Arts building. Through exploration in workshops, lectures and industry collaborations they investigate and evaluate the impact and opportunities in the creative process and reflect on the ethical considerations related to their practice.

Find out more about AI, Creativity and Innovation at the Nottingham School of Art & Design | Nottingham Trent University

How you're assessed

Throughout your studies, you'll receive regular feedback to help you develop your creative practice and track your progress. At key points during each module, you'll take part in formative assessments, which provide valuable guidance on how your work is developing in relation to the module learning outcomes. A final summative assessment takes place at the end of each module.

All module assessments are based on the coursework produced in response to key assignments and project briefs. We believe that great graphic design is shaped through a process of research, exploration, experimentation, testing and reflection. That's why assessment focuses not only on your final outcomes, but also on the creative journey that leads to them. Another important part of your development as a designer is learning to reflect on your own progress. Regular self-evaluation is built into tutorials and assessments, helping you identify your strengths, recognise areas for improvement and develop confidence in your creative decision-making.

You'll be expected to document your process and the origination of your work using sketchbooks or workbooks and evidence the development of your work, from initial research through to final outcomes. This, when combined with your reflective practice, forms part of what is known as synoptic assessment and enables you to demonstrate your creative process and growth as a designer.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in workshops, lectures, tutorials or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study and progressing with your module assignments.

Who will teach you?

Suzi Kemp

Hourly Paid Lecturer (Visual Communications)

Suzi works as a tutor on the graphic design degree, supporting students in their module journeys. Suzi holds a PGCERT HE in learning and teaching in the creative disciplines, and worked with NTU students on a drawing-based research project entitled ‘Paths and Portals’ as part of this.

Visit Suzi Kemp's staff profile

Maëlle Daub-Laurent

Lecturer (Teaching)

Maëlle Daub-Laurent is a lecturer in Visual Communication and Course Leader for the FdA Graphics and Digital Design at NTU’s School of Art & Design.

Visit Maëlle Daub-Laurent 's staff profile

Kathryn Coates

Principal Lecturer

Kathryn is the Principal Lecturer in the Department of Design and Digital Arts and leads the subject area for Graphic Design, Illustration and Motion Graphics. She teaches on the final year of the BA Graphic Design programme. Key aspects of her role include designing and delivering innovative future facing curriculum with her team, excellence in the student experience, and maintaining and building new relationships with professional bodies and industry partners to ensure currency and to enhance student’s future employability.

Visit Kathryn Coates's staff profile

Jonathan Hamilton

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.

Visit Jonathan Hamilton's staff profile

Robert Newton

Visit Robert Newton's staff profile

Jenna Lee Alldread

Senior Lecturer, Year Leader and illustrator specialising in graphic design education, industry engagement and creative learning. Jenna combines professional illustration practice with innovative teaching to help students build confidence, industry awareness and creative problem-solving skills.

Visit Jenna Lee Alldread's staff profile

Emmeline Stansbie

Emmeline is Senior Lecturer on BA (Hons) Graphic Design, and acts as Year Lead and Co-Module Lead for the final year.

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Hannah Halliday

Hannah Halliday is the Principal Lecturer for Post-Graduate study in the Department of Design and Digital Arts and is responsible for the strategic overview of a suite of master’s courses

Visit Hannah Halliday's staff profile

Sara Corvino

Sara Corvino is a Senior Lecturer on the Graphic Design programme.

Visit Sara Corvino's staff profile

Jessica Harris

Jess Harris is a Full Time lecturer teaching on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course at the School of Art and Design at Nottingham Trent University.

Her students’ accolades are testament to her design experience and the quality of her teaching.

Visit Jessica Harris's staff profile

Joseph Pielichaty

Joe Pielichaty is a designer and educator teaching on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Motion Graphics.

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Stephanie Parr

Stephanie Parr is a Senior Lecturer for NTU's School of Art & Design who teaches on BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

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Ben Jenkins

Ben is a Senior Lecturer on the Graphic Design BA (Hons) and leader of the Design in Context 2 and Design in Context 3: Dissertation modules.

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Isabel Story

Dr Story is currently supervising PhDs on Northern Irish Artist-led collectives, archiving Tehran's protests, functional aesthetics, and meme environments.

Visit Isabel Story's staff profile

Begüm Eken

Begüm Eken is a Senior Lecturer and the Course Leader for MA Graphic Communications in the School of Art & Design.

Visit Begüm Eken's staff profile

Jonny Norridge

Associate Lecturer

For over a decade and a half Jonny has taught part-time within the School of Art and Design at NTU the school of art and design at NTU, primarily working on the BA Graphic Design and BA Motion Graphics degree courses.

Visit Jonny Norridge's staff profile

Chie Hosaka

Hourly Paid Lecturer (Design and Digital Arts)

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Katerina Kerouli

Joining the School of Art and Design at Nottingham Trent University in 2022 as a part-time lecturer for the BA (Hons) Graphic Design, my role entails tutoring Year 3 students on a weekly basis, supporting them through projects and portfolio building, enhancing their skills through workshops and putting on yearly talks for an insight into the industry.

Visit Katerina Kerouli's staff profile

Madeleine Burt

Madeleine Burt is an HPL tutor on the Graphic Design BA (Hons) Level 3 Dissertation module and a doctoral student undertaking a practice-based PhD in Illustration, specialising in graphic novels.

Visit Madeleine Burt's staff profile

Neil Halliday

Neil is the Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Motion Graphics programme and also teaches into all levels within the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.

Visit Neil Halliday's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

Other requirements

a portfolio

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Year abroad - £1,507

Placement year - £2,010

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year. Please be aware that you will be charged the fee set for the year this takes place, rather than being fixed at the rate applicable when you start your course, and any increases are subject to Government approval. As a guide, the fees above are for the 2027/28 academic year.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£19,150 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Material Costs

Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a further minimum of £150 (Year One), £250 (Year Two), and £250 (Final Year) to cover the other production costs associated with your course. Of course, you may spend less or more than this depending on the nature of your studies.

Graduate Festival - Graphic Design & Illustration

In Final Year, the Nottingham School of Art & Design will provide infrastructure costs for your Showcase. If you’re selected to showcase your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of the exhibition stand and of transporting your work to the show.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Many graduates secure jobs at well-known design consultancies. Some choose to use their skills in other fields, such as teaching and management, while others go on to set up their own business or work on a freelance basis.

You’ll be encouraged to undertake work experience alongside your studies. Course staff and our Employability team will be on hand to support you with advice on how to approach companies and get the most from your experience.

Our graphic design students have recently gained work experience with companies such as:

The Sunday Times

Dalton Maag

Pentland

Design Bridge

Paul Smith

Edenspiekermann

Connecting with industry

Industry professionals visit the course to guest lecture and share their experience. Recent visitors have included:

Anthony Burrill – Graphic Artist

Rachel Ball – Graphic Novelist

Chris Williams – Editorial Art Director

David Bailey – BBC

Jack Renwick – Jack Renwick Studio

Michael Johnson – Johnson Banks

Chrissy Levitt – Creative Conscience

Our students have also recently worked on live projects with Michon Creative, Elmwood, Hallmark, Interbrand, Landor, Oliver Spencer, Purpose, and The One Off.

Our Year One students have recently exhibited at Djanogly Gallery at Nottingham’s Lakeside Arts Centre, giving their work an impressive amount of exposure.

We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), which means students in the Nottingham School of Art & Design have the opportunity to sign up to free student membership. Creative Industries Federation are an organisation that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and membership grants students exclusive access to their selection of resources and events to help advance your career and connect with industry.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Your graduate salary

Recent graduates from this course are typically earning £25,000 within 15 months after leaving NTU. And don’t forget, our Employability team can help you to progress into your first graduate role with CV and interview support, jobs fairs, and more.

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

Bauer Media

Selfridges Ltd

Manchester United Football Club plc

Linney Group

Dazed Magazine

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Graphic Designer

Junior Graphic Designer

Junior Designer

2D Graphic Designer

3D Motion Designer

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Stu's journey to starting his own brand studio

Stu Watson, Graphic Design graduate and founder of Nomads, shares insights on studying at NTU, building a design career, and opening doors to global opportunities.

View Stuart Watson NSAD Alumni's profile

From Graphic Design to racing driver success: Charlie's story

Graphic Design graduate Charlie Martin shares her journey from her time in the design studios to a top-flight career in motorsport as a professional racing driver.

View profile

Katerina's work on NTU's Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Graphic Design graduate Katerina Kerouli discusses her role in helping NTU to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee across Nottinghamshire in 2022.

Campus and facilities

You’ll be based in our new Design & Digital Arts Building. Our new Design & Digital Arts Building will place Nottingham as a UK hub for film, television, animation, UX design, games design, graphic design and more.

You'll have access to industry-standard facilities which include a virtual production studio, an in-camera VFX studio and a black box studio, as well as collaborative studio spaces, future technology suites and exhibition spaces.

Studio 4 360

Tour the Digital Print Hub in 360°

Visit the Design and Digital Arts building Foyer in 360°

Graphic Design, Illustration and Motion Graphics Facilities

For more information visit the Graphic Design, Illustration and Motion Graphics Facilities page.

Design & Digital Arts Building

For more information visit the Design & Digital Arts Building page.

Bonington Gallery

For more information visit the Bonington Gallery page.

Take a virtual tour

Applying

We will ask you to provide a digital portfolio. Visit our webpage which has some advice on what to include to help make your portfolio stand out. After you have submitted your portfolio, we may also invite you to an online interview to help us make our final decision.

Please be aware that all enrolments onto the Course will initially be for the full time 3-year route. There is however an opportunity for you to internally transfer to the 4-year SW route if you secure a placement. The placement would need to be confirmed and transfer agreed during your 2nd year to enable you to commence the placement in year 3. It is important that you seek advice regarding any funding and financial implications before making any changes to your course structure.

Apply through UCAS

Your portfolio

If your initial application is successful, you may be asked to upload a portfolio of your work and you may also be asked to attend an interview.

Please note that your portfolio;

needs to be publicly available

or uploaded to our NTU upload portal system.

or sent with a password for a protected link.

Please see our Portfolio Advice for more information

Please be aware that you will need to apply for the three-year full-time course. There is however an opportunity for you to internally transfer to the 4-year SW route if you secure a placement. The placement would need to be confirmed and transfer agreed during your 2nd year to enable you to commence the placement in year 3. It is critical to consult with the NTU International Student Support Team and the Home Office for updated visa regulations and requirements before making any changes to your course structure.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Illustration

BA (Hons)

Photography

Games Art BA (Hons)

Fine Art

Animation BA (Hons)

More from this subject

View more courses on the Graphic Design and Illustration subject page

Further study

View Graphic Design and Illustration postgraduate courses

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