BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 9
- Start Date
- 24 Aug 2026
- Qualification Type
- First Degree
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 years (August to June)
If you’ve successfully completed a HND in Graphic Design or Visual Communication, or already have previous experience of working with typography and the creative process, this two year BA (Hons) course is your launchpad into the creative industries. Whether you dream of agency life, an in-house role or freelancing on your own terms, this course can get you there.
You'll benefit from your own dedicated desk space, with access five days per week, where you'll work alongside experienced design professionals on real-world, brief-led projects that challenge your creativity and push your skills, including exploring the latest emerging technologies that are shaping the industry.
What will I learn?
During BA (Hons) Graphic Design you'll learn:
Year One: Build Confidence. Think Bigger. Design Smarter
You’ll strengthen your design skills and understanding of emerging technologies across all key areas of Graphic Design through a mix of tutor-led and industry-led briefs. You’ll work on challenging projects designed to push your creative thinking, technical ability, and research methods, supported by regular visits from industry professionals. You’ll also learn how to cost and manage design projects—an essential skill for agency, in-house, and freelance designers alike.
Year Two: Get industry-ready. Define your creative direction.
Year two of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design is all about employability, innovation, and refining your creative voice. You’ll expand your ideas, explore emerging technologies shaping the graphic design industry, and build a strong, professional portfolio.
You’ll also be supported by a personal industry mentor who will help you stay on top of current design trends and identify areas to develop as you prepare for life after graduation, so you can navigate the world of work with confidence and flair.
You’ll also take part in the ISTD* Student Assessment Scheme, a nationally recognised selection of typography briefs established in 1975 and widely regarded as a benchmark for academic excellence and professional standards in typography.
* The International Society of Typographic Designers is a professional body run by and for typographers, designers, and educators. Across the world, its members are committed to raising the bar and inspiring a love for all forms of typography.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- HND Visual Communication or HND Graphic Design, or equivalent with an A or B at Graded Unit;
- A strong portfolio that clearly shows your skills in graphic design and typography. Please follow the directions below. Note: You will only be invited to interview after your portfolio has been received.
- You should have a keen interest in graphic design / typography and demonstrate this in the personal statement section of the application form.
Portfolio: What you need to submit
All applicants must submit a portfolio. This is part of the selection process, so please follow all steps.
- Send one PDF portfolio, maximum file size 15MB (if needed two files are acceptable). Make sure your full name is clearly shown on all your PDFs.
- Your portfolio should include:
- At least 8 finished graphic design projects or at least 8 finished illustration projects with typographic evidence.
- Two sketchbook pages showing your ideas and development.
- Clear evidence of typography skills.
- Clear evidence of good design judgement and visual awareness.
- Email your PDF portfolio to kreid@glasgowclyde.ac.uk
Note: We know that many applicants are still working towards completing their HND. Don’t wait to apply, send your portfolio as it is. We’re just as interested in your potential, enthusiasm, and drive as we are in finished projects.
Other ways to qualify
You may sill be considered if you have:
- Other relevant qualifications or professional experience; OR
- A portfolio showing:
- A strong understanding of typography
- Experience using InDesign preferred (tutorials are available)
- A clear body of graphic design and/or illustration work
How to Apply
You should apply for the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course using the apply button on this page. Do not apply for this course through UCAS.
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is strongly informed by active engagement with employers and professionals across the creative industries. These industry links ensure that the curriculum remains current, relevant, and aligned with professional practice, while supporting students’ transition from education into employment.
The course benefits from direct input from industry professionals working across a broad range of disciplines, including UX/UI design, print-based graphic design, marketing and branding, and professional photography. These practitioners contribute through guest lectures, live briefs, workshops, portfolio reviews, and collaborative projects, providing students with insight into real-world workflows, expectations, and emerging industry trends.
A key feature of the course is the Year two industry mentoring scheme, in which all BA (Hons) students are paired with an industry professional who is currently employed within the creative industries. This mentoring relationship supports students’ professional development through one-to-one guidance, career advice, and critical feedback on their creative practice. Mentors help students refine their portfolios, understand industry standards, and develop the confidence and employability skills required for graduate-level roles.
Through sustained employer engagement and meaningful industry collaboration, the course fosters professional networks, enhances employability, and ensures graduates are well prepared to enter the diverse and evolving field of graphic design.
Jobs and further study
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is designed to develop graduates who are professionally competent, creative, and industry-ready, with the skills and attributes required for sustained employment within graphic design and the wider creative industries. The course structure enables students to specialise within key areas of graphic design, supporting the development and practical application of emerging technologies alongside adaptable professional skill sets.
Graduates of the programme demonstrate core graduate attributes, including advanced visual communication skills, critical and reflective thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional communication. Through engagement with live briefs, industry-informed assessment, and portfolio development, students gain experience aligned with current industry standards and professional practice benchmarks.
Alumni have progressed into roles within leading design consultancies, agencies, and creative organisations, including Saatchi & Saatchi London, MC & Saatchi Berlin, Red Bee Media, D8, Made Brave, Traffic Design, Screenmedia, Skyscanner, Weber Shandwick, ThirstCraft, Connect Communications, and STV Creative, evidencing the strong employability outcomes of the course.
The programme also supports progression to postgraduate study and lifelong learning, equipping graduates with the academic literacy, research skills, and independent learning capabilities required for advanced study. Graduates may progress onto a range of related MA programmes within the UK, including the MA Creative Media Practice at the University of the West of Scotland, supporting continued professional and academic development.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You'll receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you'll either be:
- Invited to book an interview session where you'll be asked to complete a Graphic Design competency exercise. Please note you'll only be invited to interview if you have sent a copy of your single PDF portfolio (not exceeding 15 MB or two files if required) along with a personal statement to kreid@glasgowclyde.ac.uk. Your PDF portfolio file should have your full name clearly stated and contain a minimum of eight finished Graphic Design projects and sample sketchbook pages with development, that demonstrate a clear understanding of typography and aesthetic judgement. Only when we have received your PDF will you be considered for an interview.
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you'll not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you'll be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
