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Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6–9 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

BA (Honours) Graphic Design

Course code: A21

From billboards to apps, graphic design shapes our visual world. The BA (Honours) Graphic Design degree equips you with the skills to join this dynamic field. Through online study, you'll explore the power of visual communication, learning to create designs that inform, persuade, and inspire. Whether you're looking to launch a design career or enhance your current skillset, this flexible programme allows you to develop your talents at your own pace, supported by industry-experienced tutors and a community of fellow designers.

This online course is available through our college dedicated to the creative arts, the Open College of the Arts.

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Key features

  • Gain proficiency in industry-standard design software and techniques
  • Learn to create designs that effectively communicate across cultures and platforms
  • Develop a critical understanding of design's role in society and commerce
  • Build a professional portfolio showcasing your versatility and creativity
  • Benefit from the flexibility of online learning to fit study around your life

Course highlights

This honours degree in graphic design has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

As you begin your design journey, you'll explore idea generation and visualisation techniques, examining the building blocks of graphic design, including typography, image-making, and layout. You'll learn to use research to inform your creative approaches and reflect on your work. Throughout this stage, you'll develop your understanding of visual languages through creative problem-solving exercises, exploring the relationship between form and function. By the end of Stage 1, you'll start to identify your personal design voice and understand how to create meaningful visual content.

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Building on your foundation, you'll tackle more complex design challenges as you deepen your skills and knowledge. You'll thoroughly research markets, consumers, and user experiences, exploring current issues such as globalisation, sustainability, and cultural diversity. You'll learn how these factors impact design decisions and work on projects across various specialist disciplines. This stage will refine your ability to create targeted visual communications, pushing you to consider how your designs can effectively reach and resonate with diverse audiences.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

In this final stage, you'll synthesise your creative practice and research interests in self-directed projects. You'll develop a more autonomous and professional approach to your design work, preparing for real-world challenges. You'll undertake in-depth research and critical thinking assignments, culminating in a body of work that demonstrates your readiness for a career in graphic design. You'll also focus on developing your unique style and vision, ensuring your portfolio stands out in the competitive design industry.

Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6–9 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Entry requirements

This degree is open to all who are passionate about visual communication. No previous qualifications are required – just bring your creativity and enthusiasm for design. To engage fully with the course, you'll need basic computer skills, reliable internet access, and English language proficiency at CEFR B2 level.

Fees and funding

Read the detailed description on the Open College of the Arts website to learn more about this degree's fees and funding options.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Joe, talks about balancing working at the NHS and studying with the OU and how he has the best of both worlds.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Interested in finding out more?

This degree is delivered by The Open University's Open College of the Arts.

To explore this course in detail, including entry requirements, fees and funding options, and how to apply, visit the Open College of the Arts website.

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