Visual communication through graphic design touches and shapes many aspects of modern life. From mobile apps and interactive posters to pop-up shows and global branding – graphic design is everywhere. Graphic design degrees prepare you for an exciting career that can take you on many diverse paths.
Our course embraces the recent advancements, developments, and changes undergone by the creative industries. You’ll be challenged to develop your own creative voice with guidance from our staff and support from state-of the-art facilities. You’ll have access to photographic studios, an extensive art and design library, dark rooms, workshops with technical support, and much more.
We have excellent industry links and many of our students undertake work placements at top design companies during the second year.
Project work will feature as part of your study from the first year to help you learn to communicate your ideas. You’ll do this through a series of problem-solving tasks in branding, typography, magazine design, editorial design, advertising, art direction, and plenty more. You’ll work on briefs that closely mirror the professional world, getting transferable experience from the very start.
We host regular guest lecturers so you can learn from industry professionals. Past lecturers have included David Carson, Jonathan Barnbrook, Angus Hyland from Pentagram and Sir John Hegarty from BBH, M & C Saatchi Mobile.
Study trips to museums, galleries, design studios, and exhibitions make up a large part of your learning time. Meanwhile, our north London location means that you’re able to explore your interests in this design-minded city.
In your final year, you’ll develop a personal professional portfolio that’ll bring together your study and style as an artist. It’ll be exhibited at our degree show, ensuring that creative industry employers see your hard work. We have excellent industry links and many of our students undertake work placements at top design companies during the second year.
Past graduates have gone on to work at the BBC, Stylist, Nickelodeon, and Ogilvy & Mather.
You also get the support you need to succeed. From your Personal Tutor to your Graduate Academic Assistant, each one has studied your subject and will provide the support you need based on their own experience. If you need a little help with writing, numeracy or library skills, we can help with that too.
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During the first year, you will be introduced to the diversity of the study area and the breadth of approaches to solving graphic design problems. You will explore research, thinking and communication skills to develop sound working methods, using logical and structured approaches to identify and solve graphic design problems. You will discover the creative and communications potential of typography, and the breadth and diversity of historical and contemporary practice in graphic design. Exploring a variety of different graphic media, you will be encouraged to develop an inventive and experimental response to the use of processes and materials in workshop areas including photography, printmaking, typography, design thinking and digital illustration.
The focus shifts in your second year to problem solving in context and exploring different media. The projects will enable you to investigate the potential of format and structure, analysing complex information to come up with imaginative visual communication solutions. An understanding of specialist subject areas of creative practice is developed through studio and workshop based activities enabling students to develop individual approaches to visual communication with the acquisition of intermediate specialist skills to work effectively in creative workshop areas such as advertising, book art, magazine design, moving image, letterpress, interactive and web design.
For your final year of study you will concentrate on solving visual communication problems to a professional standard and developing an individual portfolio. There are opportunities for students to participate in student award competitions; extend their range of specialist skills in graphic design and visual communication; and pursue creative problem solving projects, self directed projects and graphic authorship utilising production and presentation to a professional level. You will develop an individual graphic design style and a working methodology. Throughout the year your knowledge and skills will be deepened and extended through a choice of briefs in branding, publishing, publicity, advertising, retail, interactive media, internationally recognised creative industry competitions and a self-initiated project.
This module will introduce you to a variety of design thinking processes within the field of Graphic Design. You will develop your conceptual ability and come up with creative solutions to a brief. You will be shown how to use typographic content and imagery with contrast, hierarchy and scale change to create original graphic content.
This module will introduce you to the creative communications potential of typography by providing a strong grounding in fundamental typographic principles such as structure, hierarchy, layout, and terminology. Throughout this module, you will be encouraged to use conceptual creative thinking when exploring the possibilities of typography.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to explore a variety of different graphic media so that you can gain an understanding in the value of these media for visual communication. You will be introduced to areas of design such as printmaking, image making, photography, digital design and design thinking. You will be encouraged to have an inventive and experimental response to the use of processes and materials in workshop and studio areas.
This module aims to deliver a rich understanding of the chronological development of Graphic Design from its earliest origins to the present day. You will be introduced to the ‘isms’ of Art in the 20th Century and a timeline showing the development of design from early writing to the recording of words and language “the codex” or book.
This module will encourage the exploration and development of a graphic visual language within professional practice. You will be taught to integrate and enhance the practices of problem solving and typography developed in earlier modules. You will be encouraged to focus on exploring and refining imaginative visual communication concepts, resolving details and further developing the time management skills needed to meet the deadlines of professional external requirements. Professional practice is an important element of this module and opportunities will be provided to help you develop practice skills through a choice of briefs from internationally recognised design competitions. Advice on building relationships with industry by encouraging you to participate in self initiated placements will be provided. You will also be given the opportunity to investigate design with a social conscience, exploring how design can have a positive impact on society.
This module will develop your understanding of specialist subject areas of creative practice through studio and workshop based activities. You will be able to further develop individual approaches in using creative processes analysing, evaluating visual pieces of work and presentation methods. The acquisition of intermediate specialist skills to work effectively in creative workshop areas such as editorial design, moving image, letterpress, coding, three-dimensional design and digital design will be encouraged.
This module aims to contextualise contemporary Graphic Designer and current design thinking with developments in technologies and society in the digital age. You will be given the opportunity to develop ideas connecting the recent developments of technologies, looking particularly at the digital nature of design. You will then look at societal changes made possible by the new digital age and to the more fluid role of Graphic Designer in society, including areas of design such as service design and interdisciplinary design. This will all be underpinned by looking in detail at current designers, asking questions about what is coming next.
This module will enable you to deliver a critical and contextual research project and pursue creative major projects and graphic authorship. You will consolidate the development of skills such as project identification, research organisation and development, time management, visual analysis and critical argument. You will go on to extend the ability to think creatively about the presentation of conceptual, critical and contextual material in both written and visual form. This module aims to enable you to identify and deliver a practice-based research project related to your studio practice which will explore the dialogue between theory and practice. You will be encouraged to develop an individual graphic design style and working methodology to and above the standard required by industry and postgraduate study. One way this will be done is through a self-initiated project to explore the idea of graphic authorship and experimental graphic design.
The module will enable you to develop your professional practice and extend your range of specialist skills through producing a professional portfolio. You will also be enabled to develop an individual graphic design style and working methodology to and above the standard required by industry and postgraduate study. This will include developing a range of specialist skills in graphic design and visual communication to pursue creative problem-solving projects. You will be provided with the knowledge you need to be at the forefront of your profession and have the confidence to gain successful employment. You will then be able to develop a high-quality portfolio that best reflects your abilities and professional goals
More information about this course
See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Students on BA Graphic Design get to investigate a variety of subjects such as Typography, Branding, Illustration, Motion Graphics, Photography, Interactive, Editorial and Font design to create innovative and effective design solutions.
Please take a look at the galleries below for examples of our students’ work.
Our Graphic Design degree has an excellent reputation within the design industry and has very strong links with art and design employers. Many of our students undertake placements at top design companies in their second year and our industry partners support us with live projects and give visiting lectures. Hundreds of art and design agencies, organisations and other employers also attend our final year degree show each year.
Graduating from this course opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Recent graduates work for magazine publishers, design consultants, advertising agencies and media providers all over the world, including the BBC, Stylist, The Sunday Times Magazine, Eye, Nickelodeon, Pentagram, Interbrand, Imagination, 20/20, JKR, Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett.
Our graduates have the suite of skills and knowledge and creativity to be able to work in a variety roles in communication design which include:
| Art Direction | Art Direction | Account Management |
Animation | Book Design | Brand Consultancy |
Corporate Design | Design Management | Digital Design |
Experience Design | Font Design | Games and App Design |
Editorial Design | Environmental Graphics Design | Exhibition Design |
Graphic Design | Film | Illustration |
Information Design | Interaction Design | Mac Operator |
Magazine Design | Motion Design | Packaging Design |
Photography | Production Design | Project Management |
Retail Design | Strategic Design | Studio Management |
Typographic Design | UI/UX Design | Visualiser |
Wayfinding Design | Web Design |
Our Employability Service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one-to-one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews, networking and so on. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.
The facilities, studios and workshops at our £18 million purpose-built Art and Creative Industries teaching spaces are recognised as amongst the best in the country. With a wide range of specialist equipment, software, and digital media facilities on-site, you'll benefit from unique levels of access to both the latest forms of technology and traditional tools with expert support to help develop your work.
Watch the process of screen printing in our studios
The Special Collections are held in the Materials Room in the Sheppard Library and is a supervised room for research and inspiration.
Watch our video to explore our specialist communication art facilities dedicated to animation, graphic design and illustration students.
Photography studios
View our specialist photographic studios
Specialist printing facilities
Have a look round our print rooms.
The special collections
Media store
Claire has a particular interest in typography and letterpress. She graduated from Staffordshire University and completed her postgraduate studies at the London College of Communication. She is currently combining teaching with professional practice.
Andrew created sonicFonts (sound reactive typography) using Quartz Composer for his MA in Design for Interactive Media. He founded the Astonish Me Press, co-founded design practice StudioGossett and Omnific Studios. He has designed and produced books for artists and galleries around the world.
Amanda studied at the Royal College and the Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam. Designer working across disciplines to innovate through design, science and technology, to capture insight into human centred problems.
Editorial Illustration and academic book jacket design for Routlege and Methuen. Spitting Image Productions – Puppet making animatronics and art direction / international franchise development, corporate video and advertising. Optical Illustrations – Director / Artificial eye design and production services for film, print and television.
Janet worked for several leading London design groups and as creative director of Revolution. She is currently working independently as Ameer Design Limited specialising in identities, literature and design for print.
An award winning designer who has worked at distinguished design studios such as Andrew Howard, R2design, Ahab Editions and Whynotassociates, Pedro now runs his own practice, P.G. Howlin'.
Dr Rujana Rebernjak is a design historian interested in researching, teaching and disseminating knowledge about socially and politically engaged design practice. Her research focuses on the material culture of everyday life under state socialism in post-war Yugoslavia.
Tom is a digital designer and web developer with 10 years’ experience working for a broad range of clients across culture and commerce with a key understanding of both the design and development of digital products.
After graduating from BA Graphic Design at Middlesex University, David worked at Liquid Investments assisting the Head of Design. He went on to create work for Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Sainsbury’s, London Councils, Euromoney and CRU. David is now recognised as Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Victoria Talbot
Graphic Design BA graduate
During her studies at Middlesex University, Victoria won the following awards: Middlesex University Achievement Scholarship; Middlesex University Chancellor's Academic Scholarship; Precedent Communications Scholarship; RSA Design Directions Award; D&AD Student Awards; YCN Book 08-09 Graduate Showcase; Wallpaper* Graduate Directory 2009. Upon graduating Victoria secured a job at her chosen design company, The Church of London, a creative agency specialising in communication through innovative design and creative content where she is now Art Director.
I came to Middlesex with a great enthusiasm and passion for graphic design. I was encouraged and supported, with a wide range of disciplines and briefs to respond to, which helped me find my own direction. It was fantastic to have so many hands-on creative opportunities from the outset with photography, letterpress, printmaking and 3D design. By the time I reached my third year I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do when I left.
I had an opportunity to complete an internship as a part of the course, and exhibited at a Free Range exhibition in central London, which as a new graduate was great exposure. I found the tutors to all be supportive and inspiring people to work with, and the general feeling on the course to be friendly, collaborative and highly motivated.
Holly Alderson
Graphic Design BA graduate
Holly graduated from Middlesex University having already kicked off her career as a digital designer at a prestigious design agency.
M & C Saatchi Mobile came to the University during my second year and I took the opportunity to speak to them. I showed them my portfolio to get some feedback, and then found out they had an internship available, which I was ultimately chosen for. In February, I received an email telling me a position for Junior Designer had come up and was offered the job after the second interview.
I love the facilities at Middlesex. You have the studio space where you can work and see other people’s projects, and you can get inspired by your classmates. Then, you go to the library and mix with other students, such as fashion students, and you can really get inspiration from others’ work too.
Henrik Dønnestad
Graphic Design BA graduate
My years of studying at Middlesex not only allowed me to find myself and my creative way, but also enhanced and bettered everything I do. Each tutor really understood who I was and helped me accordingly, they gave me advice that drove to knock each project out of the park beyond my own expectations. With their help I really found my direction and for that I’m truly glad. Each brief was a new challenge, helped my learning and tested out new skills. Never had I imagined all these things I would learn beyond graphic design. I had never felt more inspired, motivated and confident before my time at Middlesex University.
After I graduated from Middlesex University with a first class honours degree and a diverse and strong portfolio, I returned home to Norway where I got hired at the leading newspaper Agderposten Medier as the team’s designer. I have also opened my own online shop where I sell my art and continue to freelance under my brand SPACE BOY.
Sebastian Koseda
Graphic Design BA graduate
Whilst studying at Middlesex, I found that the professional experience of the tutors truly shone through. Their experience ranges from conceptual development to practical programme knowledge in both digital and print design. I graduated with a diverse but commercially viable portfolio that design studios really respect. The department also has great connections to the industry, which gives you the opportunity to get hands on work experience that looks great on your CV. I did internships for several companies including The Sunday Times and the multi award winning studio Stranger and Stranger.
With various awards under my belt and a first class degree I was hired within the first month of graduating by my current studio FEED, where I love working. I will be starting my Masters course in September at the Royal College of Art.
Michael Harper
Graphic Design BA graduate
Upon graduation, Michael was highly praised in the design press for his project BeatCity.
My experience at Middlesex University has been great. I've graduated with first class honours and I couldn't be happier. I'm the first one out of my immediate family to go to university. The tutors have been a major help throughout. BeatCity was my final major project where we had to select an area that we were personally interested in. I chose branding as this area allows you to explore lots of different areas of design. Having internships throughout the course and straight after graduating has been amazing. I would definitely recommend Middlesex for graphic design.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Start: September 2022, EU/International induction: September 2022
Duration: 3 years full-time
Code: W220
Start: September 2022
Duration: 3 years full-time
Code: W615
Start: October 2022
Duration: 1 year full-time, + 3 years full-time
Code: See How to apply tab
