Brayford Pool
3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)
W290
Graphic Design is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry where effective communication and bold ideas can have a positive effect on every aspect of contemporary life. You will learn to tell compelling visual stories that have a role in everything from branding and packaging, to filmmaking, animation and book design - with the opportunity to test your skills in international creative competitions.
We'll introduce you to specialist technology and professional workshop facilities, which you can use to develop your skills in a wide range of design disciplines, from commercial design to socially conscious projects. We'll help you to build a personal design portfolio built around your own interests and passions, teaching you how to develop effective and original design ideas, from brief to pitch.
This programme is also available with an Arts Foundation Year, which can provide an alternative route of entry onto the full degree programme. Find out more at https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/.
Graphic Design is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry where effective communication and bold ideas can have a positive effect on every aspect of contemporary life. You will learn to tell compelling visual stories that have a role in everything from branding and packaging, to filmmaking, animation and book design - with the opportunity to test your skills in international creative competitions.
We'll introduce you to specialist technology and professional workshop facilities, which you can use to develop your skills in a wide range of design disciplines, from commercial design to socially conscious projects. We'll help you to build a personal design portfolio built around your own interests and passions, teaching you how to develop effective and original design ideas, from brief to pitch.
This programme is also available with an Arts Foundation Year, which can provide an alternative route of entry onto the full degree programme. Find out more at https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/.
Subject ranked in the top 10 overall in the UK*
Links with industry and workshops with visiting experts
Specialist design studios, technology, and equipment
Take part in international student design competitions
Optional study visit to New York
Professional network of alumni
*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 62 ranking institutions).
In the first year, you are encouraged to work in both traditional and digital media while studying the fundamental principles of graphic design. The course introduces the creative methods needed in the industry to answer briefs, solve communication problems, and meet deadlines, alongside a theory course that underpins the social context and history of the subject.
This knowledge is taken further in the second year, where more advanced concepts of graphic design are introduced. The third year provides an opportunity for you to develop your own specialism with a range of projects to choose from, including projects set by industry. The third year culminates in a physical or online end-of-year degree show.
During the three years of the course, you are encouraged to undertake competition briefs or apply to recognised industry award schemes. The course has an impressive track record of success with the British Book Design & Publication Awards, D&AD New Blood Awards, Creative Conscience Awards, the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD Awards), the RSA Student Design Award scheme, Adobe Top Talent Awards, and many others. Depending on the award scheme, these offer opportunities for networking, industry recognition, placements and bursaries.
As the course progresses, you will develop a professional portfolio of work through a mixture of studio projects and independent, collaborative, and industry-led briefs.
Studio practice is a key element of this course, and you will have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in creative studio environments. Teaching and learning experiences may include online and studio activities, peer groups, lectures, workshops, seminars, and group tutorials. You can also benefit from one-to-one tutorials, portfolio reviews, and self-initiated work experience. On this programme, we would advise that you undertake three hours of self-study for every one hour of timetabled delivery.
In the first year, you are encouraged to work in both traditional and digital media while studying the fundamental principles of graphic design. The course introduces the creative methods needed in the industry to answer briefs, solve communication problems, and meet deadlines, alongside a theory course that underpins the social context and history of the subject.
This knowledge is taken further in the second year, where more advanced concepts of graphic design are introduced. The third year provides an opportunity for you to develop your own specialism with a range of projects to choose from, including projects set by industry. The third year culminates in a physical or online end-of-year degree show.
During the three years of the course, you are encouraged to undertake competition briefs or apply to recognised industry award schemes. The course has an impressive track record of success with the British Book Design & Publication Awards, D&AD New Blood Awards, Creative Conscience Awards, the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD Awards), the RSA Student Design Award scheme, Adobe Top Talent Awards, and many others. Depending on the award scheme, these offer opportunities for networking, industry recognition, placements and bursaries.
As the course progresses, you will develop a professional portfolio of work through a mixture of studio projects and independent, collaborative, and industry-led briefs.
Studio practice is a key element of this course, and you will have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in creative studio environments. Teaching and learning experiences may include online and studio activities, peer groups, lectures, workshops, seminars, and group tutorials. You can also benefit from one-to-one tutorials, portfolio reviews, and self-initiated work experience. On this programme, we would advise that you undertake three hours of self-study for every one hour of timetabled delivery.
This module is designed to introduce students to relevant concepts, debates, and case studies relating to the nature creativity and the creative process, as the basis for the development of a reflective creative practice. This aims to compliment and underpin the studio work students carry out with the programme-specific team during the rest of their programme of study.
This module introduces students to key visual design principles, research, ideation, development, presentation, and the digital tools required to facilitate and demonstrate visual concepts. The work in this module equips students with the technical proficiency required to support independent study, underpinned by user-centred design theories and methodologies. Students are encouraged to explore a range of ideas both individually and collaboratively with outputs via workshops, critiques, and independent study.
This module introduces a wide range of software relevant to contemporary graphic designers. It covers foundational techniques and approaches to image manipulation for print, web design, interaction design, motion graphics, animation, and installation. Students will develop skills through practical projects and tasks, building a portfolio of outcomes while recording and reflecting on their design and development process. This module is designed to furnish students with a basic understanding of new media, the languages and the relevant applications involved in creating visually dynamic graphic user interfaces and the principles of animation. The knowledge and skills acquired are largely generic within the contexts of new media and time based applications such as good working practices and saving files optimized for web. Students will be involved with the investigation of ideas and theory to visualise concepts for output via a range of contemporary digital mediums. It provides students with the opportunity to practically experience the production for both physical and web based applications.
This module is concerned with introducing students to the fundamental and underlying principles of graphic communication design practice along with the skills and processes that support it. The programme of study will explore a range of creative strategies that consider the relationship between form, structure, content and audience. Students will also be introduced to appropriate graphic design terminology, theories, and principles.
This module aims to introduce students to visual expression and personal creative development through the means of appropriate media and processes as they relate to the broad nature of communication design and graphic design practice. The learning experience is intended to initiate a process of experimentation, speculation, innovation and personal exploration. Key to the module is the initial development of the students’ own visual voice.
Building upon issues concerning the development of a reflective creative practice, Contextual Studies 2 introduces students to relevant concepts, debates, and case study examples concerning the professional, economic, and socio-cultural contexts of design within the creative industries. It will also discuss ethical issues as they relate to this professional context of the creative industries and shape the creative motivations of areas such as design activism, ecological orientations, and socially engaged creative practices. These themes and debates will form an overarching discussion of professional design practice.
This module extends the technical proficiency, study and investigation of visual communication, with an emphasis on new digital mediums. The module expands on previous skills and theory from level 1, such as working with Interaction, User Interface, and User experience design in order to produce material for digital and print distribution. As such, Design Fundamentals 2 builds on the necessary skills to develop a broad range of artefacts at a higher visual, conceptual standard. Students expand on the range of exciting possibilities for visual communication and are encouraged to explore the visual / aesthetic, functionality, effects and navigation, particular to the individual’s creative direction, to create a rich variety of experimental aesthetics and visual experiences.
This module encourages a conceptual approach to graphic design work and problem solving whilst developing the highly professional and technical aspects of study acquired in other areas of the course at level two. Students may gain experience of solving client-related communication problems, meeting client expectations, and presenting creative and original solutions and findings through design projects that reference ethical and social issues.
The "Design Futures" module offers an exciting and dynamic learning experience for students in graphic design, creative advertising, illustration, and product design. Each year, the module's projects are tailored to reflect the latest trends and needs in the design industry, ensuring that students gain relevant and cutting-edge skills. With a focus on user experience design, AI in design, influencing and content creation, virtual reality, and design for social change, students will work on projects that challenge their creativity and technical abilities. This module is ideal for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of design and make a meaningful impact through their work. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to shape their own degree, offering pathways for further elective specialisms in Level 3. Students will also have the chance to learn and utilise new industry tools and technologies, and work in new groups outside of their existing course, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that reflects the current design industry.
In Year 2, this module focuses on the further development of your creative and conceptual skills, (building on the learning begun at Level 1). The creative and conceptual approaches to problem solving you develop in this module are complimentary to, and symbiotically linked to the skills necessary to successfully complete all the briefs in other modules. The module operates on the notion that the student’s creative personal development and individual visual voice is developed through familiarity with a broad range of media and creative practices. Students may therefore, explore the various facets of visual communication with the intention of communicating complex and varied messages to a range of audiences. Embracing the ethos of creative risk taking, speculation and individuality underpins the rationale behind Visual Expression 2.
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research study module which takes the form either of a dissertation and/or a number of other options. The module offers students an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, chosen generally, but not exclusively in relation to the practice and/or context of their programme-specific studies and studio practice.
This module focuses on the transition from student to designer, and is aligned with the expectations of the Graphic Design and related industries. The module focuses on reinforcing the process of applied theories, fundamentals and principles particular to Graphic Design practice. Students will be expected to complete specific stand-alone project outcomes, but also those which relate to those for the Visual Expression 3 and Graphic Communication 3 modules. A large part of the Design Fundamental 3 module aims to allow students to prepare themselves for their personal career paths through links to industries, portfolio reviews, talks and workshops with practicing creatives and a psychologist in order to allow students to complete their studies full of confidence and positivity for life after graduation.
This is a module that allows students to determine their own programme of study within their chosen specialism in graphic design. Projects may be chosen from a range of areas within the subject by negotiation with academic staff. At this level Graphic Design students accept full responsibility for initiating and selecting the content of their study programme, according to their specific interests and career aspirations.
The themes studied in preceding Visual Expression modules are further developed at this level. This would include aspects of personal creative development, the further development of a visual voice along with the exploration and exploitation of a broad range of traditional and digital media. The aim is to provide the student with an opportunity to be innovative and where appropriate include authorial content in their work.
This is a module that allows students to determine their own programme of study within their chosen specialism in graphic design. Projects may be chosen from a range of areas within the subject by negotiation with academic staff. At this level Graphic Design students accept full responsibility for initiating and selecting the content of their study programme, according to their specific interests and career aspirations. The themes studied in the preceding Visual Expression modules are further developed and consolidated at this level. This includes aspects of personal creative development, the further development of a visual voice along with the exploration and exploitation of a broad range of traditional and digital media. The aim is to provide the student with an opportunity to be innovative and where appropriate include authorial content in their work.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
This theory-based module introduces you to key concepts, debates, and case studies surrounding creativity and the creative process, forming a foundation for a reflective and informed creative practice. By engaging with these ideas, you can gain insights that enhance and support your hands-on studio work across your program. This module aims to deepen understanding, encouraging you to think critically about creativity while connecting theory to practice in meaningful, impactful ways.
This module introduces students to key visual design principles, research, ideation, development, presentation, and the digital tools required to facilitate and demonstrate visual concepts. The work in this module equips students with the technical proficiency required to support independent study, underpinned by user-centred design theories and methodologies. Students are encouraged to explore a range of ideas both individually and collaboratively with outputs via workshops, critiques, and independent study.
This module is concerned with introducing students to the fundamental and underlying principles of graphic communication design practice along with the skills and processes that support it. The programme of study will explore a range of creative strategies that consider the relationship between form, structure, content and audience. Students will also be introduced to appropriate graphic design terminology, theories, and principles.
This module aims to introduce students to visual expression and personal creative development through the means of appropriate media and processes as they relate to the broad nature of communication design and graphic design practice. The learning experience is intended to initiate a process of experimentation, speculation, innovation and personal exploration. Key to the module is the initial development of the students’ own visual voice.
Building on the foundations of reflective creative practice in Level 1, Contextual Studies 2 immerses you in key concepts, debates, and case studies related to the professional, economic, and socio-cultural dynamics of the creative industries. This module delves into the ethical dimensions of professional design, examining how issues like design activism, ecological awareness, and socially engaged practices influence creative motivations and shape the field.
These thought-provoking themes set the stage for an in-depth discussion on the role of ethics and purpose in contemporary design. By exploring these topics, you can gain a nuanced understanding of how design intersects with real-world issues, enhancing your awareness of professional practice within the broader landscape of the creative industries.
This module extends the technical proficiency, study and investigation of visual communication, with an emphasis on new digital mediums. The module expands on previous skills and theory from level 1, such as working with Interaction, User Interface, and User experience design in order to produce material for digital and print distribution. As such, Design Fundamentals 2 builds on the necessary skills to develop a broad range of artefacts at a higher visual, conceptual standard. Students expand on the range of exciting possibilities for visual communication and are encouraged to explore the visual / aesthetic, functionality, effects and navigation, particular to the individual’s creative direction, to create a rich variety of experimental aesthetics and visual experiences.
This module encourages a conceptual approach to graphic design work and problem solving whilst developing the highly professional and technical aspects of study acquired in other areas of the course at level two. Students may gain experience of solving client-related communication problems, meeting client expectations, and presenting creative and original solutions and findings through design projects that reference ethical and social issues.
In Year 2, this module focuses on the further development of your creative and conceptual skills, (building on the learning begun at Level 1). The creative and conceptual approaches to problem solving you develop in this module are complimentary to, and symbiotically linked to the skills necessary to successfully complete all the briefs in other modules. The module operates on the notion that the student’s creative personal development and individual visual voice is developed through familiarity with a broad range of media and creative practices. Students may therefore, explore the various facets of visual communication with the intention of communicating complex and varied messages to a range of audiences. Embracing the ethos of creative risk taking, speculation and individuality underpins the rationale behind Visual Expression 2.
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research module that offers you the flexibility to pursue a dissertation or choose from other extended academic writing formats. You can deeply explore a topic of your choice, typically related to your specific programme of study and studio practice, allowing you to develop critical research skills and pursue your career goals.
This module focuses on the transition from student to designer, and is aligned with the expectations of the Graphic Design and related industries. The module focuses on reinforcing the process of applied theories, fundamentals and principles particular to Graphic Design practice. Students will be expected to complete specific stand-alone project outcomes, but also those which relate to those for the Visual Expression 3 and Graphic Communication 3 modules. A large part of the Design Fundamental 3 module aims to allow students to prepare themselves for their personal career paths through links to industries, portfolio reviews, talks and workshops with practicing creatives and a psychologist in order to allow students to complete their studies full of confidence and positivity for life after graduation.
This is a module that allows students to determine their own programme of study within their chosen specialism in graphic design. Projects may be chosen from a range of areas within the subject by negotiation with academic staff. At this level Graphic Design students accept full responsibility for initiating and selecting the content of their study programme, according to their specific interests and career aspirations.
The themes studied in preceding Visual Expression modules are further developed at this level. This would include aspects of personal creative development, the further development of a visual voice along with the exploration and exploitation of a broad range of traditional and digital media. The aim is to provide the student with an opportunity to be innovative and where appropriate include authorial content in their work.
This is a module that allows students to determine their own programme of study within their chosen specialism in graphic design. Projects may be chosen from a range of areas within the subject by negotiation with academic staff. At this level Graphic Design students accept full responsibility for initiating and selecting the content of their study programme, according to their specific interests and career aspirations. The themes studied in the preceding Visual Expression modules are further developed and consolidated at this level. This includes aspects of personal creative development, the further development of a visual voice along with the exploration and exploitation of a broad range of traditional and digital media. The aim is to provide the student with an opportunity to be innovative and where appropriate include authorial content in their work.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
As this course aims to develop a wide range of practical and intellectual skills, assessment is varied and includes presentations, written projects, individual and group practical work, projects, and portfolios, in addition to academic essays. There are no formal end-of-year examinations. Throughout the degree, students are assessed through their production of practical and written work.
As this course aims to develop a wide range of practical and intellectual skills, assessment is varied and includes presentations, written projects, individual and group practical work, projects, and portfolios, in addition to academic essays. There are no formal end-of-year examinations. Throughout the degree, students are assessed through their production of practical and written work.
Students have regular access to workshops, labs, studios, and industry-standard equipment, as well as highly knowledgeable technicians. This environment can help students to develop their knowledge and skills, and complements our purpose-built design studios. Students are currently provided with free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk software, and Lynda.com for the duration of their studies.
Students have the opportunity to engage with both live project briefs set by external clients and also national and international competition briefs.
Students are also encouraged to enter a range of competitions, for which the course has an enviable track record of success. Previous students have won the RSA Student Design Awards, graduated as members of the International Society of Typographic Designers, won D&AD yellow pencils, had projects reach the semi-finals of the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, and been commended for the YCN Student Awards.
We also make every effort to get our students work seen by potential employers; final year students produce a website in conjunction with their final year show. This aims to showcase their individual talents.
All students are encouraged to seek optional placements in design agencies during their time at Lincoln. This gives them the chance to gain hands-on experience and to establish contacts within the graphic design industry. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking placements.
Our degree show is an exciting opportunity for our Lincoln School of Design students to showcase their work both physically and digitally to the public and businesses.
Lincoln School of Design students have a long history of winning and being shortlisted for international and national student design competitions, and the last few years have been no exception.
Because of the variety of content in the course, and therefore my portfolio, I stood out against others with a lot more experience than me. So much so that my employer hired a graduate when originally, they were expecting someone with at least 3 years' experience.
Natalie Bond
BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate
Professional design specialists enhance the curriculum through a visiting lecturer programme.
Students can choose to participate in optional study visits. Recent destinations include New York. Please note that students will be responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking an optional study trip.
Graduates who pursue careers as graphic designers can work across both print and digital platforms. Recent graduates have worked for agencies including True North, Iris, Jaywing, Landor, Design Bridge, Coley Porter Bell, Brass, Raw, Elmwood, Jack Renwick Studio, Interbrand, and Johnson Banks. Some set up their own independent studios or work as freelance graphic designers.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
96 to 112 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: CCC to BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 to 112 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Standard workshop induction costs are covered by the University, as are some initial printing and material costs. However, depending on the media/materials chosen by the student, there may be additional material and printing costs incurred.
Students on this course have the opportunity to take part in field trip and international study visits. The University covers the costs of mandatory field trips, but optional study visits are at the student’s own expense. Previous destinations have included New York and Berlin. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work experience or internships.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Standard workshop induction costs are covered by the University, as are some initial printing and material costs. However, depending on the media/materials chosen by the student, there may be additional material and printing costs incurred.
Students on this course have the opportunity to take part in field trip and international study visits. The University covers the costs of mandatory field trips, but optional study visits are at the student’s own expense. Previous destinations have included New York and Berlin. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work experience or internships.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
