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GRAPHIC DESIGN

CertHE

This course is subject to validation and approval

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CertHE

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September

Fees

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Department of Creative Industries
Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 15 August 2026

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Open for clearing There are places available on this course

The UK design economy contributes £97 billion to the economy and employs 1.62 million people

Almost 39% of design-related vacancies are hard to fill due to skills shortages

Our Graphic Design CertHE is a one-year recognised higher education qualification that provides an introduction to contemporary graphic design and visual communication.

Through your studies, you will explore areas such as branding, typography, photography, digital design and emerging creative technologies. You'll develop practical design skills using industry-standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, while gaining an understanding of the creative process from concept development to final outcomes.

Collaboration, experimentation and creative problem-solving are embedded throughout the programme, helping you build confidence as a designer, while developing the technical and professional skills valued across the creative industries.

This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into a range of graphic design and creative roles. Successful completion guarantees progression onto our Graphic Design BA (Hons).

This course is not open to international students.

Why should I choose this Graphic Design CertHE course?

  • NO EXAMS – Assessed through practical projects and coursework, with no written exams

  • INDUSTRY-FOCUSED LEARNING – Develop practical design skills using Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software

  • SPECIALIST FACILITIES – Access our Digital Suite, featuring Apple MacBooks, Adobe Creative Cloud, digital cameras and extensive design resources

  • INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT – Benefit from guest speakers and industry-focused opportunities that provide insight into careers across the creative industries

  • PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO – Build a portfolio through collaborative and project-based learning, showcasing your creativity, technical skills and design practice

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Creative Workflow

This module explores the complete creative development process, from initial ideas through to final execution. Creative project planning sits at the heart of the module, requiring you to apply research skills, seek inspiration and develop a clear creative direction, while enhancing key transferable skills. You will also delve into the world of photography, learning how to use composition, lighting techniques and editing tools to create compelling visual narratives and mixed-media design outcomes.

Exploring Innovation and Creative Processes

This module explores graphic design from both historical and contemporary perspectives, examining how artistic movements and technological advancements have influenced its development. You will investigate innovation in design and apply critical and creative thinking techniques to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, you will analyse key developments within the creative industries and develop the skills needed to succeed as a contemporary designer.

Graphic Design in Advertising

Through a blend of theoretical insight and practical application, you will develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to create visually engaging advertising campaigns. You will explore effective brand messaging and learn how graphic design can enhance consumer engagement across a range of advertising platforms. The module also examines the role of graphic design in marketing, helping you understand how to attract target audiences and create memorable brand experiences.

Professional Skills for Designers

This module explores the development of design proposals in depth, enabling you to respond effectively to client briefs and communicate your ideas professionally. You will develop your ability to engage clients through persuasive communication techniques and impactful visual presentations, demonstrating professionalism throughout every stage of the design process, from initial enquiry through to final negotiation.

Techniques in Graphic Design

Through practical, hands-on activities, you will be introduced to core graphic design skills, including typography, layout design and composition. By understanding and applying fundamental design principles, you will develop the knowledge and technical skills required to create creative concepts with depth, personality and purpose.

Visual Communication

This module provides an in-depth exploration of how creative design can be used to communicate effectively with different audiences and stakeholders. By examining the relationship between audiences, products, services and clients, you will develop an understanding of human behaviour and how it informs the creation of meaningful and effective design solutions.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 years or over at the start of the course.

Formal academic qualifications are not required. Instead, applicants need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong commitment to learning. Typically, this will include at least three years of work, voluntary, caring or other significant life experience.

All applications are considered individually, and applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assess their suitability for Level 4 study and discuss their goals for the course.

Graphic Design CertHE is open for Clearing 2026

Still exploring your university options? Whether you are applying now, changing your plans or looking for a different course, you can apply to UCB through Clearing.

Apply through Clearing

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Teaching:

We won silver for our lecturing and teaching quality in the regional Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, as voted for by students themselves.

The Cert HE is delivered through a variety of methods, including theory lectures, demonstrations, practical activities and reflective learning. You will have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers and industry professionals to develop knowledge and enhance your technical skill set. Independent study and research will ensure you have an interactive and personalised learning experience.

You will be assessed by a range of methods to encourage the development of a portfolio of work showcasing technical and transferrable skills. These will include, but will not be limited to, reflective practice, reports, essays, presentations, collaborative projects, digital designs and case studies.

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 16 contact hours):

  • Small group teaching – 8–10 hours

  • Large group teaching – 3-4 hours

  • Tutorials – 1–2 hours

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment:

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:

  • Coursework – 83%

  • Practical assessment – 17%

Demonstration of practical ability will be assessed through a range of coursework and practical assessment methods.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Timetable

The timetable for this course is three days on campus each week. For September 2026 starters, your on-campus days in your first year will be Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Home student tuition fees

If you are a home student enrolling on a CertHE at University College Birmingham, the 2026/2027 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,790.

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students. 

£3,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student, studying a one year course starting in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £3000 Cost of Living Allowance. 

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

We are proud to be members of Creative UK, supporting innovation, collaboration and growth across the creative industries.

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

“Designed in conjunction with industry, shaped by student feedback and with employability at the heart of everything we do, our Graphic Design CertHE will transform your prospects, accelerate your career path and secure your future in the aviation industry.

"Our aim is to deliver contemporary, cutting-edge teaching and learning based on an employability-informed curriculum that is tailored to your individual needs.”

Chelsey Mallett Head of Department - Creative Industries

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Junior graphic designer

£20,000 - £25,000

Junior artworker

£20,000 - £25,000

Social media manager

Average Salary: £25,000 – £32,000

Studio assistant

£23,000 - £30,000

Creative assistant

Average Salary: £24,000

Marketing assistant

Average salary: £22,000 - £30,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the certHE  will enable you to move onto our full degree course Graphic Design BA (Hons).

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

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Trevor's Story

Trevor Brown has worked across a wide range of creative industries, from branding and campaign design to photography and music production. He brings this breadth of experience into the classroom, helping students understand the realities of professional creative practice.

Read more

Meet your lecturers

Arwen Zheng

Lecturer

Meet Arwen
Trevor Brown

Senior Lecturer

Meet Trevor

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