Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) BA (Hons)
University of East London

Key Course Facts
Course Description
Studying on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) you will have freedom to explore both graphic design and illustration without the stigma of working between or within subjects, allowing you to bridge between the two and go on to develop a practice that blurs the line between the two - a key characteristic that has become more common in industry.
You will learn a great deal in a fun environment. You get to learn alongside fine art, photography, design and illustration students. So if you're not 100 per cent about your direction or can't choose between subjects (maybe you enjoy more than one) you can use it as a diagnostic year to help you choose. One of the major benefits of all our foundation courses is you are free to switch direction should you change your mind.
As you progress you will join students who will be at the forefront of future-focused design. You will experiment and develop emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR), AI, game engines, electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and robotics. You will play a role in shaping the world around us with free thinking ideas and opportunities.
You will be supported by yearly employability initiative Detour Ahead: Roadmaps for the Art and Design Industry, week-long inter-disciplinary guest talks offering you industry insights as well as guidance on subjects such as freelancing, copyright and tax.
You will be able to develop an original, individual approach to creating graphic design and illustration, coupled with a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and professional context occupied by these two disciplines. Having skills in both areas (feet in both camps) allows a more adaptable approach to taking on work and being successful, chiming with the requirements of the Creative Industries 4.0, where discipline distinctions become increasingly irrelevant to professional life.
Students gain fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking) giving you edge in the competitive creative job market, skills for the fourth industrial age (4iR).
You will have freedom to explore both graphic design and illustration without the stigma of working between or within subjects, allowing you to bridge between the two and go on to develop a practice that blurs the line between the two - a key characteristic that has become more common in industry.
Towards the end of the course, in the final year, you will be able to gravitate towards one or other on the named subjects as your creative voice emerges. It's that flexibility which is the underlying selling point of this course.
At any point should you feel more an illustrator or more a designer you can seamlessly switch between the degree courses.
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Qualification requirements
Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)
For detailed information on entry requirements for our courses, please see the individual course pages. We consider a range of UK and worldwide qualifications at the appropriate level and also take relevant work experience into account when considering an application. Many courses have a Foundation Year option for those students whose qualifications do not meet the BA or BSc entry requirements.
Applicants should have, or be working towards, grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent Level 2 qualification such as Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics or Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication)
Entry requirements are intended only as a guide for applicants. They are not a guarantee of an offer, nor of the conditions that may apply. When making a decision on your academic suitability, we will make an assessment of you as an individual and will use information other than qualifications; which may include predicted grades, performance at Level 2, relevant work experience, previous study at degree level, personal statement, references and any portfolio, written test or interview, to make our decision.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Applicant Relations Team from Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) on +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 or https://uel.ac.uk/about/contact-us
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.0
- Graduate Degrees
-
- 6.0
- Undergraduate Degrees
Costs
Tuition Fees Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) BA (Hons)
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
EU | £13920 | year 1 |
International | £13920 | year 1 |
EU | £14580 | year 1 |
International | £14580 | year 1 |
Average student cost of living in London
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
August 1, 2025
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
UCAS application code:
W225
University Rankings
of University of East London
among 379 universities in England UK
based on 21 different rankings
Positions of University of East London in top UK and global rankings.
See all 21 university rankings of University of East London
About University of East London
List of 228 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of East London - Course Catalogue
Student composition of University of East London
-
Total number of students enrolled at University of East London by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 10430
- postgraduates:
- 5400
- Total:
- 15830
-
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Graphic Design”: 510 Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
Where is this programme taught



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FAQ about Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) BA (Hons) University of East London
- Tuition fees for this programme are 9250 per year for UK students. In addition to the tuition fees you should also take into consideration the average monthly cost of living for students in the UK.
- Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) BA (Hons) is taught on campus and cannot be taken online at University of East London.