Skip to main content

It looks like you have JavaScript turned off

Pretty much everything should work. But you may find some components look slightly off as a result. You can find out what JavaScript is here. If you don't have JavaScript turned off, or if something doesn't work that you think should do, please email hidden; JavaScript is required.

BA (Hons) Art and Design (Graphics) Top-up Degree (Level 6) — Part-time

Course outline

If you already have an HND or foundation degree this course allows you to top up to a full BA (Hons) in Design with just two further years of study.

This course will suit students who wish to progress to a ‘hands-on’ creative career in Graphic Design.

It combines practical studio work with contextual and theoretical studies. Studio areas and specialist workshops are available for you to explore your ideas. You will be guided through group seminars, individual tutorials and studio conversations with tutors and visitors.

The programme promotes an enquiring, creative and challenging approach towards your work. It encourages the belief that designers have independent thoughts, feelings, reactions and attitudes which they need to externalise and visualise within theoretical work and practical design practice.

Core modules include:

  • Specialist studio practice
  • Contemporary issues in design
  • Practice-led research
  • Advanced studio practice

View the full course specification here.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

How to apply for this course

Apply online to start in 2025/26.

Want to find out more first?

Would you like more information? Email our HE team.

Download a guide Adult learning Browse careers Get in touch
Location Date Fees / reductions
Stoney Street
Nottingham
NG1 1NG

Start: Monday 22nd September 2025

The tuition fee is per year.

Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses.

Tuition fee: £4,125

Course code: C025533

Qualification

BA (Hons) in Art and Design (Graphics)

Duration

2 years

Level Level 6
Entry requirements

You should possess or expect to achieve one of the following in a graphics, fashion or design-related area:

  • Foundation degree (FdA)
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

You’ll be asked to submit a portfolio of your recent work and may be invited to attend an interview.

Experienced mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

Teaching & assessment

You’ll be assessed through individual and group assignments and presentations, research tasks and individual studio project work. Your work will be displayed in an end of year professional portfolio and public exhibition.

Progression

There is a wide range of career opportunities within the creative industries. Many of our graduates set up their own small businesses.

Some graduates choose to venture into other sectors and are equally successful in gaining employment due to the transferable skills gained on the programme.

Our graduates have gained employment with companies such as Pendragon PLC; Broadway Cinema Nottingham; Hyundai; ASDA George; Brown Dog; Defacto and New Fat.

Other graduates continue with their studies with higher degrees or teacher training.

Additional information

This course is validated by Nottingham Trent University.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

Learn more about the TEF