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BA (Hons) Creative Practice: Graphic Design (Top-up) image
University Level

BA (Hons) Creative Practice: Graphic Design (Top-up)

Course overview

Validated by Sheffield Hallam University, this is an exciting course which prepares you for employment or postgraduate study within a wide, creative field. Studying alongside students from a range of disciplines you will have the opportunity to develop a final major project which will help to define you as a creative practitioner. You will, with staff and professional support, draw upon thinking which underpins credible and robust academic and professional practices.

You may study on placements or internships and have opportunities to market your emerging talent in the professional and academic communities. You will benefit from one to one tuition from a range of specialist staff and excellent, purpose made facilities. You will develop your emerging practice and position yourself in your specialist field underpinned by theoretical, critical and contextual understanding of where your practice is positioned in the wider academic, cultural and creative world. You will undertake modules of minor and major practical projects underpinned by critical and contextual theory.

As a student on the course you will:

  • engage with contemporary thinking in the creative field

  • undertake a practical industry based creative project which may involve work-based learning

  • exhibiting work

  • business start-ups

  • self-promotion or internships

  • write research proposals for specialist projects you plan to undertake

  • keep an academic journal as a record of critical thinking which informs your practical projects

  • work towards the completion of a personal major practical project

  • professionally present your work in an end of year exhibition inviting industry guests

Although it is not an assessed requirement for the module, students are strongly encouraged to seek and take up any opportunities for internships, work experience or Work Based Learning.

About the course

  • Critical Studies

  • Creative Practice

  • Professional Development

  • Planning for Major Project

  • Major Project

The Major Project module will allow you to develop your knowledge and critical thinking about graphic design related briefs currently encountered in the design industry and design outcomes that are fit for purpose with regard to the needs of the client. Creative opportunities focus on the demands of working in the design industry and will further your learning in commercial aspects and specialisms. A detailed realisation of the rationale and process required to execute this project, working collaboratively and/or independently where appropriate.

Applicants are expected to have successfully completed a Foundation Degree or HE Diploma equivalent to 96 tariff points and provide a supportive reference.

GCSE English at grade C (or above) OR NQF Level 2 equivalent are required (please note that the minimum level of English language is IELTS Level 6 with minimum score of 5.5 in all skills areas).

All pathways on the BA (Hons) in Creative Practice encourage widening participation.

A place would be offered where you meet the required entry criteria and it is felt that you can cope with the demands of the course and benefit from the experiences that it offers.

External applicants will need to attend an interview and portfolio review. References, alternative experience and skills will be taken into account.

Methods of assessment and feedback, including moderation/internal and external verification and the requirements for progression through the programme, are explained during induction. They will be reinforced at all module briefings and at relevant times during the year.

Successful students may wish to consider progression onto postgraduate study at Sheffield Hallam University or elsewhere.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made through UCAS.

Course application code: W2A3

College institution code: S22

Further Information

The Sheffield College is a registered provider with the Office for Students.

Residential Study Trips

There may be a 3-4 night residential course trip to a major city (for example, New York or similar location) the cost of which will be approximately £600 plus spending/subsistence (approximately $300-500). Field trips are desirable but no a compulsory part of the course and will not be assessed and students who do not undertake a particular field trip will be provided with (and supported in) alternative learning opportunities. Student who do take part will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of around £100 (dependent upon the cost of the trip) to the College’s Finance Department at Hillsborough Campus, with the balance to be paid within 6-8 weeks of deposit and 6 weeks prior to the trip.

Equipment and Learning Resources

It is essential that students have their own portable hard drive which will cost approximately £60. In addition, some students choose to purchase computing or photographic equipment, but these are not essential and the College does have excellent resources.

There are printing costs of approximately £120 - £200 depending on which specialism students chose to study.

There is also a payment of £25 towards the end of year show.

12,270
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
12,164
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£30,981
Average salary
Click here to apply through UCAS

Key Information

Course Code
P00197
Subject Area
Design and Visual Arts
Campus
Hillsborough Campus