BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Arts University Plymouth – Industry Mentors & Real-World Experience

Industry-connected learning

Real clients, real briefs, real impact
On our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, you don’t just learn in the classroom—you tackle genuine design challenges. Thanks to industry mentors, local partnerships, and a packed events calendar, you’ll graduate with a portfolio full of real-world experience.

Recent projects, briefs and competitions

• Creative Conscience Awards

  Students Jess McCarron and Ashley Fellows recently won accolades at the Creative Conscience Awards 2024/45, showcasing that fresh ideas can gain big recognition when you’re supported by the right people and resources.
  

• D&AD New Blood & War Child presents Secret 7”

  Our students regularly compete in prestigious competitions such as the D&AD New Blood Awards and the War Child presents Secret 7” challenge. These platforms push them to innovate, refine their portfolios, and network with industry figures.
  

• Meeting designer Neville Brody

  Students recently attended a talk by iconic designer Neville Brody (best known for his work on The Face magazine) at Plymouth Design Forum—offering a rare insight into the heart of cutting-edge design. Experiences like these reflect our commitment to connecting you directly with pioneers in the field.

• Calligraphy social

  Encouraging creative experimentation, we host events like our Calligraphy Social in collaboration with Wild Sea Calligraphy. From digital to hands-on crafting, we embrace every design medium you can imagine.

Expert tutors and mentors

Our industry-active teaching team brings authentic expertise into the studio.

• Amy Pike – Course Leader Amy specialises in visual communication, playful design-thinking and supports students in developing conceptual thinking and technical fluency.

• Matt Thame – Lecturer Matt has a professional background in editorial and branding and is founder of Studio Auto.

• Sue Lewry – Lecturer and researcher Sue Lewry focuses on innovative processes to push design boundaries, as seen in her Colossal mobile screen-print studio.

Their collective experience covers everything from concept art to large-scale brand campaigns—ensuring you learn from leading practitioners.

Why study BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Arts University Plymouth?

Join an Adobe Creative Campus
We’ve partnered with Adobe to become an Adobe Creative Campus, giving you greater access to industry-standard software, training, and digital innovation.

• Live industry briefs

  Build your CV with real-world projects and competitions from early in the course.

• Industry mentorships

  Worth with a group mentor in your second year and a specialist 1-2-1 mentor in your final year.

• Vibrant facilities & collaboration

  As the #2 University in the UK for Facilities (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024), we’ve created an environment where graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and filmmakers regularly work together—mirroring a modern creative agency.

• Career launchpad

  Enjoy personalised support from our Careers & Enterprise team, plus a strong alumni network that can open doors in advertising agencies, design consultancies, and freelance arenas.

Ready to start your creative journey?

Take the first step towards an exciting career in graphic design.

• Explore BA (Hons) Graphic Design

• Apply Now

Interested in developing your skills further?

For those seeking advanced study or a postgraduate qualification in design, explore our new MA Communication Design.

Designed for graduates and creative professionals, this programme delves deeper into design strategies, critical thinking, and applied research—perfect if you’re aiming to become a leader in design innovation.