BA(Hons) Graphic & Media Design

We take an immersive, project-based approach to learning. This is supported by regular workshops; teaching vital creative, technical and software skills. Throughout the course, you’ll work on a wide range of external projects, developing your professional practice. 

Being part of a dedicated creative community at HCA means it is easy to work across boundaries, access an exciting range of workshops, and collaborate with students across other disciplines. 

• Learn from experienced, practising professionals, whose work includes a wide variety of contemporary screen and print media. 
• Fantastic access to teaching staff, workshops, and equipment. Consistent challenge and support from an industry skilled team to develop as a designer. 
• Explore your own passions, with the option of a graphic arts pathway. 
• Work alongside experienced professionals on live industry projects. 
• Collaborate with Photography, Illustration and Animation undergraduate students. 
• Develop your unique graphic voice and build a career that suits your professional desires. 
• `Benefit from a programme of visiting lecturers from around the world, who introduce innovative practice to HCA students. 

Our well-developed links with media industries in the region, London, and nationally, offer you invaluable professional experience, the chance of fantastic work placements, and a stimulating external speaker programme. In the past, final year students have also exhibited at high profile graduate showcase exhibitions in London. Our partners include HelloYes London, Hay Festival, Etal Design, D&AD, Dragon Rouge Design Agency London, Tommorowisclosed – motion graphics and many more.

All of our degrees are designed to enable you to pursue your individual interests within the subject area.

Because we are committed to a personal scale of education, you will have the flexibility within the course to choose the skills you want to develop in greater depth, and the topics you want to explore through project work.

This means you graduate with a portfolio that is uniquely yours, and sets you up to explore the areas of design that you may want to go into as a career.

HCA+ also allows you to take add-on short courses throughout your time at the college, while within this course some students choose to pursue a graphic art pathway

Located within the School of Visual Communication, students on Graphic and Media Design have dedicated studio spaces for group session and project work. You will also be able to take advantage of industry-standard workshops and resources, from large format printing to photo studios.

We believe in collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinary learning - so we don't restrict workshop facilities to certain subject areas.

You will have access to a full suite of industry-standard software tools, from the Adobe Creative Cloud, to Figma and Z-Brush, with the opportunity for introductory sessions or one-on-one support from our Digital Demonstrators to explore the potential of these programmes.

Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here. 

• Minimum age 18.

• UCAS Points: For anyone applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, we are looking for applicants who have achieved at or beyond 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points. 

  However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course –  for more details about UCAS Tariffs please see tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. 

• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning Opportunities: the college welcomes applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Further details on eligibility can be found on page 15 of our Admissions Policy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English – proof of IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections (reading, writing, listening & speaking) is required.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements.

You can apply at any point during the year directly to HCA, or you can choose to apply via UCAS.

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

As soon as you apply, our Registry team will be in touch to let you know they have received your application. At this point they will also send out information on portfolios or auditions.

Portfolios and auditions are a chance for you to showcase yourself in a different way. They give us an idea of what excites you about the subject, and what you might want to explore further on the course. 

We will send out guidance on how to submit your portfolio, or book and audition date, and if you have any questions you will always be able to reach out to us for assistance or clarification.

After submitting your portfolio online, your work will be reviewed by a course lead, and you will receive personal feedback alongside your offer.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.