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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity

Exhibition shot of graphic branding and identity work inlcuding posters and colourful displays.
Student work at the LCC Degree Shows 2019, BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL, Lewis Bush.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W213
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity will develop your design communication skills and strategic thinking as you explore how brands influence us and help us connect with people. You’ll engage with industry to discover how brand strategy leads to design excellence and positive change.

Course summary

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Distinctive: This is one of the only undergraduate courses in the country to deliver branding in the context of graphic design studio practice. It has a focus on brand strategy as well as design and implementation. You’ll learn how to analyse a brief, discover an insight, turn it into an idea and develop your own creative strategy. You’ll then use your analogue and digital design skills to craft beautiful, purposeful and compelling design ideas across print, design. packaging, motion, interaction and experience.
  • Audience-focused: You’ll learn to design graphic brand identities that resonate with a diverse range of people by asking the right questions, being open-minded, experimenting, innovating and reflecting on feedback to improve your ideas.
  • Industry links: Excellent links with industry - projects have been recently set by Landor, Rufus Leonard, Dragon Rouge, Johnson Banks and Anyways. You’ll have access to an exciting range of events geared to providing final year students with opportunities to connect with industry, including a portfolio preview evening, D&AD New Blood and  LCC Design School degree show.
  • You’ll find your future superpower: On graduation, you’ll understand how to launch new brands, redesign existing brands and deliver brand campaigns that achieve positive missions. We’ll help you to define the future of the industry with a clear focus on social and racial justice.
  • Design School community: You’ll join our vibrant community and collaborate on projects to develop your professional practice and make a positive impact. You’ll leave with the capacity to tackle pressing injustices in the face of the climate emergency.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be on Saturday 12 October. Book your place.

A recording of our latest Virtual Open Event for this course is available. Watch online.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Follow

Instagram: @gbilcc

Course overview

Graphic Branding and Identity is a course dedicated to teaching you how brands operate in the world. We'll explore how brands influence us and how we use them to express our own identities. As designers, we can use brand strategy and graphic design to create brand identities that are effective, appealing to people to get them to do something specific such as buy something, donate to charity or visit an art gallery, or by shaping our attitudes and behaviour.

On the course, you'll learn to design graphic brand identities that work and resonate with people, by seeing the world through multiple perspectives and exploring brands that have thrived, failed or overcome adversity.

You'll also learn how brand strategy leads to design excellence, sense-checking how your own work aligns to brand mission, vision and values. We'll help you to find your superpower to shape the future, with a focus on understanding how your work can influence change for the better.

Our vision is that we all come to believe that our creative endeavours can change the world for the better. We dream that whether you choose careers working in luxury branding, mass market or the charity sector, and whether you become brand strategists or brand designers, you will be active in this pursuit, championing the power of branding to do good.

For us, doing good means that we embed climate, racial and social justice throughout the entire course with an expectation that we all apply equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.  

What to expect

  • Inspiring briefs: We set briefs to help you gain experience designing graphic brands for a variety of sectors.
  • Dynamic learning: Projects are kept up to date with major changes in approach and emerging technology that impacts the creative industry profession.
  • Engagement with industry: You'll have the chance to attend guest lectures and workshops with design professionals working in branding and the creative industries.
  • Clear learning journey: You'll gradually build your expertise from unit to unit, year to year, so you have a clear understanding how to use each unit to improve your work in the next unit. You'll learn through a combination of theory and practice based activities.
  • Supportive environment: We'll help you to understand how to evidence learning in each unit.

Industry experience and opportunities

We have a select range of industry partners from the field of Graphic Branding and Identity, who work with us to either set projects, run competitions, run workshops, do guest lectures or take part in panel discussions.

We also partner with organisations in other sectors who value the role of graphic branding, sometimes setting live projects.

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of Study

BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In common with all courses at University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

YEAR 1  

Graphic Branding Principles  

In this 40-credit unit, you will learn to understand and remember the principles of how and why brands work, and the types of brands that exist in the world. 

Introduction to Graphic Branding and Identity 

In this 20-credit unit, you will learn to understand and discuss what it is to study Graphic Branding and Identity, and how to be a fully engaged student. 

Graphic Identity Principles  

In this 40-credit unit, you will learn to understand, recognise and describe how to create an effective graphic brand identity that works. 

Responsible Design 

In this 20-credit unit, you will learn to understand, recognise and describe how to create a ‘responsible’ graphic brand that works, and why we expect this approach to infiltrate every aspect of your university life and future career.  

YEAR 2  

Creative Agility 

In this 40-credit unit, you will learn to apply the skills needed to design a creative, innovative brand approach through fast-paced thinking and doing which encourages experimentation alongside good decision making.

Professional Practices 

In this 20-credit unit, you will work in an interdisciplinary team, working collaboratively on a speculative project and a live industry brief to build your skills, capabilities, and mindset to improve your future professional practice.   

Creative Strategy 

In this 40-credit unit, you will learn how to experiment freely with your design approaches, then analyse and take control of your creative thinking by defining a creative strategy that enables collaboration. 

Design Cultures  

In this 20-credit unit, you will explore a thematic area of your choice within Graphic Branding and Identity, questioning established narratives and developing your critical voice. 

YEAR 3  

Self-Initiated Research Project 

In this 40-credit unit, you will undertake a research project on a topic of your choice in discussion with tutors, bringing together the skills, knowledge and experience gained during your study to carry out an in-depth research project that connects theory and practice. 

Industry Project 

In this 20-credit Unit, you will investigate working within the professional field of Graphic Branding to develop the skills you need for the creative industries and your professional life. 

Major Project 

In this 60 Credit Unit, you will create, design and deliver a substantial graphic branding and identity project in response to your self-initiated research project which helps make the world a better place through your creative endeavours.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA Hons Graphic Branding and Identity (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures/large group learning 
  • Workshop and seminar learning 
  • Academic tutorials 
  • Self-directed learning 
  • Diverse Outside speakers 
  • Visits to Design Studios 
  • Visits to museums and galleries 
  • Collaborative and individual working  
  • Industry written briefs  
  • Assessed assignments 

Assessment methods

  • Sketchbooks 
  • Designed Project work 
  • Presentations 
  • Written Essays 
  • Visual Essays 
  • Written proposals 
  • Process Diagrams 

UAL Graduate

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Ferryman Hospice
    Ferryman Hospice, Yanning Liang, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • "ISSUE"
    "ISSUE", Luana Ramos, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Però
    Però, Martin Grigorov, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Ditto
    Ditto, Lauren Housden, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • DanBi
    DanBi, Jisun Park, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Pavonis
    Pavonis, Eloise Atter, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Fig + Fern
    Fig + Fern, Steph Harrison-Baker, 2023 BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity, London College of Communication, UAL

Student voices

Freckle van Kessel

Freckle speaks about her project Dottie, a period product brand aimed at a young audience.

Suyeon Song

Suyeon talks about her final project, looking at brands she aspires to work for.

Elisa Czerwenka

Elisa talks about rebranding the city of Chernobyl as part of her final year project.

Alexander Robertson

Alexander talks us through the process of designing the identity for Hotel Gaff.

Course stories

Facilities

  • Student using the Screen Printing facility
    Libo Li working in Screen Printing Workshop, Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    Printing and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • A tutor in the process of producing a print.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Printmaking

    This workshop offers a wide-range of expertise in everything from etching to lithography.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

Staff

Lecturers

Emily Briselden-Waters, Max Dovey, Harriet Beesley, (Year Two Lead)

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 Coordinator

Ian Hague

Contextual and Theoretical Studies Lecturer, Year One

Tim Miller

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees. These could include travel expenses and the costs of materials. For a list of general equipment needed for all UAL courses, visit our living expenses and additional costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course:

80 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
  • Merit, Merit, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing).
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production, Computing).
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. Please check our English language requirements page for more information.

Selection criteria

The portfolio, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Visual language: quality of structure, use of line, shape - 2D or 3D, form, scale, space, light, colour, texture and time.
  • Ideas generation: quality of ideas and thought process, expression of design thinking.
  • Research and its application (including images from sketch books): evidence of investigation and use of appropriate resources.
  • Materials, media exploration and experimentation; experimentation and testing of materials to achieve outcomes.
  • Contextual awareness and its influence on the portfolio; understanding and application of subject knowledge and context.

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 20 pages
  • include unfinished pieces as well as completed work to demonstrate your developmental process from initial concept to final outcome
  • incorporate visual research, sketchbooks, or journals that provide valuable insights into your creative process
  • include a diverse range of projects that illustrate your understanding and enthusiasm for graphic branding and other relevant creative areas.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Careers include:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Creative Director
  • Brand Strategist
  • Branding Consultant
  • Experience Designer
  • Retail Designer
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Packaging Designer
  • Account Manager
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Copywriter
  • Producer
  • Art Director
  • Motion Graphic Designer
  • Arts and Culture Adviser