What can this course lead to?
Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:
- App Designer
- Website Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- 3D Modeler
- Creative Director
BA (Hons) Creative Digital Design (Graphic Design)
- Course Type: Undergraduate Degree
- Institution Code: P56
Who is it for?
Are you a creative thinker who wants to develop advanced digital graphic design skills for the modern creative industries? This course blends traditional design principles with contemporary digital practice, providing you with the tools and techniques to excel as a professional graphic designer in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. You’ll develop a strong foundation in visual communication, layout design, and typography, while learning to apply these principles using industry-standard software and workflows. The course emphasises creativity, critical thinking, and innovation — helping you create designs that communicate effectively across both print and digital platforms. Throughout your studies, you’ll explore areas such as brand identity, digital publishing, 3D visualisation, and integrated advertising campaigns.
You’ll also engage with core debates in design theory and the wider cultural and professional contexts that shape contemporary visual communication. You’ll have opportunities to work on live briefs and industry collaborations, responding to real-world design challenges that build your confidence and portfolio. The course culminates in your Undergraduate Major Project, where you’ll develop a significant body of work that showcases your creativity and professional readiness to employers and clients. You’ll be supported in developing your professional identity, entrepreneurial mindset, and network of industry contacts, ensuring a smooth transition into employment or freelance practice. Students also benefit from small class sizes and close guidance from lecturers who are experienced design professionals.
This qualification is awarded by The Open University and delivered by University Centre Peterborough.
To view the course specification, click here.
You can view The Open University regulations here.Year 1 – Level 4
- Digital Design Skills (30 credits)
- Graphic Design Practice 1 (30 credits)
- Creative Design Practice (30 credits)
- Critical Theory in Art & Design (15 credits)
- Creative Futures (15 credits)
Year 2 – Level 5
- Graphic Design Practice 2 (30 credits)
- 3D Modelling & Visualisation (30 credits)
- Data-Driven Design (30 credits)
- Integrated Advertising (30 credits)
Year 3 – Level 6
- Undergraduate Major Project (60 credits)
- Immersive Technologies (30 credits)
- Enhanced Integrated Practice (30 credits)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
88 UCAS Points from a related subject and 5 GCSE grades C/4 or above including English and maths. Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.
For more information on EU and overseas qualifications, UCAS, accreditation of prior learning and failure to meet the entry requirements please visit www.ucp.ac.uk
When studying this course at University Centre Peterborough, we will timetable your lectures as two full days a week over two semesters per year (part-time will be one to two full days a week over two semesters per year).
We are able to offer this convenient timetabling to our students as we are a smaller institution so we can timetable our staff and resources more efficiently.
Over the duration of your course, teaching will be delivered by the following methods:
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
- 25% Lectures
- 75% Workshops
Year two for full-time students (Level 5)
- 25% Lectures
- 75% Workshops
Final year for full-time students (Level 6)
- 25% Lectures
- 75% Workshops
Throughout the duration of your course you will be assessed by the following methods:
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
- 100% Coursework
Year two for full-time students (Level 5)
- 100% Coursework
Final year for full-time students (Level 6)
- 50% Coursework
- 50% Major Project
Your final degree classification is calculate as an average of all Level 5 and Level 6 credits with the Level 6 credits given twice as much weighting as the Level 5.
Visit our published documents and policies page for The Open University regulations.
Students will need to pay for transport, stationery, trips (non-mandatory), sportswear/kit and art based materials. Black and white photocopying is available, but students will be required to pay for colour copies and posters for presentations.
In your second year as part of the Professional Practice and Development module, you will undertake a 120 hour (three week) work placement with a design agency or media organisation and/or work on an industry commission.
As the course is timetabled as full days during the week when studied full-time, this also gives you the flexibility to find a work placement, internship or volunteering opportunity which will improve your employability after you graduate. This may also provide time for you to undertake private and freelance work alongside your studies. All students are encouraged to identify work experience in addition to their work placement to aid their career development.
Grace Theunissen is the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Creative Digital Design at University Centre Peterborough. She holds a BA (Hons) Digital Arts and a Foundation Degree in Digital Arts, both awarded by Anglia Ruskin University. Grace brings a strong combination of creative, technical, and pedagogical expertise to her role, underpinned by professional experience in digital media, design, and visual communication. Before joining the academic team, she worked as a Creative Media Officer at University Centre Peterborough and as a Graphic and Web Designer for private clients, where she developed skills in branding, user experience, and digital storytelling.
Her teaching covers a wide range of contemporary design subjects, including Digital Design Skills, 3D Modelling and Visualisation, Introduction to Rapid Prototyping, UX Tools and Techniques, App Design, Film and Stills, Data-Driven Design, Integrated Advertising, Critical Theory in Art and Design, and Creative Futures. Grace’s teaching approach focuses on creativity, innovation, and applied learning through live briefs and collaborative projects.
She supports students in developing both technical competence and creative confidence, ensuring they graduate with professional portfolios ready for the industry. Her research interests centre on digital design production, branding, user experience, and immersive technologies, with a particular focus on how digital media and user-centred design enhance engagement, creativity, and communication in professional and educational settings.
Course information
Ucas Code
DARG
Location
Peterborough/Stamford
Start Date
September
Fees
Tuition fees are £9,000 per year for full-time students and £6,750 for part-time students, which is lower than many other universities.
Duration
Full-time: 3 years (1 day at Peterborough College and 1 day at Stamford College per week over two semesters per year).
Validated by
The Open University
Tariff points
88
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Validated Excellence
Our partnership with The Open University ensures that a significant number of our foundation diplomas and undergraduate degrees are validated by one of the UK’s most respected institutions, enhancing the credibility and recognition of your qualification.
Quality Assurance
Each course validated by The Open University undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, guaranteeing that our curriculum meets high academic standards and delivers an exceptional educational experience.
Flexible Pathways
Through our collaboration with The Open University, students at University Centre Peterborough benefit from flexible learning options and expertly designed courses that support both part-time and full-time studies, tailored to accommodate diverse student needs.
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enquiries@ucp.ac.uk
01733 214466
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