Study at UCLan

The Graphic Design Course at UCLan, Preston, is founded on the fundamental principle of creative thinking.

While technology develops, providing us with new and exciting platforms on which to deliver work; the importance of a good idea remains constant. It is this core philosophy that we embrace and is recognised as our strength and only house style.

“A person without imagination is like a teabag without hot water.”
Alan Fletcher

Back in the 1970s the course pioneered the first industrial sandwich placement in the UK, providing our students with their first taste of industry and a valuable insight into the profession. Today, the Graphic Design (BA Hons) Degree Course at UCLan is considered one of the most established and successful of its kind in the country.

In the last ten years alone the course has collected in excess of 90 national and international student awards, including D&AD (Design & Art Direction), Roses Awards, RSA (Royal Society of the Arts), Little Chip Awards, and the Chartered Society of Designers student of the year. Regarding D&AD – agreed to be the ultimate accolade in recognising creative thinking – our course is the sixth most awarded globally.

Many of our graduates go on and secure creative roles in leading graphic design and creative agencies – both nationally and internationally – and many have gone on to set up and run their own independent agencies. From Apple to Saatchi & Saatchi, Pentagram to The Partners, the course has produced some of this country’s top designers.

The Preston Profile section of this site gives a taste of what ex-students have gone on to do and what it is that makes Preston Graphic Design course so special. We have also published a book – Words Of Wisdom – detailing the paths of 50 ex-students who now work across the world.

Examples of Creative Thinking

As the course has been running for over 45 years, you will understand that our list of alumni working in the industry is second-to-none and that the city of Preston is synonymous with great design.

We believe that creativity can be nurtured through shared experience. By creating a friendly, competitive studio atmosphere, our students flourish in an environment designed to support and encourage them.

All our lecturers have spent many years working in industry and our professor, Mr Ben Casey, was responsible for setting up The Chase, one of the UK’s top design agencies.

Over the years many of our students have been recognised in prestigious design award schemes. If you think this sounds like the course for you then just follow the link below to read more and find out how to apply.

We look forward to meeting you.