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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 is designed to produce strategic thinkers and creative communicators. The course equips you with the tools to become a professional practitioner within this expansive industry.

Re-approval

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • One of the only undergraduate courses in the country to deliver branding in the context of graphic design studio practice, focusing on brand strategy and narrative as well as design and implementation.
  • Explore branding across a wide range of 2D, 3D or 4D graphic design contexts such as print, packaging, motion, interaction and experience design.
  • Excellent links with industry - projects recently set by LandorRufus Leonard, Dragon Rouge, Johnson Banks and Anyways.
  • Opportunities for international exchanges with Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia and the Amsterdam Fashion Institute.
  • 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 the LCC Design School degree show.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Follow

Instagram: @gbilcc

Course overview

The course explores diverse and creative approaches to branding and identity, from concept to outcome. You’ll gain valuable insights into all aspects of the subject from its historical, social, cultural and commercial contexts, through design practice relating to brand and identity expression.

Access to technicians and professionals trained in printmaking and letterpress to moving image and digital media. 

The course is designed to produce strategic thinkers and creative communicators who will become significant professional practitioners within this expansive industry. 

What to expect

  • Practical projects and technical workshops, designed to enable you to choose and develop the right message, to the right audience, at the right time and using the right media. 
  • The course will allow you to place graphic branding in the context of graphic design, branded spaces and interiors, packaging, moving image, advertising, narrative storytelling and emerging technologies. It is designed to encourage innovation and initiative. 
  • Your practice will be supported and informed by theory associated with the subject, which places it within an historical, cultural and social context. 
  • ​Collaboration - This combination of practical and theoretical exploration and understanding is further supported by live projects and collaborative involvement with industry. 

Industry experience and opportunities

We are industry-focused and regularly set projects that enable you to work with professional designers. Recent collaborations have included projects with FutureBrand, Rufus Leonard, Studio Parallel, Pearlfisher, Anyways, Inertia and MK Gallery.

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) 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. 

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into the curriculum and in everything we do.

As part of this initiative, we’ve shaped our courses around social and environmental sustainability principles that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way our students think, and to empower you to work towards a sustainable future.

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 

Introduction to Graphic Branding and Identity (20 credits) 

This unit will introduce you to your course and its subject specialism as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level. 

Branding and Design Principles (40 credits) 

This unit will introduce you to the importance of audience and personas; brand promise and purpose, brand values, brand personality and tone of voice alongside the development of a range of graphic design principles in typography and layout. 

Brand Narratives (20 credits) 

This unit introduces you to the importance of developing a brand story with which to engage your audience. 

Brand Packaging (20 credits) 

This unit focuses on an exploration of branding in the context of 3D packaging, allowing you to explore materials, form and physical interaction. 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits) 

Introduces histories, theories and debates relevant to graphic branding, identity and visual culture.  

Year 2 

The second year will consolidate and expand on your experience of graphic branding and identity across a range of different online and offline media. You’ll explore the role branding might have in a range of social, cultural and political contexts. We encourage individual and collaborative working, with theoretical aspects of the subject, all within an exploratory context. 

Brand Expression (40 credits) 

This unit will enable you to understand how brands communicate flexibly to multiple audiences and how design can be used effectively to maximise this communication in terms of meaning and brand personality. 

Professional Practices (20 credits) 

This unit gives you the opportunity to collaborate with design students from other courses on a live industry brief. 

Brand Futures (40 credits) 

This unit challenges you to engage with branding in social, cultural and political contexts, recognising that as designers we have the ability to bring people together around current societal challenges. It also explores the potential for audience engagement in a range of emerging technologies. 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits) 

You’ll study a specific set of ideas, practices and theories chosen by you and related to your career and practice ambitions. 

Year 3 

The final year allows you to pursue your interests and direction through supported independent study. It will provide you with confidence to choose your future path within the industry, or progress onto postgraduate study. 

There are two pathway options in term one and two of Year 3. One route involves an 8,000 – 10,000 word piece of written work (Route A), or the other route combines a 4,000 – 5,000-word piece of written work plus a Self-Initiated Project (Route B). 

Route A: 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (Route A) (40 credits) 

Is a 8000-10,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor. 

Industry Practice (20 credits) 

In this unit you will choose from a range of live or design agency set briefs to give you the experience of working with clients or with industry partners. 

Major Project (60 credits) 

This unit is the culmination of your degree. It offers a range of project choices that enable you to continue to develop a personal portfolio of work relevant to your aspirations. Briefs include those set by Graphic Branding and Identity staff, live briefs, competition briefs and the opportunity to undertake self-initiated projects.  

Route B: 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (Route B) (20 credits) 

Is a 4,000-5,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor. 

Industry Practice (20 credits) 

In this unit you will choose from a range of live or design agency set briefs to give you the experience of working with clients or with industry partners. 

Self-Initiated Project (Route B) (20 credits)

This unit offers you the opportunity to undertake an extensive self-initiated project that enables you to work on an aspect of the subject area that particularly interests you and reflects your aspirations for both your portfolio and future career.

Major Project (60 credits) 

This unit is the culmination of your degree. It offers a range of project choices that enable you to continue to develop a personal portfolio of work relevant to your aspirations. Briefs include those set by Graphic Branding and Identity staff, live briefs, competition briefs and the opportunity to undertake self-initiated projects.  

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)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

UAL 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 degree, 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
  • Outside speakers and visits
  • Collaborative working
  • Assessed assignments

Online Open Day

Course Tutor, Harriet Beesley gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity.

Graduate Showcase

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.

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.

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W213

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W213

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

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