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ÎÞÂëȺ½» has an excellent reputation for producing work-ready graduates in the complementary fields of digital marketing, digital content creation, public relations, film and media production and costume design, and this new industry-focused degree is an exciting addition to our portfolio that is set to produce graduates who can thrive in the growing design industry.

The Scottish Government reported in 2019 that there were over 137,000 people in Scotland working in design occupations and the sector has seen a 9% average annual growth in total turnover over the past ten years. It is one of the fastest growing sub-sector of the creative industries and this trend is set to continue. 

This new digital and graphic design course will be of interest if you are: 

• culturally curious and embrace global design trends and influences;
• a creative thinker ready to pioneer emerging tech and digital tools as a means of artistic expression and communication;
• a detail-oriented individual with an eye for precision and aesthetics; and
• a problem-solver ready to tackle real-world challenges with innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions. 

The course offers an exciting combination of creativity, technical expertise and real-world experience. By graduation, you will have developed the creative and technical skills necessary to adapt and excel in a continually evolving industry. 

On this course you will:

• develop expertise in design principles, visual communication, content creation and digital media through an interdisciplinary approach;
• learn about typography, colour theory, layout and visual communication and apply this to practical projects creating attention-grabbing, creative content for a range of digital platforms; and
• explore digital innovations like web design, animation, photography and interactive media with the aim of preparing you for a broad range of exciting career paths in the creative industries. 

Structure 

All students will enrol onto the honours degree, but you will also be able to choose to exit with an ordinary degree after three years.  
 
Teaching, learning and assessment 

As with our existing suite of undergraduate courses in film, communication and the creative industries, this course will comprise a mix of methods including lectures, seminars and practical workshops. We have a successful formula of blending face-to-face teaching with online delivery and use a wide range of assessment methods to help you showcase your knowledge and skills. These may include video essays, analytical reports, presentations, podcasts, online discussions, exams, reflective diaries and professional e-portfolios full of your creative work that you have developed across the four years. 
 
Facilities 

You will have access to industry-standard design software and equipment. 
  
Placement 

This course will include opportunities for work-based learning. There will be opportunities to gain practical experience working on live client projects, masterclasses from industry experts and work shadowing opportunities. 
 
Exchange opportunities  

In Year Three you have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. See our exchanges and study abroad pages for more information.

The course is in development at the time of posting (Feb 2025). Our exciting new module titles will be added to this page when they are confirmed.

Graduates of this BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course will be well prepared for a variety of roles in the creative sector and beyond, including graphic designer, web designer, digital media specialist, UX/UI designer, and more. The course's strong focus on both technical skills and creative thinking ensures that students will be versatile and adaptable to the evolving demands of the industry. 

As a centre for specialist design agencies, Edinburgh is likely to provide great employment opportunites on graduation. There are in-house design roles in the private and public sectors across Edinburgh, and indeed Scotland. Digital designers are working in sectors as diverse as hospitality and tourism, the arts, the NHS, energy, financial services and IT. 

Entry requirements 

Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBC, Minimum – BCCC

A Level: BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H3 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 28 points

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience.

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5

Required subjects: A Higher in Art and Design, Graphic Communication or Media is preferred. English is required and maths preferred at Nat 5/GCSE at grade C or above.   We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Life skills at the same grade.

Other Requirements: As part of the selection process suitably qualified applicants may be required to submit a digital portfolio.

Mature/Access: We hope to welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit: www.qmu.ac.uk/college-qualifications for more information for related Access courses. 

Direct Entry: Not available for 2026 

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the application and access pages on our website.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2026 entry.

Special note on RUK and ROI fees: Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, who are subject to Rest of UK fees will be charged for the first three years of study only. The fourth year is free. 

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ÎÞÂëȺ½». However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you. 

Application information

How to apply: Application is not yet possible, but should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

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Email Admissions

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions will be set out in our 2026/27 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• At the time of posting (Feb 2025) this new course is in development and the information laid out on this page is a guide. Full course details will not be confirmed until the course is fully validated later in 2025. Please check back here for updates.