BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Reg. No. 251629
Introduction
BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Top-up) (Reg.No: 251629) This programme aims at those who want to top up their sub-degree qualification to a full honours UK degree, or for those with extensive practical experience to be a recognized professional graphic designer. This is a hands-on UK design programme.
This one-year graphic design top-up bachelor’s degree is awarded by the University of Sunderland and is a fast bridge programme to achieve a UK honors degree as a professional graphic designer. 
 
 
Programme Objectives

This graphic design bachelor’s degree is designed to cultivate well-rounded designers who not only possess a keen eye for aesthetics but also understand how to solve business challenges through strategic design. 

Contents

This programme aims at those who want to top up their sub-degree qualification to a full honours UK degree, or for those with extensive practical experience to become a recognized professional graphic designer. This is a hands-on UK design programme.

  • Ranked as a Top 20 university in the Guardian University Guide 2024
  • 1st in the north-east for student satisfaction (The Complete University Guide 2025)

Programme Features

This programme is designed to comprehensively build your professional design mindset and practical skills. You will gain a deep understanding of core design principles, including typography, colour theory, layout, and visual identity systems. To meet diverse market demands, you will develop a versatile cross-media skill set covering branding, packaging, advertising, UI/UX design, and motion graphics. Finally, through a series of project-based modules, you will build a competitive professional portfolio from concept to execution, showcasing your unique style and technical abilities to prepare you for job interviews and further studies fully.

  • Foundation for Higher Education: The programme is structured to build your knowledge in graphic design systematically.
  • Project-Based Curriculum: Learning is driven by projects that simulate real-world commercial briefs, allowing you to gain practical experience and valuable problem-solving skills.
  • Professional Equipment: Lectures are mainly held at Mac Studio, and students have an excellent study experience with the latest software
  • Industry Connection: Students have opportunities to participate in design competitions in the UK
  • Industry-Relevant Focus: This graphic design degree’s curriculum is closely aligned with current market trends, with a strong emphasis on high-demand fields such as UI/UX design and content creation for social media marketing.
  • No Written Assessment: Students are assessed by professional practice and assignments
  • No Group Project Assignments: Individual assignments are designed, and students can control their assignment progress flexibly
  • One-on-one teaching: Dissertation is conducted in one-on-one teaching, increasing the interaction between students and supervisors

Programme Structure

  • Graphic Design and Professional Practice
  • Design Dissertation
  • Design - Major Final Portfolio

+ Course content is subject to review and changes without prior notice.

Upon successful completion of all required modules and assessments, students will be awarded the bachelor’s degree in graphic design by the University of Sunderland, UK.

Articulation Path

This graphic design bachelor’s degree is an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue postgraduate education and specialise further.

  • Master's Degrees: Graduates are well-prepared to apply for Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Design (MDes) programmes at renowned universities locally and internationally.
  • Specialised Fields: You can advance your studies in niche areas such as Branding, UI/UX Research, Information Design, or Creative Direction, positioning yourself as an expert in the field.

Career Prospects

Holding a graphic design bachelor’s degree opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities and a higher potential for advancement. Graduates are equipped to take on roles with greater strategic and creative responsibility.

  • Potential Job Roles:
    • Graphic Designer / Brand Designer
    • Art Director / Creative Director
    • UI/UX Designer
    • Digital Product Designer
    • Motion Graphics Designer
    • Brand Strategist
  • Potential Employers:
    • International Advertising Agencies
    • Global Branding Consultancies
    • In-house Creative Teams at Tech Companies
    • Publishing Houses and Media Corporations
    • Starting your own successful design studio
Highlights
University of Sunderland Art and Design Degree Show
Degree Show opening night 2022
Artwork designed by HKCT students
Student Words

CHAN Wing Leong Adonis

Current Student

This graphic design bachelor’s degree has provided an excellent learning experience for students with prior experience in graphic design. The course has given me a much deeper understanding of the design process, guiding me through every step from initial idea development to final presentation.

The tutors are highly professional and patient, effectively mentoring students to successfully complete their assignments. Through this process, I learned how to transform a nascent concept into a well-executed design. The course has also imparted valuable insights into the critical research and development stages that are essential to the design process.

I feel very fortunate that my classmates have been truly kind and supportive throughout this course. This collaborative and supportive environment has created a wonderful atmosphere that has enhanced the overall learning experience.

 
 

LEUNG Ka Yan

2022-23 Graduate

This graphic design bachelor’s degree has provided me with a deeper understanding of the design field, allowing me to learn various design theories, methods, and trends. This knowledge contributes to a broader perspective and richer thinking during the creative process, enabling a better understanding and application of design principles.

It has offered me opportunities for practice and experimentation, allowing me to freely explore design topics of interest and apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired to create works. The mentors have guided me in systematically conducting concept guidance, from ideation to realization, thereby helping me effectively express and present my design concepts.

This learning process has enriched my design thinking and sparked my creativity. Through continuous learning and practice, I have been able to develop unique and impactful creative works. The insights gained from this activity will play a significant role in propelling my professional development in the field of design and preparing for professional challenges.

 

Boris KWOK

2022-23 Graduate

I have many years of practical experience in design, but I still feel that professional recognition qualifications are an honor and are of great help to my career prospects. In view of this, I completed the Professional Diploma in Graphic Design program at HKCT in 2021-22, and then continued my studies at the University of Sunderland in HKCT to complete the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design program.

The courses at the school keep pace with the times, enriching my knowledge of current design and broadening my horizons. Through the guidance of the course instructors, we were able to fully grasp the 5W1H of design. We were not just blindly pursuing visual beauty. It once again inspired my thinking and creativity and allowed me to regain my passion for design.

I believe that a graphic design bachelor’s degree is suitable for individuals who wish to enter the design industry or expand their knowledge of design.

Adonis Chan, a graphic designer with ten years of experience, won a prestigious D&AD New Blood Award, an international design competition. Seeking to advance his career and gain a formal qualification, Adonis enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design top-up degree programme, jointly offered by the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) and the University of Sunderland, UK. His award-winning project, "Coca-Cola Expression," was designed to engage Gen Z with customizable stickers. 
(平面設計師進修港專英國新特蘭大學學士課程 奪國際設計比賽獎項, by HK01)

 

Jessica, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design top-up degree programme. In her testimonial, she explains that the programme deepened her understanding of design theory and provided valuable opportunities for practical experimentation, which sparked her creativity. This experience culminated in her winning third place at the Student Graphic Design Competition, demonstrating the high calibre of her work and the effectiveness of the course.

(從失意公開試到First Hon畢業 全因一份堅持, by EDUPlus.hk Top-up Degree Programme Guide 2021-22)

Mode of Study

Part Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

Every September

Entry Year

Year 3

Duration

24 Months

Location
Entry Requirements

General Requirements

  • Higher Diploma / Associate Degree / Professional Diploma in graphic design or related discipline. The qualification must be awarded by a local recognized tertiary institutions / post-secondary colleges; OR
  • Other qualifications, which the University will consider on case-by-case basis; equivalent to the normal admission requirements of the University;
  • Satisfactory portfolio;
  • Pass in English admission interview

English Requirements

  • IELTS 6.0 with no score below 5.5; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications
  • Students who have qualifications with QF level 4 (ADs and HDs) and are fully taught in English can have an English waiver on this basis.

Learning Schedule

Weekday evenings and /or weekends

Total $75,360 (in 4 installments)

Administration Fee: HK$1,720 (Upon 1st instalment)

Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme

HKCT Alumni Fee Reduction*

  • Applicants who have graduated from the Centre of International Education of HKCT (CIE) and have successfully completed a one-year or longer programme within the past 3 academic years, and who have successfully enrolled in a higher-level programme provided by CIE are eligible for this benefit.
  • 3% of the total tuition fee reduction for the higher-level programme will be deducted from the final instalment of the tuition payment.

HKCT Early Bird Discount*

  • Applicants who have completed the application procedure for September intake on or before 31 July 2025 are eligible to benefit from HK$2,000 tuition fee reduction that will be deducted from the final instalment of the tuition payment. 

*Remark: Applicants are eligible for either one of HKCT Alumni Fee Reduction or Early Bird Discount. In the event of any dispute, the decision of HKCT shall be final.

Tel: (852) 2276 8514 / (852) 2926 1222
Email: cie@hkct.edu.hk

It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.
This programme is operated by Hong Kong College of Technology International Limited.
This programme is awarded by the University of Sunderland, UK.
Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.