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Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education

Digital Design

UndergraduateBA (Hons)

Year of entry:
UCAS code: W212
How to apply

What you'll study

Learn the theories, techniques and tools that will help you excel in the design industry. You'll also develop an industry-standard multimedia portfolio. ​

Besides the three-year option, there are more specialised versions of this course.

  • You can add a year’s work placement
  • A foundation year boosts your skills and knowledge if you don't quite meet our academic entry requirements

First year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Compulsory modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

  • Principles of Visual Design

    You will explore the principles of designing for the visual medium using software, tools and traditional methods. You'll develop your understanding of layout, typography and colour palettes as well as engaging with design research.

  • Designing for User Experience

    You will be introduced to the fundamentals of user experience (UX) design, and concepts related to it such as 'interface design', 'interaction design', and 'interactivity'. You'll design and deliver an immersive and engaging experience using a commercial platform.

  • Production Planning and Professional Skills

    You will be introduced to the fundamental professional practices appropriate to your University and professional career. You work as part of a team, developing skills related to the practical application of digital design and media production management.

  • Designing for the Web

    You will learn the skills and techniques required for designing user interfaces (UIs) for large and small screen devices. In addition, you'll explore user experience (UX) design.

  • 3D Design 1

    You are introduced to the fundamentals of 3D Design including a range of graphic, marketing and games considerations. You'll learn the basics of modelling, textures and rendering in order to design your own 3D animation and portfolio.

  • The Craft of Filmmaking

    Gain insight into the practical and collaborative elements of filmmaking. This module will introduce you to direction, cinematography, production management, editing and audio, with opportunities for practical application and critical reflection.

Second year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Compulsory modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

  • 3D Design 2

    Engage with 3D character design, rigging and animation. Through a combination of research, study and practical projects, you'll widen your awareness of professional design theory, principles and practice.

  • Principles of Animation

    You will be introduced to a range of different traditional animation techniques. You'll also combine your knowledge of raster and vector design to create your own motion graphics. The final project will include a sophisticated animation designed to be core part of your professional portfolio.

  • Interaction, Experience and Engagement

    This module will provide you with an opportunity to explore and experiment with a variety of different interactive mediums. You'll produce a piece for work that encompasses a mixture of sound, images and expressions in order to evoke meaning within an interactive experience.

  • Visual Design 2

    You will explore the design theory that explains intuitive design processes. You'll apply theoretical content to practical design problems and produce refined conceptual solutions.

  • Professional Practice

    Digital Design and Game and Entertainment Design students work together in groups to solve a real-world design problem. Working first in pairs and then in larger groups, you'll experience the challenges that are associated with teamwork in professional practice.

  • Designing with Digital Technologies

    You will build on your knowledge of visual, web and experience design to explore more advanced multimedia platforms. You'll implement a selection of innovative solutions to design problems.

Final year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Compulsory modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

  • 3D Design 3

    This module provides you with the opportunity to bring the 3D knowledge you have developed over the degree into the context of a larger 3D project space. You'll engage with design considerations around virtual world design.

  • Business Skills for Creative Practitioners

    Develop an understanding of the approaches, theories and principles of digital business practice. You'll learn to promote a business concept through the use of digital marketing strategies and develop an original campaign portfolio.

  • Major Project (Digital Media)

    You will engage with a major design project of your choice, or one suggested by a member of the digital media teaching staff. The project will have a written research component as well as a practical element.

  • Creative Leadership and Entrepreneurship

    You will explore the business and career potential of the UK creative industries. You'll design, curate and build an online portfolio of design work together with a creative CV and a business plan.

  • Game Art and Design

    Explore game design theory and practice while developing ideas for your own video game concept. Taught seminars will provide you with the skills necessary to present your ideas through visual communications using a variety of software packages.

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“I chose Hull because I liked the modules compared to other universities I looked at. They're better suited to me, and what I want to get out of the course.”

Ashvita Sudhakar Watch Video

More about this course

Take a hands-on approach to digital design, learning with the support of industry and the option of an invaluable work experience year. Study graphic design, 2D and 3D design, animation and film-making. Gain the skills to apply your knowledge to real-world design challenges.

  • An optional year in industry gives you the chance to apply what you've learned and provides valuable real-world experience.
  • Our strong links to regional media organisations will improve your education and job prospects.
  • Facilities include Middleton Hall, which has some of the finest digital creation and cinematic display facilities around.
  • Our staff have experience of managing large design projects and developing creative solutions across Europe.

This course aims to produce graduates who are ready to create at the cutting edge of digital design. Those graduates go on to successful careers in game design, graphic design and digital publishing, among other areas.

Teaching and learning

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions. The types of scheduled lessons you’ll have depend on the course you study.

Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently. This typically involves coursework, assignments, reading, preparing presentations and exam revision.

Assessment
Written
Practical
Coursework

First year

17%

83%

Second year

17%

4%

79%

Final year

10%

11%

79%


Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Our teaching staff

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

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Hull Campus

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Related courses

Hull is one of few universities to incorporate digital and computer game design alongside film and TV.

Fantastic facilities include Middleton Hall, with its advanced cinema, as well as a dedicated TV, film and digital media resources.

Study under industry experts with experience of managing large projects across Europe and delivering creative solutions.

Benefit from our connections with regional film and media organisations, and gain invaluable work experience.

Entry requirements

2019 Tariff points: 112 points. Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications 

UCAS has changed the way that qualifications earn points under the Tariff system. Please click here to work out your estimated points and to find out more about how the University of Hull considers qualifications.

Alternative qualifications 

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with minimum of 45 credits at merit.

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations shown above. Please contact the University’s Admissions Service for individual guidance.

International students

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. For other English language proficiency qualifications acceptable by this University, please click here.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees and funding

  • Home/EU: £9,250 per year*
  • International: £14,000 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £8,700 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

Scholarships

If you have a low household income, we may be able to offer you a scholarship of

£1,000

Get 120 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent, and you could receive a reward of

£2,000 - £4,000

Visit our Scholarships page to find out more.

Future prospects

Our emphasis is on developing graduates who have the potential to lead in the creative industries. You'll be equipped to enter a range of digital design-related positions - everything from traditional graphic design, through interactive design for web platforms, to working in advertising.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in graphic design, web design, multimedia design, information design, video design and art direction.

The University has an excellent careers service, which gives individual advice to students and arranges recruiting visits by prospective employers during your final year. We do consistently well in the ‘graduate employment’ category of national surveys, and we have one of the lowest graduate unemployment rates in the UK.