British Academy of Graphic Design

Graphic design training with accredited UK qualifications

The British Academy of Graphic Design is an academy specialising in accredited, industry-recognised graphic design qualifications. Its offering is designed for those who want to change career, upskill or simply learn the basics of graphic design, and combines learning materials developed with industry experts with support from professional tutors.

The academy presents itself as a provider of accredited, industry-recognised graphic design qualifications in the UK. Its courses are part-time and fully accredited by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), which oversees quality standards relating to content, delivery, assessment and administration.

Flexible study methods

Students can choose between three ways of learning, all of which include access to materials through the Online Learning Centre:

• Home study: online self-directed study.
• Live online: online self-directed study combined with virtual classes.
• Classroom based: online self-directed study combined with in-person classes.

The materials include practical, instructional videos, written content on a variety of topics tailored to the subject area, and vocationally relevant assignments, all created by industry experts.

Available qualifications

The academy offers different qualification levels depending on the chosen study method:

• Certificate
• Diploma
• Professional Diploma
• Higher National Certificate (BTEC)
• Higher National Diploma (BTEC)
• BA Honours Degree
• BA (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up)

The home study method covers everything from Certificate to BA Honours Degree. The live online and classroom based methods range from Diploma to BA Honours Degree.

Tutors and student support

The tutors are industry professionals and support students throughout the course with guidance, support and encouragement, as well as providing constructive feedback on their work based on their own industry experience. On enrolment, students receive login details for the Online Learning Centre and are assigned their tutors, whom they can contact directly by email or through the platform forum. For matters relating to the platform, payments, student card or course upgrades, there is a student services team.

Work placements and corporate training

The Professional Diploma includes the option of a one-month work placement after successfully completing the course. These placements are available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Bristol. Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma are eligible for an optional work placement with a graphic design company in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas; to take part, you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The academy also designs bespoke training for teams and businesses, and assists with graduate placement opportunities.

Alumni network and graduation

Graduates have gone on to manage real graphic design projects, work at leading agencies and start their own graphic design businesses. The academy holds an annual graduation ceremony and maintains an alumni network.

UK presence

The academy has a presence in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Bristol.

Locations and premises

Manchester location: Telephone: 0161 5190 828

Birmingham location: Telephone: 0121 3129 949

Belfast location: Telephone: 0289 6943 491

Cardiff location: Telephone: 029 2271 0949