We understand that it may be difficult to pinpoint right now the exact direction you wish to follow in your studies and subsequent career. That is why we have introduced a new entry route, BA (Hons) Design. The course will allow you to study the design practice in Year 1 before choosing your course when entering Year 2.
You will engage in a series of multidisciplinary experiences that will give you a greater understanding of the critical, creative and professional skills that you will need to flourish.
Throughout Year 1, you will be provided with tutorial guidance to help you identify where your strengths, weaknesses and motivations lie. This will support you in making the most appropriate choice for your intended area of study for the rest of your time at university.
1st in Scotland for student satisfaction in Art and Design - Complete University Guide 2021
1st in Scotland and top 5 in the UK* for overall student satisfaction in Design Studies - National Student Survey 2022, *excluding colleges, small, specialist and private institutions
Year 1
You will develop skills in the fundamental elements of the creative process including research, ideas generation and development, resolution and reflection. You will learn a broad range of core design skills and knowledge that enable informed choices and decisions to be made as the curriculum progresses.
Years 2-4
You will choose one of the following courses before entering Year 2:
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed Module Information:
Learning Methods
You will engage in a series of multidisciplinary experiences that will give you a greater understanding of the critical, creative and professional skills that you will need to flourish.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - average 30 students per group, 4 hours per term
- Seminars - 8 students per group, 4 hours per term
- Tutorial - one-to-one sessions, 4 hours per term
- Project Supervision - average 30 students per group, 4 hours per term
- Demonstration - average 15 students per group, 4 hours per term
- Practical class or workshop - average 30 students per group, 6 hours per term
- Supervised time in studio / workshop - average 30 students per group, 60 hours per term
- Independent Study - average 30 students per group, 340 hours per term
- External Visits - average 30 students per group, 340 hours per term
- Placement / Work Based Learning - variable depending on individual project
How long is a BA (Hons) Design course?
The duration of a Design degree is 4 years. This includes lectures, seminars, time in the studio and other activities.
Independent Study
Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on your development of independent learning through self-directed design project/s. By Year 4, you will undertake independent study, reflecting on your previous 3 years’ experience of building expertise and specialist knowledge within your chosen pathway and towards a level approaching professional practice.
Staff delivering on this course
The dedicated academic and technical staff on this course have a wide variety of design backgrounds and their knowledge and experience will provide you with a deep understanding of the Design disciplines.
Industry experts contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international illustrators, designers and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and Careers staff and academia from other Schools and departments of the university.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 2 portfolios
- 3 group critiques
Year 2
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 2 portfolios
- 3 group critiques
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 2 portfolios
- 2 project outputs
- 3 group critiques
Year 4
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
You will have the opportunity to undertake a 10 week optional placement in Year 3, Term 2. This will enable you to gain first-hand experience and a real insight into professional practice. Past placement opportunities have included working with local, national and international creative companies and designers.
You are responsible for finding the placement with support from the placement office and academic staff.
Study Abroad
In Year 3, Term 2, there is the opportunity to undertake a period of international study exchange with our partner colleges across Europe, Canada and the US.
Job Prospects
The breadth of experience and choice of specialisms offered by this course ensures you have a number of employment opportunities in various roles.
Is Design a good career choice?
Your career choice will depend on the path you choose from Year Two of the course.
Previous BA Design graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Knitwear designer
- Accessories designer
- Jewellery designer
- Web design
- Marketing
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Design degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
ENTRY TO YEAR 1
- SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design & English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- GCE A Level: CC to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
ENTRY TO YEAR 1
- SQA Higher: CCC to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
Alternative Qualifications
Those who may not hold the standard qualifications listed are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.
A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this category of candidate.
Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account. Details of the process are in the downloadable portfolio guidance. After viewing digital portfolios all successful applicants will be offered a place. If we feel more information would be useful to your application we will invite you for an interview. All offer holders will be invited to the school for an Applicants Event, which will allow you to meet staff and students while experiencing the teaching environment. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2022-2023
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £1,820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6,750 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6,750 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £15,450 |
Academic Year 2021-2022
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £1,820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6,750 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6,750 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £15,000 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Accommodation and Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2023 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for free accommodation in your first year of study, along with our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.