Key information
Approach communication design by analysing collaborative experiences, socially dynamic and inclusive agendas, and key forms of critical design research.
- Programme code
- W6CD
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BA (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Start date
- September
Our BA (Hons) Communication Design will provide you with expertise in three key areas of design; conceptual, applied, and entrepreneurial practices to communicate information through a variety of media. The programme will encourage you to use design thinking to transform and interpret data, develop knowledge, and transform information into ethical, meaningful, and inclusive communication design experiences.
You’ll approach communication design by analysing collaborative experiences, socially dynamic and inclusive agendas, and key forms of critical design research. You’ll gain experience in moving image and animation, photography, graphic design (including illustration), and interaction design (UX/UI/Experiential). This will establish your communication design skills across various creative approaches, making you highly employable and sought-after upon graduation.
The programme offers specialised modules in communication design and various related topics. You’ll develop and apply your learned skills, techniques, and knowledge to undertake your final year project and establish your interests within the industry. There may be an opportunity for you to gain a global perspective of communication design, by studying abroad at our international exchange partners in Europe, India, and the USA.
Upon completion of the programme you’ll be able to maintain a sustainable practice in the management of design and design research projects and communicate critically and effectively to individuals and organisations, through professional visual, written, and verbal presentations. You’ll develop the necessary skills and knowledge to develop critical communication design practices within a variety of industry, commercial, and non-commercial contexts.
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by our design faculty and staff, whose work covers many key areas including:
- 3D and Motion
- Advertising and Communication
- Animation (2D and 3D)
- Artificial & Virtual Reality
- Branding
- Film and Videography
- Immersive Design
- Infographics and Data Visualisation
- Packaging Design
- Photography
- Publication Design
- Retail Design
- Signage and Wayfinding
- Social Media
- UI/UX Design
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Course content
September Intake
The first year focuses on initial design and visualisation skills setting up the student with the fundamentals in overall photography, visual development, design thinking, and introductions into illustration.
Mandatory September
- Design Context and Process
- Design Communication
Mandatory January
- Design Prototyping
- Design Challenge
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Design & Communication at Heriot-Watt
Heriot-Watt students and academics explore the importance of Design and Communication. Understand how the programme focuses on how to solve the problems of the future, connecting with audiences, sustainability, and new strategies. Experience what studying Design and Communication at Heriot-Watt can offer you.
Teaching staff
The BA (Hons) Communication Design programme encourages students to become informed, adaptable and creative practitioners who work across diverse channels and opportunities, to show the importance of thoughtfully designed solutions and how they can impact the world in which we live. Producing graphic, environmental, experiential and dynamic solutions to the problems and challenges of our age, our students are designers and thinkers who can make unique insightful connections through their work to convey messages and meanings in highly creative ways.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers BBBB (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC and successful digital portfolio
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- HNC C in graded unit
- HND CC in graded units
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
- This programme requires all applicants to submit a Digital Portfolio. Please see 'Additional Information' for further details.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- HNC C in graded unit
- HND CC in graded units
*Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Student life
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