Design

Our design courses are created with industry in mind, and we aim to prepare you for the workplace by the time you graduate.

Why study design at USW?

Work on live projects

Supported by expert teaching, our design students have worked on professional briefs from real clients, including Nike, British Airways and Cardiff Blues.

Award-winning alumni

Design students from the University have an established record of awards success, and have worked on blockbuster films and games that have been nominated for BAFTAS and Oscars.

Creative learning

Our design studios are designed to emulate commercial design studios, from creative collaborative spaces to our industry pitching room.

Gain valuable experience

working on a wide variety of professional briefs, which are built into many of our design courses.

Design students

from the University have collected prizes at the D&AD New Blood Designer Award, Young Creative Network Awards, and the Caramelite Prize.

Graphic Communication - BA (Hons)

Be inspired by the world of graphic design and learn to think and practice like a creative designer with this industry-facing degree course.  

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Graphic Communication - MA

Take your design career to the next level with MA Graphic Communication - where bold ideas, critical thinking and creative collaboration come together to shape original, impactful work.

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Illustration - BA (Hons)

Illustration is an essential part of our language Learn how to use your artistic skills to communicate, connect, inform and educate across a variety of media. 

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Interior Design - BA (Hons)

Become a creative, thoughtful and professional designer at USW. Experience industry-focused teaching from day one with real-world briefs to kickstart your career in this exciting field.

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TV and Film Set Design - BA (Hons)

Immerse yourself in the exciting world of film and television production design by learning design processes, art directing short films and preparing to step into film and tv art departments.

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Why USW?

100%

of BA (Hons) Advertising Design students at USW were satisfied with their course. (National Student Survey 2024).

92% of BA (Hons) Illustration students at USW were satisfied with their course. (National Student Survey 2024)

Why USW?

Top in Wales

Graphic Design at USW is top for Teaching Quality in Wales. (Guardian University Guide 2026)

92% of BA (Hons) Illustration students at USW were satisfied with their course. (National Student Survey 2024)

Creative Graduate Festival

Creative Graduate Festival is an online showcase of final-year work from students across the University of South Wales’ creative courses. It highlights the ideas, skills, and projects developed by students as they prepare for careers in the creative industries.

Creative Graduate Festival 2025

Your student experience

Students' Union

Four students sat on steps outside the Cardiff Campus.

Support and Wellbeing

Student holing a lacrosse stick and wearing a USW Women’s Lacrosse tshirt.

Clubs and Societies

Take a virtual tour

Study in the heart of Cardiff

Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK too, so it’s perfect for cash-strapped students. There’s always something happening or new places to discover.

Cardiff Campus