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BA (Hons) Design Practice (Top-Up)

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 1 Year
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

BA (Hons) Design Practice (Top-Up) (awarded by NCG)

Levels Explained

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More about the course

If you are looking for a degree where you can shape and design your own creative future, this is the course for you. During this BA (Hons) Design Practice (Top-Up) degree, you will develop your own unique professional practice, pursuing an individual pathway into your chosen creative industry. Learning from industry-experienced tutors, you will research and design your own project brief, linked closely to your career aspirations and the needs of the industry.

You will engage with relevant creative industry speakers and have opportunities to undertake live and simulated projects. Creative partners we have worked with over recent years on the programme include Beth Chappell from Sonnetry; Jo Shippen, Creative Stylist; Georgia Pedley, Surface Design and Commercial Artist; Jo Levy Creative Stylist; Jungle Studios; Amy Boyes, Brand Muse. You will have the opportunity to be part of our in-house Mandela Collective where we connect students directly with industry projects.

You will have access to specialist industry equipment throughout your design degree, including an industrial sewing room, digital and traditional print room, 3D workshops and Adobe Suite programmes.

Entry requirements

Pass or higher in a Level 5 Foundation Degree, Diploma in Higher Education or HND (in related Art and Design subjects).

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be asked to submit a digital portfolio (details will follow through an email from our Admissions Team) or you will be invited to Newcastle College University Centre to discuss your portfolio in-person.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and maths or the Level 2 equivalents (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre, we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 5 entry criteria in an appropriate subject(s), you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will receive an Honours Degree (BA) in Design Practice (Top-Up) awarded by NCG.

What will I learn?

Proposal and Planning
Design Development
Realisation
Research in Practice

How is the course taught?

Presentations
Seminars
Group work
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Work placement
E-learning
Independent study.

How am I assessed?

Portfolios
Presentations
Essays
Reports
Practicals.

Enrichment Opportunities

Throughout the BA Hons Design Practice (Top-up) degree, you will have the opportunity to work on live and simulated creative briefs with external partners and clients. These opportunities support you to build a portfolio within your chosen specialist practice. Trips and visits to galleries, museums, design exhibitions, studios and cultural events introduces you to new ideas, techniques and perspectives with the aim of further stimulating creativity, helping overcome creative blocks and informing the development projects.

Where can I progress?

Once you have completed your BA Hons Design Practice, you can progress your studies on a related Masters programme or apply to a PgCE with Newcastle College University Centre if you wish to go into teaching. You can also pursue your career in industry as a creative designer within your individual creative pathway or start your own freelance practice.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Annabel Reece

Level 6 BA (Hons) Fine Art

"(The course) gives you a good chance to explore everything, if you're not really sure of what you want to do, or even if you just want to try something new! This course really allows you to do that."

Emily Jardine

Level 7 MA Creative and Professional Practice

"The course has given me both creative skills and practical experience with professional projects. I feel well-equipped for a range of roles in the creative industry."