First for Arts degrees at Bedford College

Young people joining Bedford College can progress and complete a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design – and get great grades.

The first 12 students to complete this three year pathway in Bedford, in association with the University of Northampton, achieved two “Firsts”, seven 2:1s, two 2.2s and one third. 

Advanced Practitioner Jeffrey Tribe who coached this first cohort from entry to degree success said: “These results are testament to the hard work of students and staff here at the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College.

“Our students regularly beat university in national level competitions and to achieve two Firsts and seven 2:1s in our first attempt demonstrates the quality of training here.”

Principal and CEO of The Bedford College Group Ian Pryce CBE said: “It had long been our aim to put our South Bank Art Centre in the national spotlight for graphic, design and performing arts as well as music and media. The success of our 12 degrees is a tremendous success.”

Sue Blackman, Director Higher Education & Partnerships at Bedford Colege said: “We are planning to expand our Arts Degree offer through the University of Northampton in both Fashion & Textiles and Photography.”

Graphic Design BTEC HND two years (with third year BA Hons degree pathway option)

This full-time qualification is designed to equip students with the knowledge, flexibility and skills required for a successful career within an exciting and ever-widening industry. Students are encouraged to develop a highly individual, ideas-based portfolio, either within broad-based graphic design or tailored to a specialism, such as advertising, illustration, typography or new digital media.

They regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live projects’ and talks, and benefit from the college’s impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions.

The course is an active member of British Design and Art Direction (D&AD), and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national designers. At the end of the year students exhibit work both in Bedford and at a major London venue as part of D&AD’s New Blood exhibition. Work experience opportunities are made available in the latter stages of the course.