Studying Graphic Design

Meet your course leaders

Richard and Sam look forward to welcoming you to the BA (Hons) Graphic Design studio!

Sam Owen
Sam welcomes you to our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.  An experienced course leader with 20+ years of experience in design agency environments who now embeds key employability skills into all modules, Sam ensures that our students are not only perfect designers but hugely work ready and employable.  She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and accredited as an External Examiner with experience in course revalidation and course moderation in the UK and overseas. 
Sam has a passion for student support with a strong pastoral care and academic mentoring focus, along with using her skills as a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA).

Richard Mellor
The course is co-led by award-winning designer Richard Mellor who has extensive industry and academic experience across all aspects of visual communication.  Richard is one of Britain's most innovative graphic designers with a specialisation in new media.  He's a winner of countless international awards whilst also serving as an Executive Director of the prestigious Design and Art Directors Association (D&AD).  As Founder and Creative Director of HyperInteractive, he achieved great success during a substantial period working in London, then New York, before returning to the UK to continue designing and producing innovative creative solutions.
His passion for visual communication and design education goes beyond the traditional norms – embracing emerging and future technologies.  Richard advocates for the strong appreciation of theory and the application of good professional practice.  These guiding principles continue to inspire the next generation of designers!

 

Student highlights from this year across Graphic Design

Congratulations on your offer to join our vibrant and popular Graphic Design course within the department of Creative Industries at University of Staffordshire.

We wanted to share some of the exciting highlights from across this year to give you a flavour of what you could be experiencing when you join our Graphics studio. 
From winning awards for sustainable designs in a national competition, to exploring Amsterdam and visiting inspiring creative agencies, our students have been working on fantastic live briefs and projects, and honing their practice.  

 

 

Read more

Hear from a student!

Hello! My name is Esther, I’m 20 years old and originally from Worcester.  I’ve just finished my first semester studying Graphic Design at the University of Staffordshire.

When I walked into the studio for the first time on open day, I remember feeling inspired.  The space was light, open, and full of creative energy.  I was first drawn to the course by the enthusiasm of the lecturers, the small class sizes, and the strong industry links. As a creative, I love being surrounded by people who think in similar ways and having the freedom to explore other mediums though out my studies.

The University of Staffordshire immediately stood out as somewhere that encourages creativity while offering real professional development, and that made the decision feel right from the start.  Because of the small class sizes, it’s easy to form strong bonds and support each other through projects.  Being part of such a close, like-minded group made my first semester incredibly enjoyable.

During my time here I have been supported and pushed to my very best. I’ve also stepped outside my comfort zone more times than I expected. Presenting my work to peers is something I normally dread, but the frequent practice has significantly boosted my confidence. I’m not naturally a public speaker, but each presentation has shown me what I’m capable of and helped me become more self-assured.

Teaching staff

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Samantha Owen

Senior Lecturer

Sam is a visual communicator with extensive industry-based agency experience working across a range of channels, sectors and communication disciplines including advertising, digital, moving image and print.

Samantha's profile
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Richard Mellor

Senior Lecturer

Award-winning graphic designer, creative director, lecturer and researcher with 30+ years’ industry experience. Richard has worked with global brands, led international creative teams, and now teaches Graphic Design at University of Staffordshire.

Richard's profile

Lisa Wolfe

Lecturer

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation

Your Offer Holder Events

You're now part of our offer holder community, and we've planned an exclusive programme of events to help you prepare for becoming a student. These include both virtual and on‑campus sessions.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation to our offer holder events - we'd love to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps.

Your first event will be an interactive session designed to bring your course to life, with real case studies, taster activities, and live challenges tailored to your interests. If you're taking exams this summer, you can get some great tips at our exam preparation session.

At other upcoming events, you'll be able to explore your accommodation options, and find out more about student support and opportunities to earn while you learn. We'll also keep you up to speed on all the key deadlines and next steps, so you are ready for September.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021