BA (Hons) Branding, Experience and Retail Design

The BA (Hons) Branding, Experience and Retail Design is validated by the University of Hertfordshire.

UCAS Code: W290
Institution Code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)

To apply for the course please click here for the UCAS application form. Please use the above codes.

This exciting degree explores how brands communicate through both physical and digital touchpoints, preparing you to work at the forefront of creative industries where design, storytelling, and technology intersect. You’ll investigate how visual identity, styling, and spatial environments shape the way audiences connect with brands, while also experimenting with immersive technologies such as AR and VR.

The programme combines practical studio culture with academic rigour, giving you the chance to learn through making, testing, and refining ideas in real world contexts. With live briefs, industry collaborations, and opportunities to exhibit your work publicly, you’ll graduate as a confident, adaptable designer equipped with the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to thrive in branding, retail, and experiential design.

The BA (Hons) Branding, Experience and Retail Design programme is validated by the University of Hertfordshire and you can read more comprehensive course information here.

What will I be doing?

Throughout the course you will explore the interconnected worlds of branding, identity, and visual communication, alongside styling, visual merchandising, and retail display. You’ll learn how to design immersive experiences, exhibitions, and spatial storytelling projects that bring brands to life in both physical and digital environments. A strong emphasis is placed on experimentation, encouraging you to combine traditional design practices with emerging technologies such as AR, VR, and interactive media.

As you progress, you’ll develop creative strategies, audience insights, and brand storytelling concepts that respond to real world challenges. Practical studio work is central to your learning, supported by live briefs, competitions, and industry facing projects that mirror professional practice. You’ll also have opportunities to showcase your work in end of year exhibitions and external venues, building a portfolio that reflects your individual creative direction and prepares you for the next stage of your career.

Modules you will study include:
Year 1 (Level 4): Foundations of Creative Practice

Creative Influences and Influencers (30 Credits)
Retail and Style Studio (30 Credits)
Brand Studio (30 Credits)
Developing Designs (30 Credits)

Year 2 (Level 5): Developing Direction and Industry Awareness

Industry Insight (30 Credits)
Experience Design (30 Credits)
Innovation Lab (30 Credits)
Creative Strategy (30 Credits)

Year 3 (Level 6): Creative Independence and Professional Readiness

Professional Toolkit (30 Credits)
Design for Change (30 Credits)
Final Major Project (60 Credits)

For more information regarding the above modules please click here.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment on this course is entirely coursework based, designed to reflect the way creative professionals work in industry. You’ll be evaluated through a combination of practical projects, portfolios, and reflective writing, with regular feedback to help you refine your ideas and develop confidence in presenting your work. This approach ensures that your progress is measured through the quality of your creative output and your ability to communicate concepts effectively.

You’ll engage in a variety of assessment types such as:

Design portfolios and campaign work
Practical outcomes such as models, installations, and immersive experiences
Research journals and reflective writing
Presentations and critiques
Industry style briefs and live project responses
Regular formative feedback through tutorials, critiques, and peer discussions

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need to purchase a course kit, which costs approximately £150. We’ll provide a detailed list of kit items to ensure you have everything you need before starting the course. Additionally, throughout the programme, you’ll need to buy general materials and production services to complete your module assignment briefs.

Entry Requirements

104 UCAS points (from A Levels, BTEC, or equivalent qualifications)Applications are welcomed from students with creative portfolios and non-traditional backgrounds

Fee information

£8800 for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. See https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only.

There may be opportunities for trips and visits organised, these will be at an additional charge for the students.

If you are funded by Student Finance England (SFE) we advise you to contact the university’s funding team (funding@herts.ac.uk) to discuss potential funding implications before making a decision on any changes to your course, mode of study, dormancy or withdrawal. Changes to your course can potentially cause overpayments of the maintenance loan and cause ineligibility for future tuition fee loan funding from SFE https://ask.herts.ac.uk/student-loans-company-change-of-circumstances-coc

Added Extras

Alongside your core studies, you’ll benefit from access to sector leading facilities including a photography studio, motion capture equipment, and store quality display windows. These resources allow you to experiment with immersive technologies, professional content creation, and full scale retail installations, ensuring your projects are ambitious and industry ready.

Industry engagement is a key part of the programme. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with external companies offering live briefs, as well as take part in guest lectures, competitions, and study trips to London and beyond. These experiences help you build confidence, expand your creative networks, and understand current professional expectations.

You can follow our current students’ creative exploits on Instagram @creative_enterprise_hub, where their projects and exhibitions are regularly showcased. You will also have the chance to manage and curate your own exhibitions in our stunning David Gentleman Gallery, as well as at external venues, giving you valuable experience in professional presentation.

Tailored support is provided throughout the course to help you develop your professional portfolio, CV, and online presence. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong creative identity and the tools to transition successfully into industry or further study.

What can I do next?

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including:

Brand Designer / Brand Strategist
Retail or Visual Merchandising Designer
Experience / Exhibition Designer
Graphic Designer or Creative Artworker
Stylist, Set or Prop Designer
AR/VR Content Designer or Interaction Designer
Freelance Designer or Creative Consultant

Transferable skills also open pathways into marketing, content creation, events, and customer experience design. Many graduates progress to postgraduate study or establish independent creative practices.

Further information

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