Belhaven University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational art and design principles with contemporary digital practices. Early-semester work typically covers drawing, colour theory, design fundamentals, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional studio courses. Core design modules include typography, branding and identity, digital imaging, web design and responsive layout, user experience (UX) basics, and motion graphics. Applied courses focus on production processes for print and digital media, photography for designers, packaging, and wayfinding systems.

Students also complete professional practice units such as portfolio development, capstone design projects, and internship or practicum experiences with local studios, agencies or cultural institutions. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal-arts core, with options to take complementary subjects such as business fundamentals, marketing, and art history. As a Christian university, Belhaven integrates opportunities to reflect on vocation, ethics and the cultural role of the arts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a secondary school completion qualification or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a portfolio of recent work demonstrating observational drawing, layout or design samples, and creative thinking—digital or physical pieces are usually accepted. Some applicants may be asked to submit a written statement explaining their interest in design and career goals.

Belhaven considers academic records alongside artistic potential; recommended supporting materials include a transcript, one or more letters of recommendation, and, for transfer applicants, college transcripts showing prior credits. Mature applicants with relevant experience are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where applicable, applicants should check specific audition or portfolio submission guidance provided by the School of Fine Arts.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of creative and applied-design careers. Common roles include graphic designer, web and interface designer, UX/UI specialist, motion graphics artist, packaging designer, production artist, and illustrator. With additional experience or postgraduate study, alumni progress into art direction, creative leadership, brand strategy, and user-research roles.

The programme’s emphasis on portfolio development and internships prepares students for employment in advertising and design agencies, publishing and media companies, in-house design teams, cultural organisations and as independent freelancers. Some graduates also continue into postgraduate study in design, fine arts, or related fields such as marketing or interaction design.

Why study at Belhaven University

• Small-class teaching: Belhaven’s smaller cohorts mean close mentorship from faculty with professional design and studio experience, enabling personalised critique and portfolio guidance.
• Integrated liberal arts and vocation: The programme combines practical design training with a broader liberal-arts education and opportunities to explore faith, ethics and the societal role of visual culture.
• Practical facilities and internships: Students have access to dedicated studio space and digital labs and are supported to undertake internships and community-facing projects that build real-world experience.
• Portfolio and career support: Focused coursework on professional practice, capstone projects and career services helps students prepare a market-ready portfolio and make industry connections.