STUDY GRAPHIC DESIGN IN THE UK

Graphic Design is about communicating a message through the analysis, design and production of visual expressions for different media, platforms and audiences. With a focus on idea and concept development, the programme combines principles from traditional design and multimedia to create innovative methods of visual communication in both print and digital media. The increasing focus on social media and digital platforms has made graphic design an essential part of branding across a range of industries, helping to make graphic design an innovative and versatile discipline.
 

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIES

Graphic Design combines individual creativity with technical skills to create new and effective expressions of visual communication. There is a strong emphasis on innovation and experimentation to develop new ideas and create an individual approach to design and communication. The programme evolves alongside the media industry, which means that students often have access to the latest research and communication theory, as well as equipment and software from different areas of the design industry. The aim is for students to develop a versatile portfolio in preparation for an ever-evolving industry.  

This programme is suitable for those who are creative and good at communicating their ideas. You will need to demonstrate skills in visual composition, design, drawing, idea development or other visual forms of communication, as well as an interest in different media. You need to be solution-oriented and have the ability to think outside the box. It is a great advantage to have some technical skills, but it is not always a requirement as you can often learn these during your studies. It is also important that you can work both independently and as part of a team.

Throughout the programme you will receive a thorough introduction to the fundamental principles of design such as form, composition, movement, colour, texture and digital graphics from lecturers and technicians with many years' experience in the industry. You will also be introduced to a range of different media and industries, such as web design, advertising, TV, print, magazines, typography, etc., to give you an idea of the different directions within the design industry. You will be trained in a variety of different software, such as InDesign and Photoshop, and many universities also offer training in techniques and software from other fields, such as 3D, interactive design and virtual reality. You will learn the basics of communication and concept development, and how to communicate an idea to a specific audience. This is underpinned by theory in media studies, design strategy and audience analysis.
 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR STUDIES

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical studio work. Theoretical teaching is often given to larger groups or year groups, while you will be divided into smaller groups for seminars, workshops and tutorials. This gives you the opportunity to get to know your peers, tutors and to receive personal support throughout your studies. An important part of the Graphic Design course is constant feedback, both during your studies and on your work specifically. There is a strong emphasis on 'critiques' - where you show your work to fellow students and academics - as well as exhibitions, both on large and small scale, for the students at the university and, eventually, for the whole city. Most universities have their own third-year exhibition, often in London or other major UK or European cities, which is often attended by a wide-range of employers.  

Some universities offer specialist combined degrees in graphic design with photography, multimedia or illustration, but because graphic design is such a diverse discipline, most universities offer graphic design as a separate degree, so that you can choose different courses within the programme. This allows you to learn the basic principles of graphic design before choosing one or more specialisms or combinations to develop your work. As graphic design has become an important part of most industries around the world, there are often endless combinations and directions to choose from. Some examples are: multimedia, interactive media, 3D, animation, photography, print, advertising, communications, journalism and more. The programme places a strong emphasis on exploring new expressions and media, as many universities also encourage collaboration between different industries and disciplines to create something unique.
 

PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Our universities offer you the opportunity to complete a professional placement, either as part of a semester or a full year. Some universities also have their own mentoring programmes, where you can be paired with a company or graphic designer who can advise you during your studies and perhaps offer you an internship (and sometimes a job) once you graduate! If you want to study part of your course in another country, this may also possible as many of our partner universities offer work placements around the world, ranging from a few weeks to a whole semester or year.  

These opportunities vary from university to university, so get in touch with us at Across the Pond and we can help you find what works best for you!
 

MASTER'S DEGREE IN ONE YEAR

There are several master's degrees in graphic design that allow you to specialise in one or more areas of the industry. It is also possible to take a master's degree in another media or design discipline, or in a completely different subject. For the master's programme, most universities will require a bachelor's degree in graphic design or other graphic studies, or relevant work experience with equivalent qualifications. However, it is also possible to apply to master's programmes from other backgrounds with a portfolio that demonstrates technical or artistic competence equivalent to the level of a bachelor's degree. In the UK, you can complete a master's degree in one year, compared to two years in Canada. We at Across the Pond will be happy to send you suggestions for courses that suit you.
 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The portfolio will be a large part of the admissions process for all art and design courses, and universities place a lot of emphasis on it. In addition to the portfolio, the statement of purpose (or personal statement) is an important part of the application process, so we put a lot of emphasis on working with you to make your application the best it can be!
 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Graphic design has become an increasingly important part of branding and communication in today's marketplace, and with a degree in graphic design you will have the opportunity to work in a number of different industries including design, advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, web, media production, social media and more. You can choose to work in your own design company, or you can choose to work permanently in companies that have their own media/design team. Many graphic design students also choose to work freelance or start their own business, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to study graphic design.  

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If this is an area you’re interested in pursuing, your personal Across the Pond advisor will be happy to send you suggestions for studies that will suit your interests and align with your academic history.  

With the assistance of your Across the Pond advisor, you will have someone who can help you with information about admission requirements (these can vary depending on your Canadian province or university), which studies are available at bachelor's and master's level and help find the studies and universities that best suit you with your background, grades, desire to study and possibly place of study.  

As the studies and universities all have different criteria and levels, it is unfortunately impossible to state all the nuances here on this page, so to get the most accurate information tailored to you and your wishes, get in touch with one of our advisors.

All help from us is free and without obligation.