Are you ready to flaunt your creative flair out to the world? Then, studying Graphic Design is one way to begin. Come with us to explore notions of Graphic Design along with some recommended universities to study Graphic Design in the UK.
What is Graphic Design?
Setting some groundwork, or otherwise, sketching a draft, let’s uncover the answer to ‘What is Graphic Design?’
Graphic Design is responsible for conveying messages through elements of design. Graphic Design takes on various forms of artworks, which includes printed materials like postcards, catalogues, business cards, as well as digital interfaces and designs. Essentially, Graphic Design is very relevant and presents itself in many things of our everyday lives.
Graphic Design is an example of visual storytelling. It uses many design elements, like typography, layout, shapes, colour, patterns, and more, to convey messages or ideas. Not to forget, for a design to ‘wow’ the audience, these design factors are at play.
Graphic Designers can have careers in many different fields and areas. They can venture into advertising, marketing, visual branding, product packaging, web and game design, and even publishing.
Types of Graphic Design
- Art & Illustration Graphic Design
Graphic Designers focusing on art or illustration will work on various media compositions with Graphic Artists who create original illustrations alongside other team collaborators. This team can work on album art, book covers, children’s books, comics, stock images, and infographics.
- Motion Graphic Design
As the name goes, Motion Graphic Design is any design with motion. This includes animation and videos that can become trailers, promotional videos, advertisements, and even the opening and ending credits scenes you can catch in films or tv shows.
- Print & Publication Graphic Design
This type of Graphic Design is homage to classic traditional print mediums. Print & Publication Graphic Design keeps print mediums like magazines, brochures, catalogues, directories, and many more alive and well.
- User Interface Graphic Design
Graphic Designers working in User Interface (UI) addresses aesthetic appeal and technical functionalities in applications or devices. This type of Graphic Design focuses on onscreen graphic elements like menus and buttons. Additionally, they work on app designs, web design, and game interfaces.
- Visual Identity Graphic Design
The Visual Identity Graphic Design mainly has to do with branding of businesses. These Graphic Designers will collaborate with companies to create their brand identities through various visual elements like logos and colour palettes.
Skills Required to Study Graphic Design
- Creativity
Creativity is a skill integral to Graphic Design. The skill is a must in order to generate new ideas and come up with fresh designs, which would make others stop and stare while also conveying intended messages.
- Attention to Detail
There are many intricate details which could affect how a design turns out and how it is interpreted. For instance, the layout of a poster could affect which part of the poster will be concentrated on. In this way, attention to detail is a skill crucial in Graphic Design.
- Technical Knowledge
Technical knowledge of principles, such as typography, scale, colour, alignments, white space, movement, and using design softwares, are essential in Graphic Design. Of course, these skills can be developed with more time, effort, and practice.
- Time Management
Juggling with multiple design projects on top of other responsibilities is not easy! That’s why time management is crucial in ensuring you can keep up with dreaded deadlines through proper planning.
- Communication
In order to justify design decisions, good communication skills are needed. When studying Graphic Design, this is something you might have to do a lot! – especially when presenting designs to ensure lecturers and peers comprehend your creative vision.
Career Options for Graphic Design Graduates
Here are some career options that Graphic Design graduates can venture into:
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Illustrator
- Web Designer
- UI/UX Designer
- Art Director
- Exhibition Designer
- Production Designers
- Interior and Spatial Designer
- Digital and Advertising Copywriter
The reported average annual base salary for Graphic Designers in the UK is £27,644. This may vary depending on the region you are based in.
General Entry Requirements to Study Graphic Design in the UK
Academic Entry
Do take into consideration that some programmes might ask you to show your art or design portfolio as an entry requirement.
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
A-Levels | BBC |
IB Diploma | 29 |
UEC | Grade B5 or Above in 5 Relevant Subjects |
STPM | CCC |
Matriculation | CCC |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 85 |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | 80 |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL | 92 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 67 |
SPM 1119 | C |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Top Universities for Graphic Design in the UK
1.University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a notable tertiary education learning institution. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, rest assured academic excellence is promised. Leeds has its origins as an academic institution traced back from the year 1831, and has since developed into a renowned university ranked in the top 100 among universities globally.
The University of Leeds could be your study destination for a Graphic Design degree. Leeds offers the Graphic and Communication Design BA programme where students will aim to create designs which have a powerful social and economic impact. Aside from optional industrial placement, students also have the chance for study abroad.
Programme Offered | Graphic and Communication Design BA |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £26,500 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Coventry University
Coventry University, sometimes CU, is a renowned higher education provider in the UK. It was initially founded as the Coventry School of Design in 1843. The city of Coventry is named as one of the Best Student Cities in 2024, so, rest assured students will have memorable moments and a conducive learning environment if they decide to enrol in the university.
The Graphic Design BA (Hons) course offered through Coventry University is one which seeks graduates to become all-rounders in the Graphic Design professional field. Alongside the comprehensive curriculum, students of the programme will have the chance for work placement opportunities and even cultural visits to international universities. These are done as efforts to sharpen their potential in finding their voices, growing their knowledge, and nurturing their skills during their studies.
Programme Offered | Graphic Design BA (Hons) |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | January, September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £19,850 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is a public research university in the UK with history dating back to its founding year, 1843. Sheffield Hallam University prides itself as one of the largest universities with a diverse campus community. Students get to enjoy accessible facilities such as 24-hour libraries, student-designed study areas, excellent sports facilities, perfect for their academic endeavours.
In the BA (Honours) Graphic Design programme by Sheffield Hallam University, students are encouraged to nurture their own personal identity and style through experimentation and a risk-based approach to learning design. Students of the programme will also have opportunities for industrial placement, annual field trips, along with national and international competitions, as well as the university’s annual Future Now Festival of Creativity, where students curate and exhibit their work.
Programme Offered | BA (Honours) Graphic Design |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £16,655 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.
