• Graphic Design BA 

• Graphic Design Communication BA 

• Graphic Design and Illustration BDes 

• Graphic Design and Animation BA  

• Graphic Design and Photography BA 

• Graphic Design with Typography BA 

Several options include an industry placement year as part of the course. 

What do you need to get onto a Graphic Design degree?

Must have  

Typical entry requirements for a Graphic Design degree at a university range from 104 – 130 UCAS points although courses including a foundation year may be less. This could include the qualifications below: 

• A Levels: BBB–CCC 

• BTECs: DMM–MMM 

• Scottish Highers: BBBB–ABCC 

• International Baccalaureate: 32–26 

• An interview or portfolio of your work is often required by universities  

Good to have  

• Art, design and essay-based subjects at A Level (or equivalent) 

(GCSE grades may also be considered) 

• Relevant voluntary experience, perhaps with an arts organisation  

• Work experience or shadowing in a related occupation such as a design agency, print workshop, marketing company  

• Evidence of developing your artistic skills and knowledge via online research, art resources and extra courses

What topics does a Graphic Design degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include: 

• Introduction to Graphic Design  

• Cultural theory  

• Graphic Design practice  

• Provocations  

• Images 

• Design thinking, making, reflecting and writing  

• Critical analysis  

• Visual communication  

• Typography

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through: 

• Continuous coursework assessment 

• Essays 

• Exams 

• In-class reviews 

• Placement and portfolio assessments  

• Presentations 

• A dissertation 

Why study Graphic Design?

Career-specific skills: 

• Knowledge of graphic design practice and how it influences creative direction 

• Drawing and illustration skills  

• Relevant software programmes such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop 

Transferable skills: 

• Attention to detail   

• °ä´Ç±ô±ô²¹²ú´Ç°ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

• Critical and analytical thinking   

• ±Ê°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

• ¸é±ð²õ±ð²¹°ù³¦³ó &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

• Written communication 

• Team working  

• Project management 

• Time management 

Professional accreditations: 

• Some degree courses may be accredited by the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) or the 

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Graphic Design degree?

Some universities offer Graphic Design students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible, how to apply, and what it will cover such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

There are several different roles open to you with a Graphic Design degree, some more obvious than others including: 

• Graphic designer 

• Illustrator  

• Artworker 

• Animator  

• Web designer 

• Exhibition designer  

• Digital marketer  

• Printmaker 

• Fine artist  

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK: 

• Graphic Design and Visualisation MA 

• Communication Design MA 

• Graphic Design and Art Direction MFA 

• Graphic Design and Illustration MA 

• Graphic Design for Health Care PGCert

Similar subjects to Graphic Design

Other subject areas that you might want to consider include: 

• Animation

• Art and Design

• Art Therapy

• Digital Marketing

• Interior Design

• Product Design