Study Graphic Design, why & how to study

If you have a flair for communicating ideas in a visual way, a qualification in graphic design could be for you. Find out why and how to study graphic design at uni

CHOOSING A COURSE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 28 Oct 2025

What’s Graphic Design?
What Graphic Design degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Graphic Design degree?
What topics does a Graphic Design degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Graphic Design?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Graphic Design degree?
What do Graphic Design graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Graphic Design graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Graphic Design
Have any questions?

What’s Graphic Design?

Graphic design is about creating visual content that communicates messages and ideas to an audience. Many different elements make up a design including colour, typography, line, shape, size and space to name a few.

Graphic design also follows certain design principles such as simplicity, proximity, continuity and symmetry to help grab people’s attention.

What Graphic Design degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Graphic Design degrees on offer in the UK include:

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  
Collaboration  
Critical and analytical thinking  
Presentation 
Research 
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 Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)

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.

What do Graphic Design graduates earn?

As a junior graphic designer, your salary may be around £23,000. Earnings will vary a lot, depending on the size of the company you work for and the geographical area, with salaries for more experienced designers ranging from £25,000–£38,000 a year. Those in a more senior position may go on to earn between £40,000 and £55,000.

Read more about what graduates do and earn.