Graphic Designer

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject like:

• graphic design
• art and design
• communication design
• illustration

Getting work experience during your course will give you an advantage when you start applying for jobs. Talk to your university careers service about work experience, internship and year placement opportunities, as well as any support offered to help you build a portfolio.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could take a college course in graphic design or art and design, and use this to join a company as a design assistant.

You would need a good portfolio to showcase your skills to employers.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Career tips

There's a lot of competition for graphic design work. You'll need a portfolio that shows your creative ideas, skills and work experience to help you get started.

Experience of using publishing software will also give you an advantage.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Society of Designers and the International Society of Typographical Designers for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.