Postgradute courses in Graphic Design

We often take advertising and graphics for granted. We sometimes forget to stop and think “who designed that?”, “What thought process went into that?”

Well, if you want to be the face behind the graphics, now is your time to develop your career. It’s a new year which means new opportunities and fresh starts so why not add to your education?

If you dream of becoming a graphic designer, look now further. Just keep reading!

What is a graphic designer?

Graphic designers design different graphics that are used within the media. Examples are magazines, advertisements, labels and signs. 

What does a graphic designer do?

The day to day roles and responsibilities for graphic designers can differ from day to day and depending on what project they may be working on. Graphic designers mostly work 9-5 style jobs and office hours and the largest amount of opportunities can be found in big cities such as London. General tasks carried out include:

• Build relationships with clients and understand their requirements 
• Determine client budgets for their proposed ideas 
• Design, print and produce client proposals
• Advising on different styles, fonts, graphics and timescales of projects
• Create logos and graphics for company websites and advertising 
• Decide the font, size and layout of projects
• Prepare rough drafts and present them to clients
• Review final changes and make changes/advise clients 
• Ensure deadlines are met by others you must work with ie. printers

Courses

There are quite a number of graphic design courses to choose from across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study part time and full time and under current Covid-19 restriction, some universities may have their own plans. It is important to research a specific course in full. Examples of courses on offer are:

Digital and Visual Communication

Students will gain the opportunity to develop their creative design abilities as well as learn about marketing, branding skills and knowledge they will need in order to work in a competitive field. You will gain skills and experience in a broad range of digital and visual communication theory and practice.

Graphic Design

Postgraduate courses in graphic design are aimed at those who wish to enhance their portfolios and expand their knowledge in their field. Students will develop in areas such as entrepreneurial, creative and technical skills and have the ability to take original approaches and solutions to visual communication design issues. 

Graphic Design and Art Direction

These courses are a spin on the usual graphic design courses. They are aimed at creative practitioners who wish to advance in the field of visual communication. The aim is to challenge students to question their thinking and develop analytical skills in generic design as well as work independently and within groups in order to deliver innovative results. 

Entry Requirements

Each course may differ in their specific entry requirements, however, most require an honours  degree (2.2 or above). Some courses may prefer a 2.1 honours degree while others require a 2.1 in a relevant field. Each individual course requirements can be found on course overviews or on University websites. 

Salary expectation

The salary of a graphic designer can change depending on location, experience and who you are working for. The average salary for a graphic designer in London is believed to be around £28,873. Freelance graphic designers may earn around £15,000. All figures are based off estimates. 

Potential Employers

Potential employers of graphic designers include:

• Advertising companies
• Brand agencies
• Media publishers – books, magazines, newspapers
• Television and broadcast companies
• The packaging industry
• In-house graphic design

Skills and requirements

• Excellent IT skills
• Ability to use photo-editing and software
• Good time management skills
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail 
• Very accurate with work
• Keep up with the latest trends in a commercial environment  
• Strong communication skills
• Good writing skills