Graphic design is a creative and in-demand field using art and technology to craft eye catching visuals. If you love art, storytelling and computer design wizardry, being a graphic designer could be the perfect fit for you.
Updated: 01 Dec 2025
Graphic designers bring ideas to life by developing creative concepts and turning them into eye-catching designs. They work closely with clients or teams to shape a project’s look and feel. Tools like Photoshop or Illustrator are used to create everything from logos, branding and adverts to websites, product packaging and social media graphics.
A graphic designer sketches ideas, builds drafts, refines designs based on feedback, and stays up to date with design trends and software. In today’s digital world almost every business needs good design, so skilled graphic designers are highly sought after.
Becoming a pro graphic designer requires both creative flair and practical abilities. Key skills and qualities include:
Creative flair: Got a great eye for colours, fonts and layout? You’re in the right place.
Detail-obsessed: Tiny tweaks matter. Think pixel-perfect alignment and crisp visuals.
Teamwork: You’ll need to share ideas clearly and work well with others.
Tech-savvy: Confident with design software like Adobe.
Quick on your feet: Clients change their minds. A lot. Flexibility is key.
Calm under pressure: Juggling multiple deadlines? Good time management and organisation will help.
GCSEs: Usually at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths.
A-levels or equivalents: Typically, two or three A-levels are required. Art, design, media, or ICT are useful subjects. A BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design is an alternative option.
Foundation diploma: Some students take a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design after GCSEs. This is a practical course that prepares you for university and is accepted in lieu of A-levels on some degree courses.
Work experience: Paid or unpaid, this can really boost your application. Try volunteering for a charity, applying for internships at creative agencies, or gaining experience at publishers and media companies.
The most direct route is a BA or BDes in Graphic Design or Communication Design. Depending on the university, you might see courses named Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration and Graphic Arts, or Creative Media. These cover similar ground.
Examples include:
BA Graphic Design and Animation
BA Graphic Design and Photography
BA Graphic Design with Typography
BA Graphic Design
BA Graphic Design Communication
BDes Graphic Design and Illustration
Graphic Design degree entry requirement at university ranges from 104 – 130 UCAS points (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 also required.
NEXT: Check out graphic design degree courses
Studying graphic design at uni is all about learning by doing. Most of your time will be spent in studios or workshops, experimenting with tools such as Photoshop and InDesign while picking up design theory on things like colour, typography and layout. You’ll work on creative briefs, like branding a fictional company and build a portfolio you’ll be proud to show off.
There’s usually a mix of solo and group work, plus the chance to get feedback in crit sessions, just like in a real design studio. Some courses include placements or exhibitions, giving you a taste of industry life. Degrees usually last three years full time or four with a foundation year. By the time you graduate, you’ll have hands-on experience, a solid portfolio, and strong creative and teamwork skills under your belt.
Degree apprenticeships
You can become a graphic designer through an apprenticeship in the creative and design sector. You'll work and study at the same time, usually part-time over a similar length as a standard degree. These courses are organised by employers, who also cover the cost of your training. Entry requirements vary depending on both the employer and the training provider.
To explore current opportunities, visit Find an apprenticeship.
Postgraduate options
Many universities offer postgraduate graphic design degrees, which can help you move into this area if you have a related art or design undergraduate degree. These courses typically take one year full-time or two years part-time to complete. It’s also an option if you’re a graphic designer wanting to specialise in a particular area.
NEXT: Use our postgraduate course search to find out more.
A graphic design degree opens several career paths. Many grads start as junior graphic designers at creative agencies, in marketing teams, publishers or tech companies. Others freelance or work in related fields like web design.
With experience you could move up to senior designer, art director or creative director roles or even start your own design business. Some designers branch into UX/UI design or digital marketing roles. A few go into teaching design or take a postgraduate degree to specialise further.
Professional bodies can help your career after university. For example, joining the Chartered Society of Designers or the International Society of Typographic Designers provides networking, resources and credibility.
Graduate starting salaries for graphic designers are roughly £20,000–£25,000, rising to £35,000–£40,000 or more with experience. Your salary will improve as you build your portfolio, specialise, or take on senior roles. Location and size of organisation can also affect your earning potential.
When applying to uni, you’ll need to showcase your creativity and commitment. Key tips include:
Build a show stopping portfolio – Show off your best stuff! Mix it up with sketches, logos, posters, or even made-up brand designs. Create your own mock projects to show what you can do.
Shout about your skills – Your personal statement is your hype reel. Mention tools you know like Adobe, your design style, and anything cool you’ve worked on.
Get real-world experience – Freelance, intern, volunteer, anything to prove you’ve got hands-on skills. Even designing posters for a local event shows initiative.
Ace your interview or portfolio review – Be ready to talk through your designs: what you made, why you made it, and what you learned. Bonus points for keeping up with current trends.
Show you're all in – Be passionate, curious, and specific. Mention course modules or uni studios that really interest you, anything that proves you're serious about design.
Want to hear what current graphic design students really think? Iona, a 1st year, studying BA Graphic Design at UWE, Bristol says: “My uni campus is in the centre of Bristol which is perfect for my subject as it is a very creative city.”
NEXT: Read more student reviews here.
Is it hard to become a graphic designer?
Not if you're creative and up for learning. You’ll build skills as you go so no need to be an art genius to start with.
Is graphic design a good career choice?
Yes. Graphic design is a growing field in the UK, driven by the rise of digital media.
Will I learn professional design software at university?
Definitely. Most courses cover industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign from the ground up. You’ll graduate with digital skills used by working professionals.
Do I need to be great at drawing to study graphic design?
Not necessarily. Some drawing skills help, but creativity and a willingness to learn are more important.
How long does it take to become a graphic designer?
With a uni course, about three years. A degree apprenticeship might take a bit longer while you work and train. Either way, you’ll start building your portfolio from day one and could land junior roles even before you graduate.
Ready to start your journey? Click below to explore graphic design degree courses on Whatuni and find the best fit for you.
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