Studying Graphic Design and Illustration in the UK

Graphic design is the visual communication and aesthetic expression of ideas and experiences using images, words, graphic elements, and tools. Graphic designers plan, visualise, implement and execute the designs for the targeted customers. Research work and knowledge of computer software are also part of their job.

A UK degree in graphic design opens the door to excellent employment options. If you want to study graphic design in the UK. In that case, SI-UK’s Arts & Design Application Service can guide you through the process step by step and offer expert advice on portfolio creation from a practising art academic.

Learn more about the UK's leading graphic design degrees below (Guardian University Guide 2025). If you would like to apply, arrange a free consultation today.

Top 10 Universities to Study Graphic Design and Illustration in the UK

Here are the following top 10 universities in the UK are renowned for their graphic design and illustration programs:

1. Teesside University

Teesside University stands out as a premier choice for aspiring graphic designers because it holds national recognition as the top-ranked institution for Graphic Design in the prestigious Guardian University Guide, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence and quality education. Moreover, as Europe's inaugural Adobe Creative Campus and the sole Apple-accredited university, Teesside provides students access to advanced digital tools and resources essential for thriving in the modern creative landscape. Students can immerse themselves in workshops and explore innovative techniques, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve with built-in Creative Weeks each semester. 

The university's professional memberships, such as the Association of Illustrators, offer invaluable networking opportunities and industry insights, empowering students to kickstart their careers confidently. Teesside's focus on real-world readiness is evident through career-focused modules and support for entering prestigious awards like the Adobe Global World Championships and D&AD New Blood Awards, paving the way for success in the competitive graphic design industry.

• Suggested course: Graphic Design BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: 96-112 points, including a creative subject and English language requirements
• International fees: £17,000 a year

2. Loughborough University

Loughborough University is known for its excellence for those aspiring to pursue graphic design, offering a wealth of compelling reasons to choose this esteemed institution. The Graphic Design BA program has strong ties with industry, providing students with invaluable opportunities to collaborate on projects with renowned companies such as Reebok, Swarovski, and H&M. Students are encouraged to showcase their talents and gain recognition by participating in esteemed competitions like D&AD Graphic Design and Illustration Student Briefs and the Association of Illustrators’ Images. 

Led by academic experts and industry veterans, the course curriculum is designed to nurture creativity and innovation, empowering students to thrive in the dynamic field. With many career pathways available, including photography, art direction, publishing, and branding, graduates from Loughborough University are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in diverse industries. The university's award-winning Careers Network provides comprehensive support services, including CV workshops, mock interview practice sessions, and high-profile employer events. 

• Suggested course: Graphic Design BA (Hons) degree
• Entry requirements: Standard XII school leaving qualifications, IB scores, and English language requirements
• International fees: £23,000

3. Oxford Brookes University

At Oxford Brookes University, Graphic Design isn't just about following a set path. It's about discovering a unique approach to visual problem-solving. Students gain technical proficiency and develop critical and conceptual skills highly sought by the creative industries. The emphasis on real-world experience means students can tackle live briefs from reputable organisations like WeGlimpse, Greenpeace, and Extinction Rebellion. It allows them to hone their design solutions while meeting client's needs and expectations.

The curriculum goes beyond the digital realm, encouraging students to explore practical skills such as letterpress and bookbinding, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of design. Sustainability is at the heart of Oxford Brookes. Students will explore how to design with green credentials, work with recycled materials, and understand the environmental implications of contemporary design practices. The course structure fosters ample opportunities for students to work together across artistic disciplines, enriching the learning experience. 

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• Entry requirements: UCAS Tariff Points: 112, A Level: BBC, IB Points: 30 and English language requirements
• International fees: £15,950

4. Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University offers an exceptional opportunity for students looking to embark on a vibrant career in graphic design. It has a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering industry-standard education. The faculty, led by passionate practitioners and seasoned academics, ensures students receive industry insights and connections throughout their journey. The curriculum emphasises opportunity modules, allowing you to explore diverse areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, enhancing your versatility and marketability.

Ranked highly for its response to the cost-of-living crisis, learning opportunities, student support, and student satisfaction, Buckinghamshire New University ensures that students receive top-notch education and support at every step. Suppose students want to immerse in the dynamic world of graphic design and visual communication. In that case, the Buckinghamshire New University course offers the perfect blend of theory, practice, and real-world experience to help them thrive in their creative endeavours. 

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• Entry requirements: UCAS tariff score of 88 - 112, Higher Education certificate in a relevant subject, and English language requirements
• International fees: £15,000 per year

5. Kingston University London

Kingston University boasts an impressive track record, ranked No.1 in London and Top 5 in the UK for Graphic Design, according to The Guardian University Guide 2024. The Graphic Design course sees 84% of students either employed in highly skilled positions or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation, per the Graduate Outcomes Survey. 

The course produces top-tier graduates who secure positions in renowned creative agencies and companies worldwide, including industry giants like Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Google. The UK's first degree, the Illustration Animation BA (Hons) program, empowers undergraduates with creative freedom while combining narrative and time-based subjects. Taught within the esteemed Department of Illustration Animation, this course fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and provides access to highly developed facilities for experimentation and prototyping. 

• Suggested course: Illustration Animation BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: UCAS tariff points: 120-136, portfolio in digital format, and English language requirements
• International fees: £18,400 per year

6. University of Lincoln

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design at the University of Lincoln is designed to equip students with the skills and creativity needed to thrive in the dynamic design industry. It offers an immersive experience, allowing students to develop visually compelling narratives for diverse mediums such as branding, packaging, filmmaking, and animation. The course features access to state-of-the-art technology and professional workshop facilities, providing hands-on experience in both commercial and socially conscious projects. Students are encouraged to build a personal design portfolio while participating in international competitions to test their skills.

With strong links to industry, workshops led by visiting experts, and an optional study visit to New York, the programme also includes the possibility of pursuing a foundation year for alternative entry.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• International fees: £17,900 per year

7=. University of Reading

For students aspiring to excel in Graphic Design for their higher studies, the University of Reading in the UK is an outstanding choice. Students delve into various design principles while addressing user needs, focusing on practical projects spanning digital and print media. The department boasts a stellar faculty, with 100% of students affirming the teaching staff's effectiveness in the National Student Survey 2023. The university's research excellence, 95% rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, ensures students receive advanced insights and methodologies. The hands-on learning environment is enriched by access to dedicated 24-hour studio spaces and renowned graphic design collections, providing a comprehensive understanding of design history. 

Students also benefit from placements with esteemed organisations like IBM Design and Oxford University Press, gaining invaluable real-world experience and industry feedback. The opportunity to study abroad in partner institutions during the second year further broadens students' horizons, making the University of Reading an ideal destination for Indian students seeking a competitive edge in the global graphic design landscape.

• Suggested course: BA Graphic Communication
• Entry requirements: A Levels - BBB, IB scores 30 overall, and English language requirements through IELTS with a score of 6.0 overall
• International fees: £22,350 per year

7=. University of the Arts London

University of the Arts London (UAL), specifically at Central Saint Martins, offers various learning opportunities for students. Central Saint Martins is renowned for its world-class education, as evidenced by the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in 2013, recognising the excellence of its Product and Industrial Design courses. The institution boasts ground-breaking expertise with its faculty and alumni associated with iconic products like the first laptop computer, the London Routemaster bus, and the Apple iPhone. 

The course's emphasis on sustainability studies sets it apart, with a dedicated program to foster eco-literacy and explore responsible design practices. By questioning the impact of product design on production and consumption contexts, students explore the necessary skills and mindset for sustainable and ethical design solutions. Central Saint Martins has a remarkable track record of industry success, producing more Royal Designers for Industry in Graphic Design than any other undergraduate course. For Indian students seeking a comprehensive and impactful Graphic Design education, UAL's Central Saint Martins stands out as a premier choice.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design
• Entry requirements: 120 UCAS tariff points, IB scores: 26, and English language requirements through IELTS with a score of 6.0 overall
• International fees: £28,570 per year

9. University of Bolton

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree at the University of Bolton prepares students for the evolving world of graphic design, focusing on combining creativity with technical expertise. The programme offers a balanced approach, blending hands-on practical assignments with theoretical understanding. Students engage with various media forms, including photography, illustration, and typography, to create compelling visual content for digital and traditional platforms.

With access to industry-standard software and traditional design techniques such as woodblock and screen printing, students develop a strong portfolio throughout the course. The curriculum also emphasises critical thinking and professional skills, offering opportunities to work on client-led briefs, internships, and live projects.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• Entry requirements: 96 UCAS points. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative and art and design-related subjects are preferred. You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. The quality of the portfolio/interview is the primary basis on which applicants are selected
• International fees: £15,950

10. Liverpool John Moores

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Liverpool John Moores University is a well-regarded course known for nurturing innovative designers and illustrators, making graduates highly sought after by employers. This programme, part of the Liverpool School of Art and Design for over 40 years, encourages students to develop a broad range of skills while becoming independent and creative thinkers. The course places emphasis on both traditional techniques and emerging technologies, fostering a studio culture that supports play, experimentation, and research-driven practice.

Throughout the programme, students engage in studio-based projects, contextual studies, and professional development, with the opportunity to specialise in either Graphic Design or Illustration in the second year. With strong industry links, students also benefit from internships, collaborations, and live briefs, providing excellent preparation for careers in the creative sector.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration
• International fees: £18,250

Graphic Design Degrees

Entry requirements

• Typical A-Level Offer: ABB including Mathematics and English
• International Baccalaureate Requirement: 32 points
• Academic Qualification for Post Graduation: A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in graphic design or a related subject like graphic communication, computer-related design, architecture or fine art | Demonstration of cognitive and technical skills through a strong portfolio and experimental work experience is essentially required.
• English speaking Requirement: IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5

Careers options

• Creative Director
• Advertising Art Director
• Animator
• Layout artist
• Brand Identity Designer
• Illustrator
• Logo Designer
• Flash Designer
• Production Designer
• Fine Artist
• Web Designer
• Multimedia Designer
• Prepress Technician

Study Graphic Design in the UK

If you are interested in graphic design in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.

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