Master graphic design in 2024 by pursuing any one of the 9 courses in London listed in this article. This guide will offer key details regarding the curriculum, duration, and tuition for each course mentioned in this list to help you find the one for you.
London is home to several esteemed design institutes that cater to individuals keen on pursuing courses in graphic design. To ensure a comprehensive array of options, through this guide, we present courses spanning durations from 2 months to 4 years. The courses in this guide are organised in increasing order of duration and each listing will give you a detailed walkthrough of the curriculum, pros, cons, duration, and cost.
Contents:
Online Courses
- General Assembly: Visual Design Short Course
- Blue Sky Graphics: Graphic Design Course
- Shillington: Online Graphic Design Course
On-Campus Courses
- Master Design Lab: Graphic Design Advanced
- KingstonUniversity: Graphic Design MA
- London College of Contemporary Arts: Bachelors in Graphic Design
- Middlesex University London: Graphic Design BA Honours
- Loughborough University: Graphic Design BA (Hons) degree
- London Metropolitan University: Graphic Design - BA (Hons)
3. How to choose the best graphic design course for you
4. What’s Next
Online Courses
If you’re looking to pursue a course in graphic design, but would like options that do not require you to attend classes on campus, we’ve got a few listings for you to choose from.
1. General Assembly: Visual Design Short Course
General Assembly offers comprehensive bootcamp courses across various technology verticals, including UX/UI Design, Data Science and Analytics, and Product Management. Their two-month short course in Visual Design encompasses a structured curriculum that delves into essential aspects such as brand and user research, content strategy, layouts and navigation, responsive grids and UI patterns, typography, imagery, and colour theory.
Throughout the course, students engage in practical application by working on a real-world project. This project entails utilising acquired visual design techniques to create a production-ready mockup for a responsive webpage. Additionally, students are required to develop a presentation deck that illustrates the evolution of their work—from the initial idea, through rough sketches, to the final polished design.
Pros
- The course provides a thorough curriculum, taking into account the condensed time frame of a two-month commitment
- The course is reasonably priced
- The course is beginner-friendly and doesn't demand any prior design experience
- The course is available in both formats - online and offline
- The course is ideal for people with full-time commitments owing to its flexibility
- General Assembly also offers an accelerated 1-week option
Cons
- While the course covers a substantial amount of content within its two-month duration, it may not be directly comparable to some of the more comprehensive offerings on this list
- The course requires students to go through preparatory lessons to learn software before the course commences which might be unideal for some
Duration
The course spans a 2-month duration.
Price
The course costs £2100.
Learn more: General Assembly: Visual Design Short Course
2. Blue Sky Graphics: Graphic Design Course
Blue Sky Graphics specialises in delivering online design and illustration courses. Their 7-month Graphic Design course features a comprehensive curriculum comprising nine modules. These modules cover major and minor topics for mastering graphic design, including design building block essentials, colour theory, typography, advertisem*nts, publications, visual identity, and layout.
The concluding module of the course is dedicated to consolidating the learner's portfolio, which encompasses the practical application of acquired skills and knowledge throughout the program.
Pros
- Blue Sky specialises in delivering design and illustration courses
- The project work during the course course helps learners develop an industry-ready portfolio
- The course is available online increasing its accessibility
Cons
- The course places a lot of importance on learning software programs making it unideal for those wanting to solely focus their efforts on learning graphic design theory
- The course isn't available in an offline mode for those who wish to have an in-classroom learning experience
Duration
The course spans 7 months.
Price
This course costs £1668.
Learn more: Blue Sky Graphics: Graphic Design Course
3. Shillington Education: Online Graphic Design Course
Shillington is an online graphic design education institution offering a comprehensive course. Available in both full-time (3 months) and part-time (9 months) formats, the course functions as a bootcamp, providing learners with the opportunity to delve into design thinking, design theory, design principles, design fundamentals, and proficiency in various design programs. Notably, the curriculum also includes training in effective remote work practices.
The course places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through extensive project work, incorporating over 25 briefs that enable learners to apply their skills across a diverse range of design challenges.
Pros
- The course employs an extensive hands-on learning approach with multiple projects for learners to practise as they progress through the course
- Shillington specialises in graphic design training
- Shillington regularly hosts industry guest lecturers to share their insights and experience
- Learners take 10 quizzes on topics like typesetting, quick keys, and design terminology throughout the course
Cons
- The course might be unideal for those wishing to learn graphic design on campus as it is only available online
Duration
The course has a 3-month full-time option with classes scheduled 5 days a week or a 9-month-long part-time option with classes scheduled 3 days a week.
Price
The course costs £9,950.
Learn more: Shillington Education: Online Graphic Design Course
On-Campus Courses
Some learners feel better equipped to grasp the curriculum in an on-campus setup. If you’re one of them, the following options might be better suited for you.
1. Master Design Lab: Graphic Design Advanced
Master Design Labs offers an in-depth Advanced Course in Graphic Design, spanning one year. The program covers fundamental and advanced design concepts, including storytelling, copywriting, and WordPress website building. The curriculum includes 25 courses and 4 workshops, offering a comprehensive exploration of design principles.
Studio classes, live sessions, and hands-on projects, along with mentorship, enhance the learning experience. Learners create a full-scale branding project, engaging in market research, corporate identity creation, and production. The course also offers workshops on T-shirt design, brand alignment, design concepts, and design for social media. Ideal for those without a design background, this program facilitates a serious entry into the graphic design field.
Pros
- Learners gain expertise not only in design but also in storytelling, copywriting, and website building with WordPress, enhancing their versatility in the field
- Additional workshops provide supplementary practical skills.
- Tailored for individuals without a design background and looking to make a serious entry into graphic design
- Special studio classes, live sessions, and hands-on projects, including a final comprehensive project, ensure the practical application of learned skills.
Cons
- The extensive curriculum covering 25 courses may be overwhelming for some learners
- The fixed structure of the program may not be suitable for those who require flexibility in scheduling or have other commitments.
- The course's emphasis on both basic and advanced concepts may not fully meet the needs of designers with prior experience or those looking for highly specialised training
Duration
This course requires a year-long commitment.
Price
The course costs £7,900.
Learn more: Master Design Lab: Graphic Design Advanced
2. Kingston University: Graphic Design MA
Kingston University offers art and design programs, including the Graphic Design MA course. It's available full-time (1 or 2 years with placements) and part-time (2 years). The course features a curriculum structured around 5 core modules. This meticulously crafted learning program aims to lend learners a robust theoretical foundation and a hands-on comprehension of graphic design.
The curriculum spans historical and contemporary design, guiding students towards thinking like professional designers as the course unfolds. The final module, titled "Studio: Extended Research Project for Illustration," is project-focused. It necessitates learners to engage in a research project either individually or collaboratively with internal or external partners. This emphasis on practical, project-based learning enhances the application of acquired skills and encourages a deeper exploration of the field.
Pros
- The course combines theoretical awareness with practical understanding, offering a comprehensive learning experience
- The curriculum is designed to progressively train learners to think like professional designers, preparing them for real-world challenges
- The course is career-focused and offers options for professional placements
Cons
- The collaboration with internal or external partners in the final module could be a double-edged sword, as the effectiveness may depend on the nature and scope of these partnerships
- The focus on illustration in the final module may be restrictive for those interested in broader aspects of graphic design
- The courses aren't beginner-friendly and require learners to come with an elementary understanding of design along with a portfolio
Duration
The course spans 1 year.
Price
- UK citizens - The full-time option costs £11,900 and the part-time option is priced at £6,545 for the year 2024/25
- International students - The full-time option costs £20,900 and the part-time option is priced at £11,545 for the year 2024/25
Learn more: Kingston University: Graphic Design MA
3. London College of Contemporary Arts: Bachelors in Graphic Design
London College of Contemporary Arts offers a Bachelor (Hon) in Graphic Design that is a 3-year course plus a foundational year (aka year 0) to equip students with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to study at the undergraduate level.
Learners progressively explore graphic design and content production across various media channels in the first year. In the second year, they develop their individual working style, enhance their understanding of visual communication, and integrate crucial graphic design elements. The final year focuses on a self-directed research and design project, allowing students to showcase their acquired skills and knowledge comprehensively and creatively.
Pros
- The inclusion of a foundational year (Year 0) may be advantageous for students who are new to the field
- The three-year program allows for a gradual exploration of graphic design concepts
- The final year's emphasis on a self-directed research and design project provides students with the opportunity to showcase and apply their acquired skills in a comprehensive and creative manner
Cons
- The structure and content may not accommodate learners with diverse learning preferences or those seeking flexibility in their studies.
- The course is not available in an online format reducing its overall accessibility
Duration
4 years (Including the Integrated Foundation in Design and Creative Business Pathways)
Price
- UK Citizens - The degree course costs £37000
- International students can get in touch with admissions to learn about the fee structure
Learn more: London College of Contemporary Arts: Bachelors in Graphic Design
4. Middlesex University London: Graphic Design BA Honours
Middlesex University offers a 3-year Graphic Design BA Honours program with a curriculum designed to closely mirror the professional world, providing transferable experience from the outset. The curriculum encompasses diverse assignments, including branding, typography, editorial design, advertising, art direction, UI/UX, web design, and moving image projects. Additionally, throughout the course, students engage in practical project work, honing their ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Pros
- The emphasis on practical, real-world projects ensures graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic demands of the graphic design industry
- This program aims to equip students with employable skills - understanding of graphic design principles, proficiency in digital tools, honed creative skills, effective communication, and time management skills
- Learners have on-site access to specialised graphic design equipment, print rooms, photography facilities, and fully staffed studios and workshops with expert support for work development
Cons
- The course requires a 3 year commitment which might be too much for some
- The course has a comparatively stringent barrier to entry
Duration
The course is 3 years long. For learners that don't meet the entry criteria, the university recommends a foundational year prior to the 3-year program
Price
The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:
UK students
- Full-time: £9,250 (per year)
- Part-time: £77 per taught credit
International students
- Full-time students: £16,600 (per year)
- Part-time students: £138 per taught credit
Learn more: Middlesex University London: Graphic Design BA Honours
5. Loughborough University: Graphic Design BA (Hons) degree
Loughborough University offers a Graphic Design BA (Hons) degree, spanning three years (or four with a placement year). The program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum with two semesters annually, featuring optional modules in the second year.
The first year focuses on introducing learners to various digital production methods, core graphic design concepts, and essential research methodologies, emphasising iterative development and experimentation. Building upon the acquired knowledge, the second-year curriculum further develops skills, while the third year mandates learners to undertake a dissertation and a major project. The curriculum undergoes an annual review, facilitating adjustments aligned with evolving industry needs and educational standards while ensuring a dynamic and current learning experience for students.
Pros
- Learners have access to valuable industry opportunities through established links with companies like Reebok, Swarovski, Ford, H&M, etc
- Regular invitations for students to work on projects with or for industry giants such as Radio Times, Abercrombie & Fitch, Shell, and Mercedes Benz
- Encouragement for students to participate in renowned competitions like D&AD Graphic Design, Association of Illustrators’ Images, and Panasonic Design Awards
- The university’s annual review and revision of the curriculum shows commitment to excellence in design education
Cons
- The standard three-year duration (or four with a placement year) may be seen as a constraint for those seeking a more extended or flexible program
- While annual reviews aim to stay current, the dynamic nature of the curriculum could lead to uncertainties for students who prefer a more structured approach
Duration
4 years full-time with a placement year or 3 years full-time
Price
Please find below the course fee structure(per academic year):
- UK students: £9,250
- International students: £23,000
Learn more: Loughborough University: Graphic Design BA (Hons) degree
6. London Metropolitan University: Graphic Design - BA (Hons)
London Metropolitan University's Graphic Design BA Honours program extends over three years full-time or six years part-time, emphasising real-world experience and the development of practical, creative, and conceptual skills. The course structure spans 3 years and 30-credit modules each year, covering specific skills, design development, professional practice, and cultural and contextual studies.
Project work, both individual and collaborative, is central to the course, reflecting industry practices and encompassing areas such as editorial design, branding, 3D design, digital design, motion graphics, super graphics, multi-disciplinary, and experiential design. Fundamental skills including research strategies, conceptual thinking, and market analysis are taught alongside practical studio and workshop skills like digital design, typography principles, screen printing, letterpress, and photography.
Pros
- Emphasis on real-world experience and industry engagement
- Diverse project work covering editorial design, branding, 3D design, digital design, and more
- Individualised and experiential learning approach
- Encourages independent and critical thinking
- The curriculum encourages engagement with live briefs, socially and globally focused studio projects, and commercial practice, fostering links with creative industries
Cons
- Potential variability in the quality and availability of industry opportunities
- The emphasis on avoiding conventional responses may pose challenges for some students
Duration
3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Price
Please find below the course fee structure(per academic year):
- UK students
- Full-time: £9,250
- Part-time: £2,310 per 30-credit module
- International students
- Full-time students: £19,250 (per year)
- Part-time students: £4,815 per 30-credit module
Learn more: London Metropolitan University: Graphic Design - BA (Hons)
3. How to choose the best graphic design course for you
For those aspiring to become designers, it's crucial to choose the right graphic design course. And, we understand that can be a difficult choice to make. Read on for some tips to help you out.
Explore insights on your chosen or shortlisted graphic design courses in London through reputable review platforms, educational forums, and social media groups. Look for recurring themes in reviews, like the quality of instruction, industry relevance, projects, and post-course support.
Also, consider the rankings and assessments from trusted educational organizations. Take into account the financial and time commitment each course demands, as well. This well-rounded approach ensures a thorough understanding of different courses, helping you make a decision grounded in real-life experiences and recommendations.
4. What’s Next
We hope our article on the best graphic design courses in London was able to help you make an informed decision and kickstart your design journey.
In case you need further assistance, here are some of our resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
