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The renowned Royal College of Art (albeit this only offers post-grad programmes), Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, Chelsea, Ravensbourne, Kingston, and London College of Communication are among the many prominent art institutions in London that offer graphic design courses. Are you one of the many people looking for the best graphics design universities in the United Kingdom to help you advance in your career? Are you a recent graduate looking for graphic design university london & graphic design courses in the United Kingdom for international students to help you advance in your career?
Do you want to gain access to the graphic design universities UK or you want to learn about the latest findings on universities for graphic design UK? Get ready! You are about to get information that will give you access to the universities for graphic design UK that will train you on the practical and theoretical skills you need to succeed in your career. Where do I get these best universities for graphic Design UK? You’re probably asking right now. Finding these best degree for graphic design on collegelearners.com is easy and without the conventional complications that come with success.
These graphic design universities in UK are structured to give you a holistic view on the diverse areas of top graphic design suitable enough to learn all the basic skills needed to pass your exams. They will also equip you with the practical skills necessary for a blossoming success career. Do not shortchange yourself by failing to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Collegelearners.com offers you everything you need and more without putting you through any unnecessary hassle like most websites are likely to.
art and design university ranking uK
Are you thinking about studying graphic design?
This is a fantastic degree to have in the modern world, and it can lead to making job opportunities once you graduate.
Competition at the best universities for graphic design is fierce, and you have to be prepared to work hard.
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This is a modern and lively university that wants students to be ready to enter the industry and be successful; not just have good grades on paper.
They actively encourage students to get out there and enjoy internships and abroad challenges.
If you choose the graphic design course, you can also enjoy fantastic facilities such as etching and lithography.
University of Brighton
www.brighton.ac.uk
Brighton is just bursting with creativity, you’ll find inspiration down almost every street you turn. The University of Brighton offers both an (BA) Illustration and (BA) Graphic Design undergraduate course both with international reputations. The (BA) Illustration and Graphic Design course work closely together to give you a better understanding of the field of work you could be joining. They have dedicated studio space, access to letterpress and book art workshops.
Nottingham Trent University
www.ntu.ac.uk
Voted university of the year 2017, Nottingham Trent has an ever growing reputation for giving that true university experience as well as providing highly regarded courses. Their (BA) Graphic Design course will allow you to gain skills in illustration, typography, branding and more. They provide a dedicated building of facilities which include print rooms, mac suites, moving image, 3D printing, laser cutting, photographic studios and interactive media.
Arts University Bournemouth
www.aub.ac.uk
If you do love to be beside the seaside and want specialist equipment at your fingertips then AUB is one of the best. Silkscreen printing, Exposure unit, Etching presses, the list goes on! They also have an extensive list of different design orientated courses, so you’re bound to find one that’s perfect for you.
University of the Arts London
www.arts.ac.uk
With six different colleges within University of Arts London at multiple different campuses, you’ll always find a UAL somewhere in London. The beauty of UAL is that no matter which of the colleges you choose you can always use other colleges facilities. Also voted the world’s sixth best university for Art and Design.
Loughborough University
www.lboro.ac.uk
Fancy going somewhere out of the city, enjoy a campus lifestyle at Loughborough University. Predominately known for their sports degrees they have become a rising star over the years with their creative degrees. They offer a (BA) Graphic Communication and Illustration degree in one, so you get the best of both worlds. Their facilities include screen printing, printmaking, photography studio, as well as full access to the school of the art facilities.
Falmouth University
www.falmouth.ac.uk
This university is predominately known for its creative courses. Offering from Acting, Fashion Design, to Gaming Development. Of course, we are most interested in the print side they have to offer and they do offer both (BA) Illustration and (BA) Graphic Design. Each department has dedicated studio and seminar rooms, printmaking workshop, life drawing studio, design lab, photography, audio studio, an extensive library and a dedicated desk space for every student. Falmouth put a strong emphasis on their student mentor scheme which offers all first-year students support from second-year students.
University of the West of England Bristol
www.uwe.ac.uk
UWE has a strong emphasis on making you industry ready, encouraging placements, internships and traveling abroad for the experience. They have offered a range of print facilities, such as; screen printing, etching, lithography area and relief. Both the (BA) Graphic Design course and (BA) Illustration course offer a foundation year as well. They are also having 7 million invested in their design studios and new physical making in 2019.
Kingston University London
www.kingston.ac.uk
Kingston will help you gain a good technical knowledge, on the (BA) Illustration course you are also able to choose different modules in order to specialize your interests. They have specialist facilities for printmaking, photography, 3D materials, digital media workshops, benefiting from refurbished studios and workshops. Kingston School of Art is listed sixth in the Good University Guide.
University of Leeds
www.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds is a Russell Group Universities. They offer a (BA) Graphic and Communication Design course, this course will teach you the fundamentals, to begin with, then they encourage you to develop in your own directions. They provide printmaking studios, laser cutters, and well-equipped studios. They do not offer an illustration course.
The University of Edinburgh
www.ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh aims to produce designers that will challenge the status quo, they claim to encourage students to think outside the box to produce individual powerful work. They provide both academic and live briefs for their (BA) Illustration and (BA) Graphic Design Courses, they also have money being invested in their facilities.
Graphic Design Courses in the UK
1. Brighton University – Graphic Design BA
This 3 year course (with the option of a 4th year) supports students in the key tenets of graphic design, including typography, narrative and language as well as providing a real focus on how to understand markets and solve business problems. key traits for successful designers! As well as having access to one of the UK’s best stocked art & design libraries, students at Brighton University have studio access. Best of all, you can showcase your work at several shows including a Graduate Show which is normally attended by 12,000 people.
2. Kingston University – Graphic Design BA
The Graphic Design BA at Kingston University offers you an excellent chance of employment. A high proportion of students are either in work or further study 6 months after graduating and the vast majority of students agree that the staff made their respective subject interesting. You can use the university’s studio spaces to explore different ways of visual communication and students are encouraged to experiment.
3. Lincoln University – Graphic Design BA
This course at the Lincoln University School of Architecture & Design and it focuses on improving the practical skills of students. You will be given the chance to engage with live project briefs which are set by external clients and there are also national and international briefs. In your final year you have the chance to create your own website in conjunction with your final year show.
4. Middlesex University London – Graphic Design BA
This course is designed not only to educate would-be graphic designers; it also looks to inspire them. Students at Middlesex University London benefit from access to outstanding facilities including workshops with technical support, traditional darkrooms and a huge art & design library. At the end of the course, students can exhibit their work at an Art and Design Degree Show which is attended by prominent figures in the creative industry.
5. Shillington College – Graphic Design
Shillington College offers an intensive graphic design course that can be completed in 3 months (full-time study) or 9 months (part-time study). Instead of spending your time in a lecture hall, you will benefit from hands-on demos and dynamic presentations. Each class has two teachers so there is plenty of support during your sessions.
6. De Montfort University, Leicester – Graphic Design BA
This is a 3 year course which comes with the option of an added placement year. Approximately 93% of Graphic Design graduates at De Montfort University are in work or further study just 6 months after receiving their degree. The course includes project briefs designed by real clients from the design industry so you’ll receive a level of practical experience that is unmatched by other courses. You can enhance your skills with a placement at a large corporation; recent placements have been taken at organisations such as PepsiCo UK and GlaxoSmithKline.
7. Salford University – Graphic Design BA
Salford University is just 2km from Manchester and students here have enjoyed recent success in national competitions such as the Roses Student Awards and D&AD Student Awards. The university also has strong links with numerous companies in the creative industry so you have an excellent chance of placement with a big hitter in the industry. There is also the option to study overseas.
Graphic Design students at Salford are now based in the New Adelphi Arts Centre – the University’s new £55m purpose built creative hub, which as well as including specialist workshops containing everything from 3D printers to lithotables, also includes a 350 seat theatre, TV studios with HD cameras and recording studios featuring equipment not found anywhere else in the UK. The Graphic Design programme at Salford is a broad one that allows students to explore and define their own path through this multifaceted discipline, and which challenges them to develop and apply their skills to complex projects. Many of the projects on the course have a social focus and we ask student to explore the impact of their practice on the wider world. The University of Salford has a strong focus on industry collaboration, and our well established Graphic Design programme is supported by network of alumni and industry partners who provide input into the curriculum. This ranges from setting projects and offering advice to providing placements, freelance work and even employment to our students and graduates. As well as our nationally recognised full time academics, the programme is supported by a team of visiting lecturers currently working in the North West creative industries. This includes designers and illustrators from leading design studios such as Textbook Studio, DR ME and Wonder Room who regularly input into workshops, seminars and tutorials. Our students are further supported by a team of expertly skilled technical demonstrators in areas such as print, photography and 3D from practitioners such as www.johnpowell-jones.co.uk.
8. Northumbria University, Newcastle – Graphic Design BA
Northumbria University was ranked in the Top 20 of the 2016/17 Complete University Guide for Art & Design. Students receive practical hands-on experience and they benefit from working in a graphic design studio environment. The course focuses on providing you with real-world skills to increase your chances of employment but arguably the best element of this course is the chance to show your work at an exhibition in Newcastle and London.
9. Manchester School of Art – Graphic Design BA
If you take on the Graphic Design BA at the Manchester School of Art you will have the chance to work in a studio based environment where you’ll be able to explore different forms of visual communication. You will apply the skills gained on the course in a number of industry related projects and there are work placement opportunities all over the UK. Students have benefited from placements at companies such as Love Creative, Elle magazine, Men’s Health magazine and many more.
10. Goldsmiths University of London – Graphic Design BA
This 3 year Graphic Design BA course at Goldsmiths University of London includes a professional placement during second year. It is the #1 design degree in the UK (for the second year in a row) and graduates have gone on to work for top design consultancies such as Pentagram or famous brands including Selfridges and Dyson. As well as having access to studio space and workshops, you’ll get to use cutting edge design technology such as 3D modelling and laser cutting.
11. University of Edinburgh – Graphic Design BA
This is one of the few Graphic Design courses that is 4 years in length and it takes place at the University of Edinburgh School of Design. As well as exploring the principles, theories and working practices of graphic design, you will benefit from a professional practice year (third year) where you can apply for an internship or live projects within the industry along with other options. Graduates can pursue a career in a wide range of fields such as packaging, experiential design, retail, marketing and much more.
12. Loughborough University – Graphic Communication & Illustration
Students who take on this course at Loughborough University will have the chance to become excellent visual thinkers who stand out in the creative industries. As it combines Graphic Communication & Illustration in one course, you benefit from tremendous flexibility. It is possible to ‘tailor’ this course to your specific interests whether you want to follow a career in app development, visual branding or even computer game design. There is an international study visit option and the chance to show your work at exhibitions.
We believe that the core skills of a graphic designer are clarity in communication, a user focus on developing appropriate solutions, and efficiency in methodology. The immortal Abram Games got there first with: ‘Maximum Meaning, Minimum Means.’
13. University of Reading – BA Graphic Communication
This is another unique degree option and serves as ideal preparation for students interested in a design career. During this course at the University of Reading, you will be taught by experienced designers with a wide range of projects to choose from. Most importantly, students will learn how to solve problems in the design of books, newspapers, magazines, mobile apps, websites and more. You also have the chance to work on professional assignments involves real clients and you will be expected to manage resources and budgets. Overall, this is an outstanding course in terms of preparing students for life in the creative industries.
14. Belfast School of Art – BDes Graphic Design & Illustration
Belfast School of Art offers this comprehensive 3 year BA course as part of the University of Ulster. Placing creative thinking and analysis at the centre of their approach, the course focuses students on developing awareness across all elements of Graphic Design & Illustration, including branding, typography, motion graphics, photography and packaging. In their final year, you’ll be encouraged to compete in major competitions such as Design and Art Direction (D&AD) and there’s also the opportunity to for a one year placement in industry or to study aboard.
15. Leeds College of Art – Graphic Design BA
As it is a place dedicated to the Arts, students at the Leeds College of Art will be surrounded by like-minded people so it is a great place to make friends and network. The Graphic Design degree is mainly studio-based and involves professionals visiting the college and delivering the lectures, workshops and seminars. This course has been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick which means it is one of the best graphic design courses when it comes to preparing students for a career in the creative industries.
16. Falmouth – Graphic Design BA
Students at Falmouth work in a studio environment and also have the chance to take field trips to major studios. Leading designers visit the college to provide live briefs and workshops and there are placement opportunities all over the UK. The college Design Lab includes traditional and digital production equipment and you even get to showcase your work at D&AD and the Royal Society of Arts.
17. Nottingham Trent University – Graphic Design BA
Students at Nottingham Trent University have the opportunity to study various disciplines including advertising, branding, animation, illustration and much more. The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) and over 90% of graduates are either in work or further study 6 months after receiving their degree. You can apply to study overseas through the Erasmus programme and work on live briefs with major companies such as Paul Smith, Hallmark and Abercrombie & Fitch.
best universities for graphic design
Over the years, graphic design has become one of the most sought-after courses in the world. And it’s not because humankind rediscovered their love for the arts overnight. Rather, more and more companies have realised the importance of great design and how it impacts their brands. As in the words of the late visionary Steve Jobs: ‘Design is not just how it looks like and how it feels. Design is how it works.’
So, if you’re leaving school and want to take that next step towards building a career in this booming industry, make sure you get that competitive edge by studying in one of the world’s best graphic design schools.
10. Pratt Institute
Location: New York City, USA
Degree type: BFA
If there’s one thing that the Pratt Institute is known for, it’s their belief in ‘poetic pragmatism’ or the idea that art and practicality can and should be combined. Not only do they champion the importance of creativity, but they also believe that it’s an indispensable aspect of today’s modern career landscape.
For this very reason, most of Pratt’s undergraduate programmes are designed to be interdisciplinary. For example, when majoring in Communications Design, students can choose from three specific areas to focus on: advertising, illustration and graphic design.
9. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Location: Chicago, USA
Degree type: BFA
Home to some of the world’s most famous artists, it’s no surprise the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is still widely considered a top choice among design students. Having a stunning alumni list, including bestselling author David Sedaris, celebrated artist Georgia O’Keeffe and entrepreneurial genius Walt Disney, also doesn’t hurt.
SAIC’s design programme is consistently ranked as one of the best in the US, too. By putting special emphasis on developing students’ critical and analytical skills, the school is regarded as having one of the most effective curricula in producing employable graduates.
8. Glasgow School of Art
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Degree type: BA
As one of Europe’s leading art schools, the Glasgow School of Art has rightfully earned a place on this list. The school offers a range of programmes in the visual creative disciplines, all of which endorse studio-based learning and research to encourage collaboration and creative thinking.
Their Communication Design programme offers three distinct specialisms (illustration, photography and graphic design), and students are encouraged to undertake industrial placements and external assignments throughout their degree in order to develop their professional skills.
7. Aalto University
Location: Espoo, Finland
Degree type: BA
Since its establishment in 2010, Aalto University was able to rise from the ranks due to its unusual but effective ways of teaching. They’re especially known for their design programme, which combines elements of philosophy, art and innovation. Not only do professors discuss the visual aspects of design, but they also talk about the cultural and political context in which designs are formed.
Aalto University is especially appealing to EU/EEA citizens who get to study there for free.
6. Politecnico di Milano
Location: Milan, Italy
Degree type: BSc
With seven campuses located in and around the city centre, Politecnico di Milano is undoubtedly one of most renowned colleges in Italy.
Their communication design programme is similar to a lot of graphic design programmes in the US. However, the courses at Politecnico di Milano take three years to finish instead of four. Also, since it’s a technical school, graduates are awarded a bachelor’s degree in science and not fine arts.
All courses for communication design at Politecnico di Milano are taught in Italian, so, if you really want to spend your college years here, better start learning that second language as soon as you can!
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, USA
Degree type: BFA
While the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for producing the brightest engineering minds, it’s also considered to have one of the best art programmes not only in the US but also the entire world. Combining their technical excellence with art, they’ve developed a design programme that’s perfect for those who are both scientifically and artistically gifted.
As one of the premium technological schools in the US, the acceptance rate at MIT is incredibly low at 6.3% (for Class of 2023 students), and admission also comes at a steep price. The good news is that if you’re naturally talented, you can always go by their merit-based scholarships which are completely need-blind; in other words, your financial standing should have no bearing on whether you’re admitted or not.
4. Rhode Island School of Design
Location: Providence, USA
Degree type: BFA
Year after year, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has consistently been part of this list (and many others) for good reason. Established in 1877, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious design schools in the US that can truly boast of a long and proud history rooted in the arts.
Apart from its notable alumni, including actors James Franco and Seth McFarlane, RISD is famous for its fine arts programme. With approximately 165 students enrolled in the course, RISD’s graphic design programme is also one of their most popular and biggest undergraduate departments. Students who are fortunate enough to be accepted into this school can enjoy unlimited trips to their extensive art museum and year-long rotating exhibits.
With an admissions rate of only 24%, you must be prepared to bring your A-game as competition is fierce.
3. Parsons School of Design
Location: New York City, USA
Degree type: BFA
Project Runway might have introduced the Parsons School of Design to the rest of the world, but this respected institution has been teaching and guiding students long before television sets even existed.
With over 100 years of experience, the Parsons School of Design prides itself on being one of the first to apply practice-based collaborative learning. Known for their Communication Design programme, Parsons has produced some of the most iconic designers in the world, including advertising legend Paul Rand and Harper’s Bazaar art director Bea Feitler.
2. University of the Arts London
Location: London, UK
Degree type: BFA
Home to 18,000 students from over 130 counties, and with 6 different colleges to choose from, it’s no wonder why the University of the Arts London (UAL) is one of the most popular art schools in the world.
Like the Pratt Institute, the UAL is known for focusing on the functional aspects of art while taking pride in their strategic partnerships which help ensure the employability of their graduates. However, despite their emphasis on the practical applications of art, many of its alumni members have been nominated and even won the esteemed Turner Prize, where only the best and the brightest British artists are recognised.
1. Royal College of Art
Location: London, UK
Degree type: MA
Topping this year’s list of the best design schools in the world is the Royal College of Art (RCA), which exclusively offers postgraduate programmes, so it’s really meant for people who want to take their careers to the next level. RCA prides itself on having a strong visual communication programme, which includes graphic design as a focus.
The entire course takes two years to finish, where students will be involved in hands-on workshops and working with professional designers.
If you’re a more seasoned graphic designer who’s loo
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