Graphic design has become a crucial aspect of modern businesses and organizations that seek to stand out in the competitive market. From designing logos, websites, and product packaging to creating social media posts and advertisements, graphic designers play a vital role in communicating messages and building brand identities. The duration of graphic design courses depends on the level of study and the institution offering the program. Students can enroll in certificate, diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree programs that take anywhere from one to four years to complete. Some institutions also offer master's degree programs in graphic design for those who want to specialize further in the field.
Why Study Graphic Design?
Studying graphic design has several benefits, including
Offering a range of career options in various industries
Allowing individuals to express their creativity through design
Helping individuals develop skills in digital tools and software, which are in high demand
Providing the opportunity to work independently or as part of a team
A global scope, with job opportunities available worldwide
Graphic Design Course Highlight
The following table provides an overview of graphic design courses:
The following are some of the best universities for graphic design in the world, along with their world rankings, country, fees, programs offered and admission deadlines:
University/College
QS World Ranking 2023
Country
Tuition Fees (avg. for international students)
Programs Offered
Admission Deadlines
Royal College of Art
#1
United Kingdom
£20,200
Graphic Design, Animation, Art & Design Portfolio Development, and more
Varies by program
University of the Arts London
#2
United Kingdom
£9,250
BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Communication Design, Graduate Diploma Graphic Design and more
Varies by program
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
#3
United States
$58,690
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and more
Varies by program
The New School
#4
United States
$27,794
Communication Design, Fashion Marketing and Communication, Fashion Design and more
Varies by program
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design typically takes 3-4 years to complete and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of graphic design. Students learn to use various software tools and develop strong visual communication skills.
Students usually need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification to be eligible for a bachelor's degree in graphic design. In addition, they may need to submit a portfolio of their previous work.
Master's Degree: A master's degree in graphic design usually takes 1-2 years to complete and allows students to specialize in a specific area of graphic design. Students learn advanced design skills and how to manage design projects and teams.
To be eligible for a master's degree in graphic design, students usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field and a strong portfolio of previous work.
Doctorate Degree: A doctorate in graphic design is a research-focused degree that usually takes 3-4 years to complete. Students conduct original research in a specific area of graphic design and produce a thesis or dissertation.
To be eligible for a doctorate degree in graphic design, students usually need a master's degree in graphic design or a related field, as well as a strong research proposal.
Job Scope for the Specialization
Students who have finished their education in the discipline of graphic design have access to a variety of work prospects. The need for graphic designers is only growing as graphics take on more significance in today's society. Some popular job roles students can pursue after completing their studies in graphic design are:
Graphic Designer: A graphic designer is in charge of producing visual layouts and designs across various media, including print, internet, and social media. They work on various projects, including websites, brochures, ads, and logos.
Art Director: An art director is responsible for managing the visual style and content of various media such as advertising, magazines, newspapers, and more. They work closely with graphic designers, photographers, and writers to create visual content that meets the needs of clients.
Web Designer: A web designer creates visually appealing and user-friendly websites. They work on projects such as website layouts, user interfaces, and more.
Multimedia Designer: A multimedia designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts for multimedia projects such as video games, animations, and more.
Brand Identity Designer: A brand identity designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts that represent a brand's identity. They work on projects such as logos, color schemes, typography, etc.
UX/UI Designer: A UX/UI designer is responsible for creating user-centered designs for websites and apps. They work on website layouts, user interfaces, and more projects.
Advertising Designer: An advertising designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts for advertisements such as billboards and print ads.
Graphic design is a versatile field, and students can find employment opportunities in various industries such as advertising, publishing, media, and more. The average salary for graphic designers varies depending on their job roles, experience, and location, with the average being a staggering ₹303,185/year in India.
Job Roles with Average Salaries for Graphic Designers
Job Role
Average Salary
Graphic Designer
$50,710 per year
Art Director
$72,839 per year
Web Designer
$$58,198 per year
Multimedia Designer
$$57,262. per year
UX/UI Designer
$76,016 per year
Advertising Designer
$49,092 per year
Conclusion
Pursuing a graphic design course can open up many opportunities for students with a passion for design and creativity. With the demand for graphic designers increasing in various industries, students can explore various career paths in advertising, publishing, web design, packaging design, and more. By pursuing a graphic design course abroad, students can gain exposure to international design trends and work with a diverse group of students and faculty members. Additionally, studying abroad can provide students with the opportunity to explore new cultures and develop their language and communication skills.
The GRAPHIC DESIGN (BA) offered by Ohio Northern University in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of GRAPHIC DESIGN (BA) from Ohio Northern Universitycan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
Looking for a bachelors program in USA? If that is the case, then the Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Graphic Design should interest you. You can expect to study and know more about topics like Arts, Visual and Performing over the course tenure of 4 Years, while also building future careers as Graphic Designer
The BA Graphic Design offered by University of Edinburgh is an advanced Bachelors course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Graphic Designing. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Graphic Designing and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Graphic Designing and pursue rewarding career opportunities such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
The Graphic Design, B.F.A. offered by New York Institute of Technology in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of Graphic Design, B.F.A. from New York Institute of Technologycan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
The ART-Graphic Design Concentration (BA) offered by Georgia College in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of ART-Graphic Design Concentration (BA) from Georgia Collegecan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
The Graphic Design (BFA) offered by Endicott College in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of Graphic Design (BFA) from Endicott Collegecan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design offered by Lawrence Technological University in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Lawrence Technological Universitycan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
The Bachelor of Arts in Art - Graphic Design is an excellent bachelors course in the USA which requires 4 YearsThis course also covers several varied study subjects, including Computer and Information Sciences, while future job roles include Graphic Designer, Visual and Verbal Communicator, Creative Thinker. The program will help you build your knowledge, expertise, and skill-sets in the discipline.
Western Illinois University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Art - Graphic Design, a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
Utah Tech University offers the Design - Graphic Design Emphasis (BA/BS), a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
Eastern Illinois University offers the Graphic Design, a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
The B.F.A. Graphic Design and Interactive Media is an excellent bachelors course in the USA which requires 4 YearsThis course also covers several varied study subjects, including Communications Technologies, while future job roles include Web Designer, Advertising/Marketing Designer, Packaging Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Brand Strategist, Interactive Designer, Art Director, Graphic Designer, Communications Strategist, Logo and Identity Systems Designer, Application Designer, Interface Designer. The program will help you build your knowledge, expertise, and skill-sets in the discipline.
Southern Utah University in USA offers the highly sought-after Graphic Design (BFA) 3 Year Degree Schedule-Trimester, an advanced Bachelors program specialising in Graphic Designing. This comprehensive course provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of Graphic Designing and empowers them with advanced practical skills. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of the subject matter. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, students gain invaluable experience and the necessary expertise to excel in Graphic Designing. Graduates of Graphic Design (BFA) 3 Year Degree Schedule-Trimester are in high demand in USA, as the program equips them with the proficiency to pursue diverse Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator roles. By enrolling in Graphic Design (BFA) 3 Year Degree Schedule-Trimester at Southern Utah University, students open doors to exciting career opportunities in the thriving Graphic Designing industry.
The Graphic Design - B.S. offered by Johnson and Wales University is an advanced Bachelors course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Graphic Designing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Graphic Designing and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Graphic Designing and pursue rewarding career opportunities in roles like Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
The Graphic Design (BFA) offered by Minnesota State University is an advanced Bachelors course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Graphic Designing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Graphic Designing and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Graphic Designing and pursue rewarding career opportunities in roles like Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
The Graphic Design, BFA offered by University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in USA is an advanced Bachelors program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Graphic Designing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and develop expertise in Graphic Designing. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant projects, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the Graphic Designing field. The program's holistic approach and diverse skill set make it highly in demand in USA. Graduates of Graphic Design, BFA from University of Illinois Urbana Champaigncan easily secure jobs in various industries, including positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to excel and thrive in the dynamic world of Graphic Designing.
University of Saint Mary offers the Graphic Design (BA), a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
Georgian Court University offers the GRAPHIC DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA (BFA), a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design offered by Carlow University is an advanced Bachelors course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Graphic Designing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Graphic Designing and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Graphic Designing and pursue rewarding career opportunities in roles like Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
Utah Valley University offers the Art and Design Graphic Design Emphasis BFA, a comprehensive Bachelors course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Graphic Designing. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Graphic Designing. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Graphic Designing careers in jobs such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Identity Designer, Web Designer, Package Designer, Illustrator.
Yes, doing a graphic design course is worthwhile since it gives you several career options. Advertising, publishing, web design, package design, and other fields all employ graphic designers, who are in high demand. In addition, the demand for graphic designers has only grown in recent years due to the growth of digital media.
What are the average fees of a graphic design course in some popular countries?
The average fees for a graphic design course can vary depending on the country and the university. In the USA, the average tuition fee for a graphic design course ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. In the UK, the tuition fees for graphic design courses for international students range from £15,000 to £25,000 per year. In Canada, the tuition fees for graphic design courses for international students range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.
What are the requirements for a graphic design course abroad?
The requirements for a graphic design course abroad vary depending on the university and the country. However, most universities require international students to have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, students may need to provide proof of English language proficiency by taking an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Students may also need to submit a portfolio of their work to demonstrate their creativity and design skills.
What is the average salary after completing a graphic design course abroad?
The average salary after completing a graphic design course abroad can vary depending on the job role and the country of employment. In the USA, the average salary for a graphic designer is $48,000 per year. In the UK, the average salary for a graphic designer is £23,000 to £35,000 per year. In Canada, the average salary for a graphic designer is CAD 40,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.
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