How to become a graphic designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject like:
- graphic design
- art and design
- communication design
- illustration
Getting work experience during your course will give you an advantage. Talk to your university careers service about work experience, internship and year placement opportunities as well as any support offered to help you build a portfolio.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course like a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design or A level Graphic Communication, and use this to join a company as a design assistant.
You would need a good portfolio to showcase your skills to employers.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Career tips
There's a lot of competition for graphic design work. You'll need a portfolio that shows your creative ideas, skills and work experience to help you get started.
Having experience of using desktop publishing software will also give you an advantage.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Society of Designers and the International Society of Typographical Designers for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.