On thisÊ degree course offered at University of Portsmouth,ÊyouÕll:

  • Access specialist production facilities to develop techniques like screen printing, letterpress, laser cutting and dye sublimation printing
  • Achieve Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) qualifications as part of the course
  • Get an industry perspective from guest speakers Ð past guests have included Alan Kitching and staff from design studios, FontSmith and SomeOne
  • Be taught by a mix of academic staff and working professionals
  • Have the opportunity to take part in events like SKY Creative Day and international competitions Ð one of our final-year students won the industry-acclaimed UK Adobe Championship in 2017
  • Do either a traditional dissertation or produce a practical project in your final year

YouÕll examine the core principles of graphic design, learning how to apply your talent across every industry using traditional and digital media. YouÕll also develop expert skills in design software including Adobe In Design and Illustrator to design and create incredible pieces.

Placement year

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Previous students have completed work placements at the head offices of organisations such as Debenhams and SainsburyÕs, and agencies such as Really B2B.

Fancy setting up your own graphic design company on your placement year? You can start up and run your own company for a year as an alternative to a work-based placement.

YouÕll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Careers and opportunities

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. You could work in many areas of media, including:

  • magazine design publishing
  • branding and design agencies
  • art direction and advertising
  • website design
  • work in the television and film industries
  • further study and research

Graduates from this course have gone on to work with these companies and design studios:

  • Precedent
  • Why Not Associates
  • I Love Dust
  • Aardman Digital
  • The Light Surgeons
  • Fitch
  • 4IV
  • Rubrik
  • FHM Magazine

You could also set up your own business or work as a freelancer. Examples of businesses past students have set up include:

  • Territory Studio
  • Bright Agency
  • Debut Art
  • Strong Island
  • MWM Creative
  • Lethal Creative Studio
  • iLoveDust

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. You can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.