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Graphic Design

Communicate Ideas Through Creative Visuals

Learn to design impactful visuals and digital experiences with expert instruction. Build a strong design portfolio through flexible, hands-on courses.

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ABOUT

Graphic Design

At the National Academy of Creative Arts

Graphic design is the craft of creating visual content to communicate messages and ideas. It involves combining typography, imagery, layout, and color to produce compelling designs for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

At the National Academy of Creative Arts, our graphic design courses offer a comprehensive grounding in design principles, software tools, and creative thinking. Whether you're beginning your journey or upskilling for the industry, our programs are designed to support every stage of your development.

COURSES

Explore Our Graphic Design Courses

Our Graphic Design programs cater to all skill levels. Gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel in this creative field.

Certificate

Learn graphic design fundamentals through five practical briefs - typography, layout, colour, imagery and file prep - using industry-standard tools to create polished print and digital outcomes with expert tutor feedback.

Duration
3-6 months
Level
N/A
Optional work placement
Not available
Degree pathway course
Not available
Learn more
from £545
Diploma

Become a graphic designer through ten practical briefs - master branding, typography, layout, colour, imagery and production for print and digital, building a portfolio of client-ready work with expert feedback.

Duration
6-12 months
Level
N/A
Optional work placement
Not available
Degree pathway course
Not available
Learn more
from £875
MOST POPULAR COURSE
Professional Diploma

Start your graphic design business through fifteen practical briefs - advance brand identity, typography, layout and digital production, and master pricing, proposals, contracts, marketing and client workflow with expert tutor feedback.

Duration
9-18 months
Level
N/A
Optional work placement
Available
Degree pathway course
Not available
Learn more
from £1,425
Higher National Certificate

HNC in Graphic Design: build a professional foundation in visual communication - design thinking, typography, layout, colour, image-making, packaging and digital - through real briefs, industry tools and portfolio development.

Duration
9-18 months
Level
Level 4 on the RQF
Optional work placement
Available
Degree pathway course
Available
Learn more
from £2,095
Higher National Diploma

HND in Graphic Design: advance creative, technical and professional practice across typography, branding, layout, UI/UX, packaging and digital media through 34 real-world lessons - graduate with an industry-ready portfolio and clear professional direction.

Duration
18-36 months
Level
Level 5 on the RQF
Optional work placement
Available
Degree pathway course
Available
Learn more
from £3,495
BA Honours Degree

BA (Hons) Graphic Design pathway: progress from a Pearson HND (240 credits) to a University of Hertfordshire–validated Level 6 top-up - master branding, digital-first campaigns, motion graphics, accessibility and sustainability, and graduate with an industry-ready portfolio.

Duration
27-54 months
Level
Level 6 on the FHEQ
Optional work placement
Available
Degree pathway course
Available
Learn more
from £5,445

info All our courses can be studied as stand-alone. No minimum qualifications are required.

STUDY MODES

Explore Our Flexible Learning Paths

Choose from Home Study, Classroom Based or Live Online to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses allow you to learn entirely at your own pace.

You will study through the Online Learning Centre, which provides access to instructional videos, written lessons, and course assignments, working through course materials and assignments independently while receiving feedback and guidance from your designated tutor.

There are no scheduled classes or assessment submission dates, giving you maximum flexibility to study around work, family, or other commitments.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

Home Study - Flexible

Classroom courses combine flexible online learning with in-person practical classes.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on hands-on skills, demonstrations, and practical techniques, rather than assessment delivery.

Students attend 12 monthly classes held on Saturdays, or 24 weekly sessions, held in the evening.

Classes are available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Best for: Students who enjoy learning practical skills in a classroom environment alongside other creatives.

Classroom Based - Flexible

Live Online courses offer the same structure as our classroom courses, but with live teaching delivered online.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught online by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on demonstrations, practical skills, and discussion, helping you apply what you are learning in your course.

Students typically attend 12 monthly classes or 24 weekly sessions in a small group environment.

Best for: Students who want live teaching and interaction with other students while studying from home.

Live Online - Flexible

TUTORS

Meet Our Graphic Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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