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Graphic Design Courses Abroad

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:

Details

Information

Duration 

1-4 years

Study Levels

Bachelor, Master, Doctorate

Course Type 

Part-time, Full-time

Mode of Study

Online/Offline

Average Tuition Fee for International Students

$5,000 - $40,000

Top Universities & Colleges

  • Royal College of Art
  • University of the Arts London
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • The New School
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Popular Programs Offered

Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design

Specializations Offered (if any)

Typography, Branding, Motion Graphics, UI/UX Design

Best Universities for Graphic Design in the World

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.

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  • Fees
  • Exams Accepted
  • Course Duration
277 results found

Art, Graphic Design Concentration, BA

Salem State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 14.12L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

University of Dayton, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 151.94L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

DePaul University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 156.19L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design

James Madison University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 22.63L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

B.A. in Graphic Design

Lakeland University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Graphic Design (BFA)

St Johns University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Studio Art B.A., B.S., B.F.A. - Graphic Design

Bradley University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 123.01L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Graphic Design, B.F.A.

Northeastern Illinois University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 8.51L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Graphic Design

Missouri Southern State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 11.29L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

GRAPHIC DESIGN (BFA)

Black Hills State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 9.05L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Graphic Design (BFA)

Plymouth State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.98L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Art-Graphic Design, M.F.A.

New Jersey City University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 17.03L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

B.F.A. in Graphic Design

University of Minnesota, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 119.39L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Diploma of Graphic Design

RMIT University, Australia

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 12.95L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-5.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

BSD Graphic Design

Arizona State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 23.81L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

MA Communication Design Graphic Design Pathway

University of Reading, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 18.79L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design (BFA)

University of North Dakota, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 14.02L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

Sam Houston State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art: Graphic Design

Montana State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 97.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Graphic Design (Fine Arts, B.F.A.)

Old Dominion University , USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 23.73L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
Disclaimer

All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.