Masters in Graphic Design in UK: Universities, Fees, Admissions, and Job Outcomes

Masters in Graphic Design in UK: Universities, Fees, Admissions, and Job Outcomes

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Shahid Murshed

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 13, 2024

Highlights: 

  • Top Universities: University of Edinburgh, University of Hertfordshire, Anglia Ruskin University are among the top universities for Masters in Graphic Design in UK.
  • Admission Requirements: A bachelor degree in a related field with minimum 60% marks is required. Additionally, you need to submit SOP, LOR, Financial Statements, and Digital Portfolio.
  • Tuition Fees: Average tuition fee for 1 year graphic design masters in UK can vary from 16,000 to 30,000 GBP. This will solely depend on the chosen university and region. 
  • Living Expenses: The living costs are relatively higher in London than rest of the UK. You can estimate to pay around 1300-1400 GBP per month in London as compared to 900-1300 GBP in the rest of the UK. Hence, a Masters in graphic design London will cost you more.
  • Career: After completing Masters in Graphic Design in UK you can work as an Illustrator, Web Designer, Creative Director with an average annual salary ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 GBP. 

Are you interested in studying masters in graphic design abroad? Then, a masters in graphic design in UK can be a good choice. Being a postgraduate degree of 1 year, it enables you to get a 2 years post study work visa to work in the UK. According to National Career Services of the Govt of UK, the starting average salary of a graphic designer is 20,000 GBP per year and can go up to 40,000 GBP with experience. As a graphic designer in UK, you are allowed to work 37 to 40 hours per week. Moreover, the graphic designing industry has a 96% employment rate in UK. As per the above statistics, a masters in graphic design in UK will surely help you to excel in your career. You need the following to get into a graphic design masters in UK.

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 60% or more (CGPA of 8 on a 10 point scale)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
  • Digital portfolio containing adverts, brochures, magazines, website designs that you created before
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Work experience (preferred)
  • Financial statements
  • UK student visa

The average tuition fees for masters in graphic design in UK universities range from 16,000 to 29,900 GBP. You need an additional 900 to 1300 GBP per month to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other living expenses during your studies. If it feels heavy on your pocket, you can also opt for part-time jobs in UK, allowing you to work for 20 hours during your course. The return of investment after studying a MSC graphic design UK from top universities are given below

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Universities Offering the Best Masters in Graphic Design UK

UK universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence. In the latest QS ranking 2025, 4 UK universities have secured their place in the top 10 among the 86 other universities. Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford are some of them. Refer to the table below for universities offering graphic design courses in UK for international students along with tuition fees and deadlines.

Universities in UK Program Offered Application Deadline Tuition Fees in GBP
University of Edinburgh MA in Graphic Design 14 June 2024 29,900
Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge MA in Graphic Design & Typography Closed 18,600
Loughborough University MA in Graphic Design and Visualisation 19 August 2024 28,750
The University of the West of England MA in Graphic Arts 1 August 2024 16,000
Middlesex University MA in Graphic Design Rolling Basis 16,800
Nottingham Trent University MA in Graphic Design 30 July 2024 17,500
Coventry University MA in Graphic Design 1 September 2024 18,600
University of Hertfordshire MA in Graphic Design and Branding Rolling Basis 16,450
University of Huddersfield MA in Graphic Design Rolling Basis 17,600

Note: 1 GBP= 106.74 INR as of June 13, 2024

Masters in Graphic Design in UK Admissions

Students planning to pursue MA graphic design UK will have to fulfill some admission requirements set by the top universities offering graphic design courses in UK for international students. Some of these requirements include a bachelor's degree, IELTS or TOEFL score and some universities may also ask for a portfolio. Following are the specific admissions requirements set by each university offering admission to graphic design courses in UK for international students:

University Academic Requirement IELTS Score Additional Requirement
University of Edinburgh A UK 2:1 honors degree, or its international equivalent, in graphic design or a relevant subject. (60% or more /GPA of 8 on a 10 point scale) Total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. Portfolio
Anglia Ruskin University 3 year Bachelors or 4 year Bachelor in a related field, minimum division 2 (50% - 59%) in relevant subjects 6.5 You need to submit a digital portfolio for this course.
Loughborough University A 2:1 honors degree (or equivalent international qualification) in an Art and Design or closely related subject. (65% or above) 6.5 You will also be required to submit a PDF portfolio of up to 20 pages that is no larger than 5MB.
The University of the West of England 3 year Bachelors or 4 year Bachelor in a related field (55% or above) 6.5 A portfolio of practical work (12-15 pieces of work), personal statement (500-600 words)
Middlesex University Honors degree 2:2 or above, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject 6.5 Entry onto this course requires an interview and a portfolio.
Nottingham Trent University 2.2 honors degree in a related subject. 6.5 A portfolio of practical work
Coventry University 60% in a 3 Year Undergraduate Degree or 55% in a 4 Year 6.5 No portfolio will be required if the academic qualifications in the subject area are met.
University of Hertfordshire An honours degree (2:2 or above) in a field relevant 6.5 A portfolio of practical work
University of Huddersfield An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject or an equivalent professional qualification. 6.0 A portfolio of practical work

Also Check: Exams to study in UK

Masters in Graphic Design in UK Cost to Study

It is also important to remember that the price of a masters in Graphic Design in UK may change based on whether the students are enrolled in full- or part-time courses. In the UK, graphic design courses cost 9,000 GBP for state-funded students. Tuition fees for MA in graphic design UK for international students can range from 16,000 GBP to 30,000 GBP per year on average. The cost of living in UK includes accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, personal expenses etc. The average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (GBP) Cost for Indian Students (INR)
Accommodation 7,200 7.20 Lakh
Meals 2,400 2.40 Lakh
Transportation 780 78 Thousand
Utilities 2,220 2.22 Lakh
Personal Expenses 1,500 1.50 Lakh

Note: 1 GBP= 106.74 INR as of June 13, 2024

Scholarship for Masters in Graphic Design in UK

If students apply for the awards, they can gain a variety of benefits; but must meet certain requirements to do so. There are numerous scholarships for MA graphic design in UK, including need-based awards, assistantships, prizes, and tuition exemptions. Check out the scholarships to study in UK available for graphic design masters from the table below. 

Scholarship Amount
Academic Excellence Scholarship 3,500 GBP 
International Postgraduate Scholarship Varies
India Scholarships 1,500 GBP for 1st year
Commonwealth Scholarship Varies
Chevening Scholarships Varies
British Chevening Scholarships Tuition Fees, Living Allowances and Travel expenses
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary 500 GBP 

Note: 1 GBP= 106.74 INR as of June 13, 2024

Job Outcomes After Masters in Graphic Design in UK

Salary ranges depend on the region, industry of employment, level of experience, and reputation. Typically, London and other major cities have the highest paying occupations. In all animated films and television shows, 90% of the labor is involved in animation. Being a graphic designer, you can create visual branding, adverts, brochures, magazines, website designs, product packaging and displays. Companies like Google, Accenture, Pentagram Design, Microsoft hire graphic designers ensuring a bright career in jobs in UK. Check out the common designations and salaries that students acquire after MA graphic design UK. 

Masters in Graphic Design in UK: Placement
Job Title Average Annual Salary (GBP) Average Annual Salary (INR)
Junior graphic designers 20,575 21.58 Lakh
Senior graphic designers 32,956 34.57 Lakh
Graphic Design Manager 33,667 35.31 Lakh
Animator 24,910 26.13 Lakh
UX Designer 33,807 35.46 Lakh
Graphic Designer, Web 23,798 24.96 Lakh

Note: 1 GBP= 106.74 INR as of June 13, 2024

Also Check: Post Study Work Permit in UK

Students who major in graphic design learn how to convey ideas through visuals. Basic principles of graphics, design, and imagery are presented in graphic design to produce messages that are aesthetically pleasing and simple to comprehend. There are a few universities that offer Ma graphic design online. Additionally, the best graphic design masters UK can give you more than 100% return on investment after 1 year. As per the latest reports, currently 55,465 Indian students are studying in the UK.

FAQs

Ques. Are graphic designers in demand UK?

Ans. With advertising agencies primarily based in London, the South East, Manchester, and Leeds, jobs are accessible in large cities and towns. With prospects in Europe, Japan, Australia, and the USA, there is also a demand for British graphic designers on a global scale. High-calibre artwork, seeing your designs in use; and developing a reputation all contribute to job happiness.

Ques. Is the UK good for a master's in graphic design?

Ans. The UK is an excellent destination to pursue an education that emphasises theoretical understanding, real-world application, and artistic expression. The UK's institutions are the ideal place to start your career in graphic design.

Ques. Are a masters in graphic design from the UK worth it?

Ans. Yes, earning a master's in graphic design from the UK is worthwhile. Students who study graphic design typically divide their days between class and studio time. You will practise sketching, painting, and typography while studying the history of graphic design, design principles, and visual culture from a theoretical standpoint.

Ques. Where can I study graphic design UK?

Ans. The following is a list of the top UK graphic design universities

  1. Arts University Bournemouth.
  2. Kingston University.
  3. Goldsmiths, University of London.
  4. Leeds Arts University.
  5. Loughborough University.
  6. The University of Lincoln.
  7. Coventry University.
  8. Staffordshire University.

Ques. What is the best graphic design course in the UK?

Ans. The following is a list of the best graphic design course in the UK:

  1. MA in Graphic Design and Visualisation
  2. MA in Research Typography and Graphic Communication
  3. MSc in Communication: Graphic Design
  4. MA in Graphic Design and Illustration
  5. MA in Motion Graphics

Ques. What can you do with a graphic design degree UK?

Ans. Jobs you can pursue once you've finished this course:

  1. Art director for advertisements
  2. Animator
  3. Art worker
  4. Exhibition creator
  5. Graphic artist
  6. Illustrator
  7. UI/UX designer
  8. Web developer.

Ques: What are the career prospects for graduates with a Masters in Graphic Design?

Ans: The career prospects for graduates with a Masters in Graphic Design are excellent. Graphic designers are in high demand in a variety of industries, including Advertising, Publishing, Fashion, Technology, Education.

Ques: What are the salary prospects for graduates with a Masters in Graphic Design?

Ans: The salary prospects for graduates with a Masters in Graphic Design are also good. According to the National Careers Service, the average salary for a graphic designer in the UK is £29,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on your experience, skills, and location.

Ques: How can I get a scholarship for Masters in Graphic Design in the UK?

Ans: There are a number of scholarships available for Masters in Graphic Design students in the UK. These scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. You can find information about scholarships on the websites of individual universities or on scholarship search engines.

Ques: What are the steps to apply for Masters in Graphic Design in the UK?

Ans: The steps to apply for Masters in Graphic Design in the UK are:

  • Find a program that you are interested in.
  • Check the entry requirements and make sure you meet them.
  • Submit your application materials, including your CV, academic transcripts, portfolio, and letters of recommendation.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Wait for the decision from the university.

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