Graphic designer: Entry requirements

Relevant subjects include those that involve visual arts. In particular, a degree/HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

graphic design;
illustration;
3-D design;
fine art;
visual art;
photography;
film/television;
communication design.

Entry to HND or degree level study is rare without first completing a foundation or BTEC national course. Any design-based course will give you a good grounding and knowledge of design/art history, printing techniques, etc.

Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible, as job offers are based on the standard of portfolio work and not on educational qualifications. However, progress without formal training is extremely difficult and the vast majority of graphic designers have higher qualifications.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, but pre-entry experience is desirable and work or placement experience is extremely useful, especially if you have a reference to provide evidence of what you have done. The most valuable work experience comes from involvement in a live project, along with building a portfolio of your work.

Apart from the obvious technical and drawing skills, candidates need to show evidence of the following:

accuracy, attention to detail and analytical skills;
enthusiasm;
self-discipline;
flexibility;
patience;
excellent communication skills to interpret and negotiate a brief with a client;
good presentation skills and the confidence to explain and sell ideas to clients and colleagues;
time-management and the ability to cope with several projects at a time;
the ability to work as a member of a team in a competitive culture.

You will need to have a clear strategy in your job-search and a highly professional approach. You should have a business card, a CV detailing your skills, experience and interests, and a structured portfolio of work relevant to the job/employer, which takes into account their products. It is important that your CV demonstrates your artistic flair; many designers now develop their CV and portfolio of work as a website. It is advisable to leave your best work at the back of the portfolio, as it is invariably these pages that are left open during an interview.

The deciding factor, apart from the quality of your portfolio, may be your previous employment experience, particularly if it is in a related field, e.g. advertising, marketing or printing.

Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) and the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) offer Student Assessment Schemes. Having your design work/portfolio assessed whilst at college/university may give you a competitive advantage if you refer to it in your CV.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see Handling Discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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