It’s a really exciting time to be studying graphic design. New and emerging technologies are having a monumental impact on the graphic design industry and the pace of innovation is taking everyone by surprise. This programme embraces change and positions itself as a provider of international design education because we believe in the fundamental universality of visual communication.

Graphic design is an art that uses typography, photography, illustration and animation for visual communication. If that sounds like an ideal career choice for you, then we would love to have you at the Bolton School of the Arts! The chance to undertake a diverse range of practical assignments and study the associated theory, makes our graphic design courses stand out.

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We have been teaching graphic design courses at the University of Bolton for over 50 years, and in this time, we have produced thousands of designers, many of whom now work in some of the world’s biggest design consultancies. We believe in providing our students with a positive and supportive learning environment, which is why our university has been ranked number one for student satisfaction in Greater Manchester by The Complete University Guide 2020 for the third year in a row.

During your time studying a graphic design programme at the University of Bolton, you’ll get exclusive opportunities to work on live briefs with companies such as The Warehouse Project, Prevent Breast Cancer, The Women’s Institute, Fortalice and the Illegal Money Lending Team UK. In addition, we will also prepare and provide you with opportunities to display your work in public exhibitions including Designers and Art Directors (D&AD), London.

As one of our graphic design students, you will be able to enjoy some of the most advanced facilities in the Bolton School of the Arts, such as:

Custom-designed computer suites featuring Adobe Creative Suite and Cintiq drawing
3D printing, laser cutting and engraving
Large format digital printing and typography
Silkscreen printing
Sublimation printing onto ceramics and fabrics
Biography
Letterpress print processes

The impressive staff-to-student ratio, as well as our powerful industry connections, ensure you get the best guidance and teaching throughout the courses. Some of the best aspects of learning graphic design at Bolton are:

Encouragement to generate ideas and solve problems using both traditional media and emerging technologies
Regular one-to-one tutorials and extended studio sessions
Opportunity to work on live briefs and campaigns, develop creative design solutions alongside national organisations, large charities, government departments and inspiring individuals
Extra-curricular activities and international trips
Opportunities to showcase your work at exhibitions, enter competitions and awards
Attend portfolio clinics at D&AD and other prestigious events

A graphic design degree will open many doors for you, and you can pursue any of the career options below, to name a few (please note that some roles may require additional qualifications and/or work experience for entry):

Graphic designer - advertising
Packaging designer
Web designer
Art worker
Freelance designer
Teacher

If you have any more questions about studying at the University of Bolton, our award-winning student services team are here to put your mind at ease about any queries related to accommodation, finance, funding, health and well-being, disability support or anything else you may need.

Welcome to “Unlocked”

Our virtual show designed to promote and celebrate the creative work that has been produced by students from across the School of the Arts throughout this memorable academic year. Within the confines of lockdown, students have been exceptionally busy and have used their talents and determination to overcome the restrictions of recent months. “Unlocked” captures the huge energy and commitment of our students to creatively reach beyond the barriers behind which they have been living to achieve their goals.

Industry Links

News

Top 5 Graphic Design Trends for 2021

22 Mar 21

After a year of lockdowns and disappointments, it can feel as if creativity has disappeared and left a dark vacuum in its place. However, creativity hasn’t left the building. You cannot hold down the world of graphic design for long an...

Online Performance Tips (Undergrad + Postgrad) -Uni of Bolton

Setting Up Your Own Graphic Design Business

09 Feb 21

Setting Up Your Own Graphic Design BusinessThe thought of starting up your own graphic design business can be incredibly exciting and daunting at the same time. Potentially seeming like a mountain to climb, with m...

Looking for a career path? Get a degree in Graphic Design

17 Aug 20

Study Graphic Design at the University of Bolton, No.1 in the North West for the past three years in Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide and No.2 in Teaching Quality in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

Graphic Design Students University of Bolton

What a career in Graphic Design looks like

03 Jun 20

Deciding on a career path can seem like a tremendous task to begin with. After studying multiple subjects for years, you finally have an idea about what you enjoy learning and potentially a career to pursue. The next step is to look for ...

What is the Adobe Suite, and why is it important to graphic designers?

26 May 20

There are many skills a Graphic Designer will need when they step into the industry. The first is the ability to put pen to paper.Tapping into your imagination, having an eye for what looks good and being able to convey your ideas...

Typefaces hold more power than you think

18 May 20

The words we choose and how we put them out into the world can have an enormous impact, and the typography used to express this text is no exception on its target audiences. Typography holds a tremendous amount of power due to the way au...

Typefaces hold more power than you think

26 Nov 19

Testimonials

Jon Francis

BA (Hons) Graphic Design | 2020

"Throughout the BA (Hons) Graphic Design I have been fortunate to work on a variety of live briefs. Working with clients has developed skills I would otherwise not have developed; furthering my appreciation of the importance in building relationships with clients and delivering presentations back to them.

I have also been able to learn the importance of visiting clients improving my ability to answer the brief; whilst working on an NHS brief the year group were invited to the ward to meet the client and understand the environment where our work is being designed for.
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Chris Fogg

Founder, Fogg |

"The students at the University of Bolton presented a dynamic array of work representing a wide variety of topics, the team were very impressed with the standard and quality of the work and commented on the difficulties they faced when deciding who would win the award and be joining the agency for the Summer.

Two students, Beth and Nicola, stood out to us with their exciting and innovative style of work, broad range of skills and their passion towards the creative industry, something which we thrive off at Fogg."

James Brooke

Head of Strategy, Fogg |

"At Fogg, it is so important to us to help creatives to grow within the industry, so we are very excited to be able to offer two students placements within the creative team this Summer. I was so impressed with the standard of work presented at the show, the students participating were truly a credit to the University, however Beth and Nicola directly reflected the creative energy at Fogg."

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BA (Hons) Graphic Design Student

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"Working on ‘Live’ briefs has been a fantastic opportunity that has allowed me to solve real design problems by creating appropriate outcomes. It has also given me a unique experience through meeting with businesses, presenting ideas and dealing with constructive feedback."

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Jane Stuart-Puttnam

Enterprise Co-Ordinator |

"The University of Bolton are thrilled to be working once again with Fogg Associates. The placements received by previous students proved to be hugely successful and offered a wide range of experiences. Moving forward, we hope to continue this industry partnership."