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The UK has the second largest design industry in the world, and is recognised as an innovative leader with high quality designers. This means that now more than ever, employers are looking for talented individuals with the right mix of skills, creativity and imagination to change lives, communities and organisations for the better.

At St Helens College and University Centre St Helens, you'll study both traditional and digital illustration, using a range of skills to create interesting projects such as designing magazine layouts, investigating and creating logos and branding, or building interactive smartphone apps.

We offer a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma at St Helens College and a BA (Hons) degree at University Centre St Helens, accredited by University of Chester.

You will benefit

Based in our dedicated Apple Mac studio, you will be using the latest Adobe software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and After Effects, giving you a competitive advantage over others when entering the industry.

For our degree students, teaching takes place in a dedicated state-of-the-art design studio, based in the former SmithKline Beecham factory building at the Town Centre Campus.

You will succeed

Graphic designers develop and use visuals to communicate, inform, entertain and challenge a wide range of audiences, so you could find yourself working within marketing, advertising, PR, animation, illustration, photography or even become self-employed and run your own business. 

We encourage our students to take accredited Adobe Associate exams to achieve a qualification that looks excellent on their CV when applying for a job or university. 

Our tutors have years of industry experience and employer links, so you can be confident in knowing that you are learning from the best.

You will stand out

You will have the opportunity to work on live briefs with local and regional employers to build your work portfolio and gain insight of this exciting and diverse industry. One of our students was recently shortlisted for an award with music giant Yamaha for her entry and another worked on an apprenticeship campaign for the NHS.

If you choose to study or progress on to the BA (Hons) in Graphic Design at University Centre St Helens, you will be introduced to visual communication and typography which will allow you to develop a technical understanding and working methodology, whilst building a greater appreciation for creative problem solving and innovative experimentation.


Artwork showing the following information: Graphic Designer - £18,000 - £35,000, Advertising Art Director - £18,000 - £45,000, Product Designer - £23,000 - £45,000+, Art Editor - £18,000 - £40,000+, Animator - £14,000 - £36,000, Illustrator - £18,000 - £40,000