Graphic Design for Beginners
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£495
- Start Date(s): 1 October 2025, 21 January 2026, 15 April 2026
- Duration: Wednesdays, 6 pm to 8.30 pm, for ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
21 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
15 April - 17 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
Aimed at the beginner with limited or no knowledge of graphic design, this popular introductory course combines theoretical and practical content within a professional, commercial perspective.
The development of ideas, the creative process and an understanding of visual language, layout and typography will all be included in this course to help you develop your knowledge of the different disciplines and skills associated with graphic design.
You will create innovative compositions using words, pictures and colour through workshops and projects that combine theoretical discussions with practical applications.
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The development of ideas, the creative process and an understanding of visual language, layout and typography will all be included in this course to help you develop your knowledge of the different disciplines and skills associated with graphic design. -
On this PC based course, you will create innovative compositions using words, pictures and colour through workshops and projects that combine theoretical discussions with practical applications. -
The course is ideal if you are building your portfolio and can act as an introduction to the subject for those considering future studies or a new career. -
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge.
Here's what our previous attendees have said:
'I just wanted to say a huge thank you for leading such a wonderful course. Your course and coaching style has given me the first steps I needed to work towards a career within the design world. A massive thank you for the great motivation and one to one time you dedicated to me.'
‘A very good insight into graphic design and how it's done in the modern world. I finally got to grips with fairly complex programmes.'
‘I found the course very enjoyable, with a build-up in the level of difficulty. One to one feedback provided me with some 'ah-ha' moments, and demonstrations in software I have never used were great. I wanted to do the course to broaden my job prospects and learn from an experienced designer. I've taken away a portfolio and knowledge I can build on, and a better understanding on the theory.'
‘I learnt to use Adobe properly, and have learnt how to have an eye for colour. I enjoyed the one to one conversations and paying close attention to other people's work on the course too. The second project was absolutely exciting.'
'The tutor was great to work with, very helpful and encouraging! I now know this is the career that I want to pursue.' IC
'I've made lots of new friends! The tutor taught me a lot about Illustrator, he was a great tutor and shared his message well.' HB
'I wanted to do this course to see whether Graphic Design is worth pursuing. I've learnt lots of practical skills on Adobe software and the principles of design as well as gaining further resources for further study. I loved being able to use the library to study outside of the course! The tutor was AWESOME!' JF
'I really enjoyed the course, the tutor was excellent! He gave good guidance whilst being mindful of everyone’s own projects and needs.'
'I really enjoyed this course; it was exactly what I was looking for! I most enjoyed being able to do our own projects with guidance from the tutor as well as learning different effects and techniques on the Adobe software.' HW
'I wanted to do this course to gain a solid foundation in graphic design, developing design skills & a greater understanding of how to use the Adobe suite. I learnt lots of industry tips/websites, new skills to use in Illustrator & InDesign, and a clearer understanding of the reality of working within graphic design. I most enjoyed the step by step teaching episodes in InDesign/Illustrator.'
What you’ll study
On this course, you will:
- learn about graphic design today and who's shaping the design world - and apply this knowledge to your work
- work with typography in a creative and experimental way
- create layouts that communicate a clear message
- select and edit images and combine these with layouts and typography
- use Adobe Creative Suite at an introductory level
- work to a commercial project brief and understand the processes involved, from initial research to final presentation
- critique your work and that of others so as to improve your knowledge of why some graphic design is successful and others less so
- bring together the different disciplines within graphic design so as to create innovative and cohesive results.
What is Graphic Design?
Design as a way of life
The fundamental components of design
Presenting your Work (Portfolios)
How to build and present a graphic design portfolio
Copyright law and intellectual property
Analysis, feedback, self-reflection
Project 1 brief using the building blocks; form, colour, type, size, scale, space, juxtaposition
Mood boards
The Design Process
Introduction to Adobe InDesign
Research and initial sketch ideas
Mark-Making (Analogue and Digital)
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
Development using analogue and / or digital visualising
Layout principles and approaches
Project 2 brief and layout development (visual literacy using a bank of inspiration)
Attitudes to effective visual creativity
Adobe InDesign typographic / layout tools
Typographic principles
Employing layout techniques
Professional examples from the contemporary design world
Idea development and understanding the spatial requirements of objects
Colour Theory
Final outcome; digital layouts and visuals
Project 3 brief – approaches to layout and typography
Analogue and / or digital
Idea development
Applying page layout principles
Combining Images and Type
Digital visualising incorporating Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
Basic typography principles (do’s and don’ts)
Using InDesign typographic controls
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
After the course, you will be able to progress onto the Intermediate Graphic Design course.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You’ll find collaborative working spaces where you develop your sketches and concepts, and IT suites equipped with industry standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No design or software experience is required, although you should be confident in saving files and basic computer functions.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £495.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit- If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- a layout pad
- drawing materials (pencils, felt-tips, gel pens etc)
- notepad and pens
- a memory stick.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
21 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
15 April - 17 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
Browse all our design and digital arts short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2813