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Digital Graphic Design – An Introduction

This 10-week course is ideal for anyone looking to learn and develop their skills in digital design or simply study the effective use of visual design within communication.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

When does it run?

You can study this course in either the autumn or spring term. Choose your preferred term when booking.

Autumn term 2023

Monday 2 October – 4 December 2023

Spring term 2024

Monday 15 January – 18 March 2024

How long is the course?

10 Monday evenings

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring graphic designers aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn and develop their skills.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£339

What's included in this price?

All course materials and resources.

Are there any additional costs?

No, all course materials and resources are included in your course fee.

What should you bring to class?

  • Notebook and pen/pencils to take notes

Why should you choose this course?

  • Improve your artistic abilities
  • Learn the fundamentals of design, including colour theory
  • Come away with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to create your own digital designs
  • Explore and experiment with different elements of graphic design, including typography, illustration, photo-retouching, branding, book layouts, and more
  • Develop a broad understanding of graphic design theory, including the topic of interest, and best practice principles
  • Get to grips navigating Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) with ease and utilising the tools available in the software efficiently and effectively
  • Develop your technical skills and unique creative voice
  • Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
  • Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
  • Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 16 like-minded creatives

About this course

This hands-on 10-week course is an all-round introduction to the three most used programs involved in graphic design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn and develop their skills in digital design or simply study the effective use of visual design within communication. This is a fast-paced course with plenty to do for even the more experienced designer.

Developed primarily for beginners, this course will introduce you to the software most commonly used in graphic design. You’ll learn how to navigate Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign effectively and efficiently, as well as how to use the wide variety of design tools within the software with ease.

You’ll be taught the key skills and techniques needed to create digital designs and will then be encouraged to practise your newly developed skills across a range of different case studies. Through a combination of digital-based workshops and guided feedback you’ll be introduced to layout, composition, type, and image.

As well as developing creative design strategies, you’ll be encouraged to bring your own experiences and interests to your work to find your own creative design identity and develop a more critical outlook to visual communication.

The projects that you’ll undertake on this course will see you designing business collateral amongst other pieces that’ll help you apply your newly learned skills and knowledge in real life. You’ll cover ten different aspects of graphic design work using case studies which can be developed further into a portfolio of work upon completion of the course.

  • Scope and nature of graphic design
  • Design fundamentals, including line, tone, colour
  • Colour theory and applications
  • Typography
  • Illustration methods and techniques
  • Photo-retouching
  • Package design
  • Magazine and book layout
  • Gradient meshing
  • Logotype and branding design
  • Layout design
  • Basic animation
  • Design systems and the design industry, including design briefs and how to bid for jobs
  • Comparative design, including researching other designers

  • Be able to demonstrate a wide range of graphic design principles and techniques to create your own pieces with confidence
  • Possess improved artistic skills
  • Possess the skills to design using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • Be knowledgeable in a range of different graphic design elements and be prepared to take on a variety of different projects, from packaging design to magazine layouts and everything in between
  • Have experience with branding and logo design
  • Understand how the graphic design industry works, including the interpreting of design briefs and how to bid for them
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

After this course, you could:

  • Gain a Level 2 Skills and Education Group accredited qualification by studying Complete Graphic Design (SEG Level 2 Award); this’ll set you up for further academic study
  • Continue to harness your creativity and develop your publishing and design skills further; explore our full range of Adobe Creative Suite short courses
  • Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
  • Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

  • You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
  • Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
  • We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
  • You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
  • You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
  • Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity
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Book your place today

Book now

Meet your tutor

Photograph of Emily Melling

Emily Melling

Emily is a Graphic Designer and AUB graduate with a BA in Visual Communication.

Important information about evening and weekend courses

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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How to Enrol

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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FAQs

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses Booking Terms and Conditions

Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.