Apply To Graphic Design Courses
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Table of Contents
1. What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
The output manifestations of graphic design can be commonly seen in:
- Web Design
- User Interface Design
- Digital Advertising Campaigns
- Motion Graphics and Animation
- Packaging Design
- Game Design
- Illustration
- Publication Design.
Why it matters?
- It is no longer effective to only rely on texts to convey a message to customers or users. In fact, having the right visuals significantly increases conversion rates as people react emotionally to graphics, motion, and texts combined.
Watch this video on how to become a successful Graphic Designer:
2. Where To Study Graphic Design Courses In Malaysia?
Here are 10 best universities to study Graphic Design courses in Malaysia.
- #1 Raffles University
- #2 IACT
- #3 Multimedia University (MMU)
- #4 Malaysia Institute Of Art
- #5 Dasein Academy Of Art
- #6 Equator College
- #7 The One Academy
- #8 Taylor’s University
- #9 UCSI University
- #10 Sunway University
3. Graphic Design Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are 2 pathways one can consider to qualify for a career in the field of graphic and media design.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Graphic Design Degree
Students who want an advanced Graphic Design education from a Degree qualification can start from a Pre-University course (A-Level, SACE, STPM) or a Foundation course offered by the university of your choice.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits to enter Pre-U or Foundation. It takes 1 to 2 years to complete and will qualify you to enter into a Degree in Graphic Design.
A Graphic Design Degree will take 3 years to complete and provide you with greater practical and industry exposure. Here are the general requirements to enter with qualifications from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 2D |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 55 |
| CIMP | 55% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5B |
| Foundation | CGPA 2.0 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities.
In total, this pathway generally takes 4 years to complete.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Graphic Design Degree
Diploma is the more popular pathway option for students who want to study graphic design. Most students will seek for jobs right after graduating with this qualification.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 3 credits to enter Diploma.
A Diploma in Graphic Design normally requires 2 to 3 years to complete depending on the university offering. Diploma courses that go up to 3 years tend to combine other specialisations such as Advertising or Multimedia Design.
If you choose to pursue a Graphic Design Degree after completing your Diploma, you only need to undergo 2 years of the course instead of 3 years.
For a Diploma holder, you need a minimum of CGPA 2.0 to enter into a Degree.
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying a Graphic Design Course at different universities and different locations.
4. What You Learn In A Graphic Design Course
You will pick up a range of skills, not just limited to graphic design, but on photography, marketing theory, intellectual property laws and more. The following are subjects you will learn in a Graphic Design Course but may vary slightly from university to university:
- Art History
- Basic Design
- Brand Strategy and Identity
- Colour Studies
- Communication Design
- Corporate Identity Design
- Creative Advertising
- Creative Analysis
- Critical Perspectives
- Digital and Gen-AI Image Processing
- Digital Illustration and Visual Storytelling
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Photography
- Drawing for Designers
- Editorial Design
- Environmental Graphic Design
- Exploring Graphic Design Process
- Information Design and Data Visualisation
- Law for the Creative Industries
- Marketing Studies
- Motion Graphic
- Packaging and Display Design
- Print Media and Content Design
- Production
- Project Management
- Screenplay and Storyboarding
- Social Media Advertising and Design
- Sustainable Design
- Typography
- UI / UX Design
- Visual Studies and Exploration
- Web Design
5. Why Should I Study Graphic Design?
Graphic Designers will always be in demand. Technologies and tools may change but the skills and intuition to know what appeals to human psychology and aesthetic preferences are invaluable. Here are reasons why you should study a Graphic Design Course:
- Graphic Design Skills Are Always In Demand – The acceleration of content consumption and businesses towards the digital and online space further demands talented graphic designers to draw the attention of potential consumers.
- Direct Impact To Your Employer’s Performance – The right graphic design can have a huge positive impact on the conversion rate of marketing campaigns. Measuring this allows you to negotiate for a better compensation package.
- Open Your Own Agency – Having accumulated enough experience and network, you can start a creative agency or digital marketing agency with the right partners.
- The Flexibility Service Clients Globally – As a digital creator, you can easily access clients from abroad through various channels and platforms.
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6. RIASEC Compatibility To A Graphic Design Course
The John Holland Theory of Career Choice states that in choosing a career, people will choose one similar to their personality to ensure job satisfaction, job performance, and career success. The test generates 6 different personality types:
- Realistic (R)
- Investigative (I)
- Artistic (A)
- Social (S)
- Enterprising (E)
- Conventional (C)
With the RIASEC Test, the 6 personalities can generate up to 720 combination possibilities to provide career compatibility. You can try the test yourself here.
These are the Top 3 traits Graphic Designers should have:
ARTISTIC
- It goes without saying that this trait is the most important for creative professionals who make captivating advertisements, logos, webpages, and other marketing materials
CONVENTIONAL
- Those who score high in the Conventional trait are people who have very high attention to detail, which is also critical in delivering high quality designs. Sometimes the difference between a good and great design can be subtle.
ENTERPRISING
- Graphic designers are not just producing standardized output. New designs sometimes need to be pitched or persuaded to get the green light from clients or managers. Those who strongly exhibit this trait will gain an advantage in their career.
7. Career Opportunities For Graphic Design
Graphic designers and multimedia specialists ahead of the skillset curve are always in demand:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Graphic Design | Graphic Designer, Brand Identity Designer, Print Designer |
| Digital & Web Design | Web DesignerUI/UX Designer, Mobile App Designer, Motion Graphics Designer |
| Multimedia & Animation | Animator, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist, Video Editor, 3D Designer |
| Packaging Design | Packaging Designer, Label Designer |
| Advertising & Marketing | Art Director, Creative Director, Advertising Designer |
| Product & Industrial Design | Product Designer, Exhibition Designer |
| Social Media & Content Creation | Social Media Designer, Content Creator |
| Specialised Design Roles | Infographic Designer, Illustrator, Typography Designer |
| Education & Research | Design Instructor, Researcher in Design |
| Game Design | Game Artist, Concept Artist |
| Freelance & Entrepreneurship | Freelance Graphic Designer, Design Consultant, Agency or Design Studio Owner |
Recommended Course Guides
Looking for other related courses? Here are various design-related course guides you should check out:
If you’re still not sure what to study, we have many other Course Guides that will provide more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!
We also took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!
About the Author:
Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.
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