www.londonartcollege.co.uk would like to store information (cookies) on your computer. By continuing to use this site, you consent to this.

Artwork by Rachel Malpass

Course Prices

Inside UK

£450.00

Outside UK

£475.00

Instalments UK & International

£400.00 in 4 instalments at £100.00 each

International students will not be supplied with a paper copy

Graphic Design Art Online Course

Tutored by Heather Rooney

Improve your creative skills and learn new design techniques with the Graphic Design Art Diploma course from London Art College. Whether you are a complete beginner, intermediate or have some experience in art and design, this engaging online course with tutor feedback on coursework will encourage you to develop your artistic potential in a commercial way.

The Graphic Design Art Diploma Course is a comprised of a fully illustrated course book, along with practical exercises that focus on the fundamental elements of art and design.

The course covers:

  • A highly detailed guide to basic drawing techniques
  • Composition and layout skills
  • An introduction to graphic design, it's history and specialisms
  • Lettering and typography
  • Logo design
  • Packaging
  • Cartooning
  • Poster design
  • Book jacket and CD design
  • Advertising
  • Illustration

Students tackle realistic design briefs and are guided through the design process. There is a strong emphasis on generating a broad variety of ideas, before learning how to carefully refine them into successful design solutions. The course focuses on creating ideas using traditional drawing materials (pencil, pen and ink, paint, collage) and you will be encouraged to experiment with a range of media. Students will be guided towards progressing ideas on paper and can submit some finished design work completed on a computer if they wish. The course teaches the artistic side of graphic design and does not teach the use of computer software.

Work will be sent in at seven points in the course and between 2 and 5 pieces will be requested each time.  A tutor will give feedback on each assignment.

On completion of this Diploma course you will have a portfolio of coursework that demonstrates a wide range of skills and knowledge, which could then be applied to your personal art and design work, or perhaps to apply for further or higher education courses*.

Sign up today to start building your skills and expand your horizons with the Graphic Design Art Diploma course. Click on the link below to get started.

*Please note: Although we award our own London Art College Diploma, successful completion of this course does not carry academic credits. This is a vocational (skills improvement) course. To use the portfolio this course can help you to develop to apply for further or higher education courses please contact your preferred educational institutions to ask for minimum entry requirements.

Why do students choose the Graphic Design Art Course?

A graphic design course that does not use computers can have several advantages, although such courses are hard to find in this digital age. Here are some of the potential benefits:

  • Foundational Skills: Learning graphic design without computers can help you build a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of design, such as composition, colour theory, typography, and visual hierarchy. These principles are essential for any designer, whether they work with digital tools or not.
  • Creativity and Imagination: Working by hand encourages creativity and imagination. It allows you to experiment freely, sketch ideas quickly, and explore various design concepts without the constraints of software.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Designing without computers can challenge your problem-solving skills. You'll need to find creative ways to achieve your design goals using traditional tools, which can translate well into digital design as you learn to think outside the box. You will tackle realistic design briefs as you are guided through the design process. You will gain experience of creating and developing successful design solutions that can be applied to your own leaflets, posters, cards, and other personal work.
  • Attention to Detail: Creating designs manually often requires a high level of precision and attention to detail, which can be a transferable skill in digital design where attention to pixel-perfect detail is crucial.
  • Reduced Distractions: Working without computers can reduce distractions commonly associated with digital design, like social media, email, or software-related issues. This can help you focus more on your creative process.
  • Greater Appreciation for Traditional Art: A non-computer-based graphic design course can foster an appreciation for traditional art forms and techniques. Understanding traditional art can influence and enhance your digital design work, providing a more well-rounded design perspective.
  • Resourcefulness: Learning to design without computers can teach you to be resourceful and adapt to different tools and materials. This adaptability can be beneficial in a fast-paced design industry where new tools and technologies are constantly emerging.
  • Versatility: Graphic designers who have a strong foundation in non-computer-based design may be more versatile, as they can apply their skills to various mediums, from print to digital, and adapt to different design challenges.
  • Portfolio Diversity: If you later decide to use digital tools, your experience in non-computer-based design can help you create a more diverse and unique portfolio, which can set you apart from other designers. This portfolio can be used to apply for further or higher education courses, but we do advise checking with the institution about the consideration that will be given to your portfolio.


While these advantages are notable, it's essential to recognize that digital design is the industry standard in most contexts today, and computer-based design skills are highly valued. However, a strong foundation in design principles and creativity, as obtained through a non-computer-based course, can complement your digital design skills and make you a more well-rounded designer.

Please note that although we award our own London Art College Diploma with this course, it does not carry academic credits. This is a vocational (skills improvement) course.

On average, the course is typically completed within one year, yet we offer a generous two-year timeframe, ensuring a relaxed, pressure-free learning experience.

This course is suitable for students with previous experience in drawing and painting.

Students are able to upload their artwork to the 'The Art Room' on our website. Each student is given a unique username and password on enrolment for their own private area in The Art Room.

Students can upload their artwork for the tutor to collect and critique. The tutor will then upload feedback for the student to download. If you do not have facilities to upload your artwork, you can mail your artwork to the tutors centre and receive your artwork back with your critique.

It is essential you label all packages/artwork with your student number.

Student Artwork by Helana Mosses

All our courses are written to be your comprehensive guide into each of their subject matters. We understand that students appreciate clarification about various aspects of their work from a course tutor, whom provide reassurance that techniques are put into practice effectively. 

Each courses has its own dedicated Tutor. The tutor keeps the course up to date and relevant to today's students. They are available to the individual student for advice and encouragement. Each course has regular exercises and assignments that are constructed in such a way as to give the student the opportunity to practice the techniques learnt on the course and to test themselves as they go along. Students are encouraged to submit the assignment work to the college for the tutor to critique.

Coursework can be submitted online, as digital photographs, in your individual art room account and the tutor will upload their critique for you to download and retain forever. 

On many courses the assignment work may be suitable for inclusion in a student's Portfolio of Work that could be very useful later. The college will use the assignments submitted as the basis for your award of a diploma.

On successful completion of this course you will have studied new skills and gained knowledge for your own enjoyment and development.



Student Artwork (detail) by Hana Tesar
Media: Equipment used Subject: Areas covered Techniques: Skills developed
  • Pencil
  • Pen & Ink
    Watercolour
  • Gouache
  • Coloured Pencils
  • Collage
  • Felt Pens/ Markers
  • History of Graphic Design
    Drawing
  • Lettering & Typography
  • Communicating Ideas
  • Materials & Colours
  • Printing
  • Cartooning
  • Illustration
  • Packaging
  • Book Jackets/ CD's
  • Posters
  • Logos
  • Advertising
  • Figure Drawing
  • Illustration
  • Use of Media
  • Basic Drawing
  • Perspective
  • Materials
  • Calligraphy

Click the download button below to view a pdf sample course page which will open in a new tab. Alternatively right click and save the file. Please be patient for it to load.

Download Sample

Below are a few images from the course itself.

I had a fantastic time communicating with my lecturer. She was knowledgeable, approachable and friendly. I actually feel sad that the course is now over.

L Gabriel

My tutor was very helpful and helped me when i needed guidance. I really enjoyed the course and it has helped me progress in my job role.

M Broome

Now that I have completed my Graphic Design Diploma I need to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for providing such a great learning opportunity for all art enthusiasts and professionals alike, especially for those like me who live in places where such opportunities are not available at all. i must say that this was a wonderful experience, and it really enriched me artistically and spiritually. So thank you for that.  You were the most amazing tutor that I ever had the chance to know in my life. You have earnestly worked with me all through the course to make sure that I perceive every aspect of this field of art, as it was all totally new to me. I wholeheartedly appreciate your constant guiding and encouraging. Thank you for everything you have done for me.

N Michael