Art and Design covers a wide range of different disciplines, and increasingly we look at the world in a different way due to the growing overlap between art and technology means. 

Although they are similar subjects there a couple of key differences between Art and Design.  Art is unlimited in its scope and doesn’t necessarily follow a process but and the outcomes depend on the perspectives of an individual.  Design on the other hand is a process, and usually has more limited scope and has the defined outcome of communicating a message or defining how something works.

These are more creative programmes and you should be sure you want to spend 3 years studying them but if you are then a university course will give you the scope to hone your creativity, develop new skills and explore different  areas as well as learning more practical.  Many course but not all will require a portfolio, and although being able to sketch ideas is critical you don’t always have to be ‘good at drawing’ to study Art and Design.

Art & Design may cover Art History to Fashion Design, with subjects such as Photography, Interior Design, Performing Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, and a while range more.

Career Opportunities after an Art & Design Degree

Imagery and design are everywhere around us which means there are opportunities for designers in all different industries and business, but it is also true the industry is competitive too and it does not have the best chance of getting a job as soon as you graduate.  The increased prevalence of digital marketing and influence of social media mean there are more and more options to work freelance in these, areas while searching for the idea job, if your skills suit that.

Art and Design courses do help you develop a range of transferable skills which will help in professional positions such as communication, problem-solving and creative thinking.  Many industries value creativity and creative thinking.

Examples of Career Opportunities

• Advertising Art Director
• Graphic Designer
• Animator
• Illustrator
• Professional Artist
• Photographer
• Curator
• Printmaker
• Concept Artist
• Interior Designer
• Fine Artist
• Art Therapist
• Art Teacher / University Lecturer

Recommended Universities for Art & Design  

Recommended UK Universities for Art & Design Programmes 

• Loughborough University
• Newcastle University
• University of Leeds
• Lancaster University
• Kingston University
• University of Reading
• Goldsmiths, University of London

The universities listed above are ranked among the UK’s Top 10 for Art & Design by the Complete Guide 2026.

Recommended Australian Universities for Art & Design Programmes 

• RMIT University
• Monash University
• University of Melbourne
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Technology Sydney
• Queensland University of Technology
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Deakin University

The universities listed above are ranked among the Australia’s Top 10 for Art & Design by the QS University World Rankings by Subjects 2025.

Interested in studying Art & Design in the UK or Australia?

For more information and assistance with the application process, contact One Education – an official representative of Australian and UK universities. We offer free consultations and support throughout your application journey.
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Submit your enquiry here – our counsellor will contact you back directly.
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