Best Design courses in the UK for international students
If you want to study Design in UK, here are some popular options. These include MA Design (Illustration), BA (Hons) Product Design, PhD Fine Art and Design, MSc Product Design, MEng Product Design Engineering. Keep reading to find out more about each course and see how that aligns with your goals.
To start with, Design courses in UK help international students like you to gain good academics along with exposure and practical sessions. These courses are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across leading study destinations such as United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, France.
Leading Design courses for international students
MA Design (Illustration)
Sheffield Hallam University£ 17,725BA (Hons) Product Design
Sheffield Hallam University£ 17,155PhD Fine Art and Design
Sheffield Hallam University£ 17,725MSc Product Design
University of Strathclyde£ 32,800MEng Product Design Engineering
University of Strathclyde£ 30,950PhD Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management
University of Strathclyde£ 31,100MArch Architecture
Queen's University Belfast£ 25,800MEng Product Design Engineering
Queen's University Belfast£ 25,300PhD Architecture
Queen's University Belfast£ 25,600MA Design
University of Sunderland£ 17,000
Find your path in Design
Discover leading universities for Design courses abroad, along with entry requirements, eligibility criteria, and career opportunities, all in one place...View more
What is a Design course in UK for international students?
A Design course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the core principles, theories, and practical applications of Design.
These courses are offered at various academic levels and are tailored to meet current global industry standards. A Design course in UK also prepares you for global career opportunities, higher education options, and professional growth.
Why UK is ideal for international students
UK boasts a high employability rate, ensuring excellent career prospects after graduation. Whether you seek academic excellence, cultural diversity, or strong job opportunities, UK is one of the best countries to study abroad and secure your future.
-
World-class education
With 104 universities offering top-quality programmes, UK provides globally recognised degrees across various disciplines. -
Diverse course options
You can choose from 6378 programmes, which include 275 undergraduate, 167 postgraduate, and 9 doctoral courses. -
Affordable education
Tuition fees for courses in UK range from GBP 7,000 to GBP 34,000, making education accessible to all. -
Global career opportunities
Graduates from UK are highly employable, with strong career prospects in various in-demand fields.
Let our experts help you shortlist the best universities for you.
Best universities for Design courses in UK for international students
Choosing the right university is crucial for a successful academic journey. UK is home to 104 leading universities offering world-class programmes in hundreds of in-demand fields. The universities in UK are sure to provide you with excellent undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses that match your academic and career goals.
Explore the most sought-after universities in UK for international students and find the right fit for you.
| University | QS World University Ranking | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | 79 | 70% |
| Queen Mary University of London | 110 | 44% |
| Sheffield Hallam University | 1001-1200 | 43% |
| University of Strathclyde | 251 | 42% |
| University of Leicester | 285 | 71% |
Best Design courses in UK for international students
- MA Design (Illustration) - Sheffield Hallam University - £17,725
- BA (Hons) Product Design - Sheffield Hallam University - £17,155
- PhD Fine Art and Design - Sheffield Hallam University - £17,725
- MSc Product Design - University of Strathclyde - £32,800
- MEng Product Design Engineering - University of Strathclyde - £30,950
Eligibility and admission requirements for international students
The requirements for studying in UK may vary from one university to another. However, let’s take a brief look at the common admission criteria:
Academic qualifications
- Minimum GPA or percentage as required by the university
English language proficiency
For non-native English speakers, most universities require scores from one of the following:
- IELTS: Typically 6.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT: 80–100+
- PTE Academic: 50–70+
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
Other documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written essay explaining why you want to study the course, your career goals, and your achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually 1–3 letters from school teachers, principals, or mentors which highlight academic performance, skills, and character.
- Proof of financial support: Proof that you can afford tuition fees + living expenses. These can be bank statements, sponsorship letters, scholarships, or financial aid documents.
Student visa requirements
- University acceptance letter (Offer Letter)
- Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
- Medical exams & health insurance (varies by country)
- Visa application & biometric appointment
Let our experts help you shortlist the right universities for you.
Average tuition fees for Design courses in UK
The cost of studying Design courses in UK for international students varies depending on the university and the duration of the programme. Tuition fees typically range from GBP 7,000 to GBP 34,000 per year for international students. Some universities may have higher fees for specialised courses, while others offer affordable options.
You can explore scholarships and financial aid provided by universities, government bodies, and private organisations to help reduce tuition costs. Many institutions also offer flexible payment plans. Check out the table below to get a brief understanding of the starting fees at some of the leading universities in UK:
| Universities | Starting fees |
|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | GBP 8,000 |
| Queen Mary University of London | GBP 4,000 |
| Sheffield Hallam University | GBP 9,000 |
| University of Strathclyde | GBP 5,000 |
| University of Leicester | GBP 2,000 |
Career prospects for Design in UK for international students
Studying Design in UK equips international students with the skills needed to excel in diverse career fields. UK is home to leading MNCs, research institutions, and startups that actively recruit international graduates in Design. Graduates from top-ranked universities in UK secure positions in leading global industries every year.
International students specialising in Design from universities in UK often find career opportunities in sectors like Engineering, Finance, Business, Healthcare and more, depending on their chosen specialisation. Whether you want to pursue an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral program, a degree from UK in Design will surely get you competitive salaries, strong job prospects, and opportunities for career advancement.
Achieve long-term success in Design with a degree from UK, as the employability rate at leading universities remains high. Many international students secure jobs shortly after graduation in reputed organisations. Explore some of the leading universities with strong placement records to launch your career in Design.
| University | Employability rate |
|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | 95% |
| Queen Mary University of London | 93% |
| Sheffield Hallam University | 96% |
| University of Strathclyde | 92% |
| University of Leicester | 94% |
Scholarships to study Design courses in UK for international students
At Edvoy, we don’t provide scholarships directly, but we guide you in selecting and applying for the right scholarship for your needs. You will have multiple options, such as government-funded scholarships, merit-based and university-based scholarships for international students.
To know more, read our page on scholarships to study abroad, which would help you further.
Choosing the best Design courses in UK can be a life-changing decision that brings international students to world-class education, high-paying careers, and global exposure. With 6378 courses available across 104 universities, you’ve got plenty of options that suit your academic and career goals.
From affordable tuition fees ranging between GBP 7,000 and GBP 34,000 to excellent employability rates, pursuing Design courses in UK ensures a bright future for you.
Want to find the right Design courses in UK? Let’s get started here.
Countries with Design courses
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- France
Design courses at all levels
Other programmes to explore in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Studying Design in UK gives you access to high-quality education, experienced faculty, and often, global career opportunities. You’ll also experience a new culture and possibly gain work experience while studying.
Like any subject, Design can be challenging—but with the right attitude and support, it’s completely manageable. Many universities in UK offer great academic support services and flexible learning styles to help you succeed.
Yes, in many cases you can! Some universities accept alternative tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, or even waive the requirement if you’ve studied in English before. We can help you find such universities easily.
The cost of studying in UK varies based on factors such as the university, programme, city, and lifestyle. Tuition fees differ among institutions and programmes, while living expenses depend on the location and personal spending habits.
Additional costs may include health insurance, visa fees, and travel expenses. It's advisable to consult the specific universities of interest for detailed and up-to-date cost information.​
We’ll help you shortlist leading universities for Design in UK, walk you through the application steps, ensure your documents are in order, and even help you land the perfect accommodation near your university. You can manage your entire application process on our all-in-one study-abroad app, with expert guidance from our friendly counsellors.
Yes, Design is a highly demanded course in UK. With strong academic frameworks, industry-focused training, and global recognition of degrees, studying Design in UK gets you great career opportunities both locally and internationally.
Yes, becoming a Design professional is a strong career choice due to growing global demand, competitive salaries, and diverse job opportunities across industries. Career prospects also improve significantly with international education and relevant experience.
To become a Design professional, you need to complete a recognised Design course at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This includes meeting academic and English language requirements, gaining practical exposure through internships or projects, and building relevant skills.
Indian students can study Design in UK by first researching suitable universities and courses, checking eligibility criteria, and preparing required documents such as academic transcripts, English language test scores, SOP, and LORs. After receiving an offer letter, you must apply for a student visa and arrange proof of funds.
No, work experience is not always mandatory for Indian students to study Design in UK, especially for undergraduate programmes. However, for certain postgraduate or specialised courses, universities may need relevant experience.
