In today’s fast-paced, visually driven world, great design is much more than aesthetics—it's a powerful tool that shapes how we interact, communicate, and engage with everything from apps to advertising. As businesses across all industries prioritise digital presence and brand identity, the demand for skilled creative professionals has never been higher.
If you’re passionate about creativity, content creation, and making visual ideas come to life, a career in digital and graphic design offers exciting, diverse opportunities. Your journey can start here!
At Queen Margaret University, our brand-new BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course merges artistic expression with advanced technological skills, preparing you to thrive in a constantly evolving creative industry. With a strong focus on real-world skills, industry insight, and portfolio development, this degree is your launchpad to a dynamic career in design.
In this blog, we’ll explore the career opportunities that come with studying digital and graphic design, the roles graduates can step into, and why QMU is uniquely positioned to help you turn your passion for design into a profession!
The Evolving World of Graphic and Digital Design
The design industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technology, social media, and changing consumer expectations. No longer confined to traditional print or static visuals, today’s designers are at the forefront of shaping digital experiences—crafting intuitive apps, creating dynamic social media content, and building cohesive brand identities across multiple platforms. Roles like UX/UI (user experience/user interface) designer, motion graphics artist, and digital brand strategist didn’t exist a decade ago, but they’re now among the most in-demand careers in the creative sector.
This evolution means that successful designers need more than just an eye for detail and design—they need a deep understanding of user behaviour, digital tools, and emerging trends. QMU’s BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course reflects this shift, equipping students with both the creative thinking and technical expertise required to stand out in a highly competitive field.
What You’ll Learn at QMU – And Why It Matters to Employers
One of the key strengths of the BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course at QMU is its career-focused curriculum. From day one, students will engage in real-world projects that develop both technical expertise and creative confidence, using industry-standard software and equipment.
You won’t just graduate with theory—you’ll leave QMU with a professional portfolio, real client experience from live briefs, and the ability to work confidently across both print and digital platforms.
Career Paths: Where Can a Digital and Graphic Design Degree Take You?
A degree in digital and graphic design opens doors to a wide range of careers, from traditional creative roles to emerging digital specialisms. Whether you dream of working in a buzzing design studio or launching your own freelance business, the skills you gain at QMU can take you there.
There are so many disciplines you can work in once you leave university. It can be focused on digital: content creation, video editing or animation, but you could also stray into the UI/UX world of website design, which uses a very similar set of skills but just requires a different way of thinking. You could also go into the world of editorial and print design, which focuses on a different medium, but really brings your designs into the real world. If you want to be the best designer you can, you could try doing all these at the same time. Now that would be an employable person!
More information: Jack Mullin's full interview
Graphic Designer
This classic career remains vital—designers are needed in every sector to create branding, marketing materials, packaging, and more. Graphic designers work in agencies, publishing houses, or in-house creative teams for major brands, organisations or non-profits.
We bring ideas to life! Essentially, we’re visual communicators who craft stories that resonate and build connections. We distil the abstract information given to us and find a way of bringing it into the real world - making something that people connect with. That’s how brands and organisations sell products and services. It’s only with our help that they can be successful.
More information: Jack Mullin's full interview
UX/UI Designer
With businesses increasingly focused on customer experience, UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design are booming fields. If you’re interested in how users interact with websites and apps, this is a rewarding, high-growth area.
Web Designer/Developer
Those with an interest in both design and code can bridge the gap between creative and technical, working on websites, digital platforms, and interactive media.
Art Director or Creative Lead
With experience, designers can progress into leadership roles—guiding teams, shaping visual strategies, and working with clients to bring big ideas to life.
Freelance Designer or Entrepreneur
Many graduates choose the flexibility and independence of freelancing. QMU’s practical, business-savvy approach gives students the tools to manage projects, pitch to clients, and build their own brand. Our Digital and Graphic Design students will be perfectly placed to take advantage of QMU’s Start-Up Studio —a dedicated support hub designed to help turn creative ideas into successful ventures. With access to expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored business support, it’s an ideal platform for launching a freelance career or creative start-up straight out of university.
Why Choose QMU for Your Creative Career?
What sets Queen Margaret University apart isn’t just what you learn—it’s how you learn and who you become in the process. The course is built around creativity, collaboration, and career readiness. Small class sizes mean you’re more than just a number—you’ll work closely with experienced lecturers who know the industry inside out and are committed to helping you find your unique voice as a designer.
You’ll benefit from hands-on projects, live client briefs, and opportunities to network with professionals, giving you real-world experience before you even graduate. The course also places a strong emphasis on portfolio development—so by the time you leave, you’ll have a polished body of work that truly reflects your skills and potential.
QMU’s supportive and inclusive environment helps you grow not just as a designer, but as a confident creative professional. Whether you're aiming to work in a leading agency or launch your own freelance business, QMU gives you the tools, and the mindset, to thrive.
Find out more about our BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design.
