Graphic Designing syllabus emphasises practical training where students learn about numerous design dimensions and how they apply them to diverse fields. A thorough analysis of the procedures involved in designing could be included in the theoretical portion. The various programs, instruments, and methods used to produce aesthetically pleasing content are taught as a part of graphic designing subjects. Through courses such as Illustrator, InDesign, typography, Design Management, Photoshop, etc., candidates are prepared with an understanding of design, branding, composition, and layouts.
The curriculum for the graphic designing course is divided into eight semesters. It may involve seminars, projects, and internships with an emphasis on important design and illustration principles through the study of media, grids, photography, digital technologies, typography, design, and layouts. Graphic designing syllabus covers both practical and theoretical knowledge, which is essential for the course. Depending on the programme type, there may be a mix of various graphic design electives, projects, and graphic designing subjects. The course also covers a variety of crucial topics, such as illustration, digital tools, typography, interaction design, communication and media theory, etc. This page thoroughly discusses everything about the graphic designing syllabus and subjects.
The graphic designing syllabus covers the fundamentals of various elements of design, principles of design software applications, web design, image editing, drawing, and graphic advertising and marketing projects. The graphic designing syllabus demonstrates artistic growth by imparting various techniques through the curriculum. Hence, it is important to know the syllabus of graphic design before pursuing the course. The Graphic Design is provided in the table below.
The semester-wise first-year graphic designing subjects are provided in the following table.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Story of Art- I | Story of Art- II |
Fundamental of Drawing -I | Fundamental of Drawing -II |
Visual Thinking | Introduction to Visual Cultures |
Fundamental of Design- 2D& 3D | Colour Composition |
2D &3D Design Practice | Colour Theory |
Inter Design Studies-I | Inter Design Studies-II |
The semester-wise second-year graphic designing subjects are provided in the following table.
Semester-3 | Semester-4 |
---|---|
Theory of Graphic Design-I | Theory of Graphic Design-II |
Graphic Design & Communication-I | Graphic Design & Communication-II |
Typography-I | Typography-II |
Drawing for Designers | Drawing for Designers |
Advanced Digital Media | Advanced Digital Media |
Computer Applications & Information Technology | Elective |
The semester-wise third-year graphic designing subjects are provided in the following table.
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
---|---|
Theory of Advertising Design-I | Theory of Advertising Design-II |
Graphic Design for Gaming | Advertising Design & Media |
Graphic Design for Print Media | Packaging Design & Printing Technology |
Advanced Illustration Techniques | Advanced Digital Illustration Techniques |
Elective | Project Work |
The semester-wise fourth-year graphic designing subjects are provided in the following table.
Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
---|---|
Theory of Advertising, Visual Communication & Media-I | Design & Business Management |
Advertising Design Research Project-I | Theory of Advertising Visual Communication & Media-II |
Interaction Design | Minor Research Project- II |
Portfolio Development | Advertising Design Major Research Project- I |
Internship/Project | Portfolio Development, Final Display & Presentation of the Design Research Project |
Elective | - |
The Graphic Design course offers a variety of specialisations. Each specialisation of Graphic Design has its curriculum. Stated below is the course syllabus of popular specialisations of Graphic Design.
Graphic Design Course Subjects along with the BA Graphic Design Curriculum are provided here.
Sketching and Drawing-I | Information Collection and Analysis |
---|---|
Design Fundamental-I | Introduction to Photography |
Culture and Design Studies-I | Introduction to Design for Moving Images |
Craft Design Studies-I | Introduction to Graphic Design |
History of Art and Design | The Design Process and Thinking |
Sketching and Drawing-II | Introduction to User Experience Design |
Culture and Design Studies-II | Digital Design Tools- Visual Media |
Visualisation techniques | Visual Ergonomics |
Society, Environment and Design | Information System Design |
Design Fundamental-II | Typography and Publication Design |
Visual Identity Design | Sketching and Drawing-III |
User Interface Graphics | Advertising Design |
Advanced Illustration Techniques | Graphic Design Project-I |
Brand Communication Design | Interdisciplinary Elective- I |
Packaging Design and Printing Technology | Graphic Design Project- III |
Portfolio Making | Environmental Graphic Design |
Graphic Design Project -II | Interdisciplinary Elective -II |
Design Management | Graphic Design Project 4 |
Graphic Design Project 5 | Design Internship Presentation |
Degree Project Proposal Study | Degree Project GD |
Floating Credit Course | Global Immersion Programme |
Given below is the BSc Graphic Designing syllabus.
Drawing and Sketching | Elements and Principles of Design |
---|---|
Professional Communication Skills-I | Life Study |
Digital Art | Concept Art |
Professional Communication Skill-II | Environmental Studies |
3D Visualisation | Introduction to Visual Design Tools |
Visual Design Project | Design Process Project |
Visual Narrative Development | Comic Strip and Story Board |
Introduction to Multimedia | Animation |
Communication Theory | Discipline Minor Elective-I |
Typography | Design Thinking |
Photography Project | Videography Project |
Illustration Project | Corporate Identity Project |
Soft Skills | Specialisation Elective-I |
Discipline Minor Elective-II | Specialisation Elective-II |
Semiotics and Visual Design | Conceptual Design |
Effects and Simulation | Gaming |
Design Project -I | Information Graphics |
Specialisation Elective- III | Discipline Minor Elective-III |
Design Project -II | Discipline Minor Elective-IV |
Specialisation Elective IV | Applied Graphics Design |
Interactive Design | Print Design |
One of the top specialisations of Graphic Design courses is BSc Graphics, Advertising & Digital Design. We have provided the curriculum of BSc Graphic, Advertising & Digital Design in the table given below.
Spoken English - I | Advanced Spoken English |
---|---|
Management Concepts | Advance Spoken English |
Accounting-1 | Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management |
Introduction to Animation and Graphics | Web Designing & Tags of HTML |
Practical Based On Animation and Graphics | Digital Photography |
Mind Management and Human Values | Marketing Management & E-Commerce |
Communicative English | Entrepreneurship |
Financial Management | Business Application- Excel |
Flash | Research Mythology |
3d Max | Image & Graphics |
Practical’s Based on Flash & 3d Max | Multimedia Design |
Customer Relationship Management | New Media |
Introduction to Advertising | Environmental Studies |
Operation Management | Foreign Language (German) |
International Marketing | Total Quality Management |
Professional Practice I (Electronic Imaging) | Consumer Psychology |
Mass Communication | Major Project- Graphic Design Portfolio Presentation |
Mini Project- Graphic Design Portfolio Presentation | Soft skills Personality Development Training |
Internship Project | Image & Graphic Lab |
Candidates aspiring to join in BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design can go through the Graphic Design Course Syllabus which is tabulated below.
Drawing Studio | Business Plan of Multimedia Communication |
---|---|
Design Theories & Practices | Consumer Interface Design |
Event Management & Public Relations | History of Contemporary Art |
Geometry: Curves & Surfaces | Meta Design Studio Computer Graphics |
History of Art, Design & Architecture | Type Design |
Information Elements & Network | Technologies & Structures |
Methods & Instruments for Design | Visual Communication Design |
Visual Design Studio | Visual Communication History & Theory |
Cultural Sociology | Final Design Presentation |
Design Seminar | Brand& Enterprise Development Project |
Final Design Project | Design Seminar |
Minor Project | Fashion Retail Design Lab |
Candidates can check the BA (Hons) Graphic Design Visual Communication curriculum from the table below.
Design Skills & Concepts- I | Design Skills & Concepts- II |
---|---|
Design & Sensitisation-I | Design & Sensitisation-II |
Design & Context Building- I | Design & Context Building- II |
Computer Skills- I | Computer Skills- II |
Studio Project- I | Studio Project- II |
FD Core I | FD Core II |
FD Core III | Italian Language and Culture-I |
History of Art Architecture & Design- I | Studio Project-III |
Studio Project-IV | FD Core IV |
FD Core V | FD Core VI |
History of Art Architecture & Design | Italian Language and Culture-II |
Elective | IDP |
Studio Project- V | Studio Project- VI |
FD Core VII | FD Core VIII |
FD Core IX | Design & Society |
Business Basics | Internship |
Studio Project-VII | Studio Project-VIII |
Studio Project-IX | FD Core- X |
FD Core- XI | Design & Sustainability |
Studio Project -X | Studio Project -XI |
Studio Project -XII | FD Core XIII |
FD Core XIV | Research Project |
Intellectual Property Rights | Project Studio |
Industry Project Studio | - |
The following table outlines the subjects for graphic designing along with their details:
Subject Title | Description |
---|---|
Publications, Advertisements, Photography and Visual | Creating the perfect advertisement for a company is the responsibility of graphic designers. This graphic designing course subject provides guidelines for producing polished, original artwork that meets business objectives, whether or not it promotes a product or service. |
Colour and Colour Theory | Colour theory is the study of colour interactions and how they result in visual interfaces. Designers employ these rules and guidelines to produce aesthetically pleasing schemes that are simpler for consumers to follow than they would be in the absence of them. |
Introduction to Modern Graphic Design | This graphic designing course assists candidates in developing the skills required to produce projects through typographic teaching (including font families) and layout concepts like composition and colour theory. |
Layout Design and Collage | The arrangement of the elements on a page that comprise a design's content is referred to as the graphic design layout. Correct message delivery and logical, consistent information presentation are the two main goals of the layout in the graphic designing course, with the emphasis being placed on key components. On the other hand, collaging is a creative yet straightforward modern design approach. |
Typography | Typography is an essential part of graphic design because it produces messages that are readable and visually appealing. Instead of drawing any letterforms themselves, candidates might work with pre-existing fonts to greatly improve the typographic aspects on paper or a computer. |
The common subjects for Graphic Design in all semesters are given below:
Introduction to Graphic Design | Photoshop & Illustrator |
---|---|
Shapes, Structures, Designs, Illustrations | Adobe Dreamweaver and Audition |
Graphic Designing Tools | Typography |
2-D & 3-D Animation | Handling Corel Draw |
Fundamentals of Design | Sketching and Drawing |
Design Management | User Interface Design |
Graphic Designing and Visualizing Techniques | Vector Graphics for Designers |
Art & Visual Perception | Design Thinking Process |
The following table highlights the elective graphic designing subjects along with their details:
Subject Title | Description |
---|---|
Business Information Design | Business information design is the process of creating aesthetically pleasing informational and statistical visualisations that organisations and agencies can easily comprehend. |
Graphic Design Elective | This field encompasses a wide range of graphic design topics, such as composition, colour theory, typography, etc. By the end of the instruction, students will have a firm grasp of graphic design principles that they may apply to any future projects. |
History of Graphic Design | The ability to communicate visually using words, images, and other visual media is the subject of this study. The graphic designing course syllabus encompasses a wide range of creative disciplines, including illustration, branding, typography, advertising, etc. |
Motion Graphics | These graphic designing course graduates create visually striking exhibitions by fusing animation and video. Motion graphics are commonly employed for titles, overlays, and bottom thirds. |
Visual Systems | Visual systems are used in graphic designing courses to organise and structure data. Throughout this course, students will learn how to create contrast, hierarchy, and visual coherence in designs. |
With so many alternatives available, selecting a specialisation in graphic design is difficult. Prospective students can, however, always choose the area of specialisation that they have the greatest curiosity about or that they excel at. Ensuring that the graphic designing specialisation one has chosen is pursued and refined throughout their degree courses is also crucial. The following table outlines some specialisations offered in the field of graphic design along with their subjects and detailed information:
Specialisation Name | Offered Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
User Interface Animation |
| Encouraging candidates to utilise animation to guide users through an interface, notify them of changes, influence their decisions, and illustrate links between elements is the program's primary objective. |
Mobile Application Design |
| Applicants usually engage in this graphic designing course subject because they want to understand the topic from a new perspective and integrate the requirements for excellence in engagement, usability, accessibility, and enhancing user experience. |
Digital and Interactive Media Design |
| Candidates who typically register for this speciality in Graphic designing course subjects have a strong interest in digital and interactive media. |
Animation and Visual Effects |
| Individuals who choose this speciality do so because they are passionate about animation and visual effects. After completing this particular course, they will be equipped to exploit cutting-edge scientific and artistic technologies. |
Given below is the syllabus of the Online Graphic Design Course:
Art Versus Design | Theory of Design Part 2 |
---|---|
Scope and Application of Graphic Design | Texture |
Alignment | Grid Theory- Rule of Third |
Balance | Famous Designer- Raymond Loewy |
Consistency, Repetition | Book Design Issues |
Contrast | Design Case Study – Sainsbury`s |
Golden Rectangle | How to Sketch |
Proximity | Creating Visuals in Book Design, Advertising and Web Design |
Famous Designer: William Golden | Graphics Software, CAD |
Logo Design Issues | Famous Designer- William Bernbach |
Design Case Study -1 | Web Design Issues |
Theory of Design –I | Design Case Study |
Graphic Design Basics | The History of Printing |
Typography | Johannes Gutenberg and the Introduction of Movable Type |
Colour Theory | Kerning and Letterspacing |
White Space | Readability: Serif and Sans Serif |
Famous Designer: Eric Gill | Screen Vs Print |
Designing Business Cards & Letterheads | Display Vs Body |
Design Case Study 2 | Famous Designer Milton Glaser |
Graphic Design Tools | Design Case Study 5 |
The Importance of Research | Interpreting a Brief |
Problem-Solving | Design Development |
Presenting Work to Clients | Case Study: Paul Rand |
From Concept to End Result, The Production Process | How to Create a Portfolio |
The History of Graphic Design | What employers are looking for |
Plakatstil | Why you should have a blog |
Art Nouveau | How to create a blog |
New Objectivity | What to write about |
Futurism | Social Media and Marketing Yourself |
Art Deco | Case Study 8 |
Constructivism | Famous Designer- Jan Tschichold |
Bauhaus | Average Salaries |
Beginning of Modern American Design | Tips to Succeed in Getting Your First Job |
New Typography Movement | Choices: Self Employment, In House or Design Agency |
Finding Work in Self-employment | Famous Designer- Neville Brody |
Design Case Study 9 – Lee Mason | Designing Website and Publishing Website |
Many educational institutions provide Graphic Designing distance programs and often the lectures, study materials and assignments are given online. There are video tutorials, interactive exercises and help from tutors virtually. The course in distance mode is especially helpful for those who cannot provide full-time commitment. Here is the syllabus for the Graphic Designing distance program:
Design Overview | Design Drawing |
---|---|
Fundamentals of Design | Digital Methods |
Digital Illustration | Graphic Composition & Layouts / Color Interpretations |
Study of 3D Structures, Material for Communication Media | Basic Photography |
Data Interpretation & Graphic Visualization | Film / Art Appreciation |
Communication Theory & Media Studies | Introduction UI & UX |
Digital Methods – Premier / After Effects / Audition | Design Ethnography |
Candidates who would like to pursue a Graphic Design course must have knowledge of different kinds of entrance tests conducted to provide admission. To aid the purpose, we have listed down the top entrance tests of Graphic Design here. national-level
Exam Name | Description | Syllabus |
---|---|---|
NID Entrance Exam | The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam is a national-level test, which is conducted for aspirants seeking admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. | NID Syllabus |
UCEED | The UCEED 2023 Entrance Exam is a national-level exam administered by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). | UCEED Syllabus |
AIEED | The All India Entrance Exam for Design (AIEED) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for candidates wishing to apply to various Undergraduate and Postgraduate Design programmes offered at ARCH College of Design & Business, formerly known as ARCH Academy of Design. | AIEED Syllabus |
CEED | IIT Bombay administers a competitive exam called CEED 2023 to offer admission to MDes (Masters in Design) | CEED Syllabus |
A variety of graphic designing books on the market can be used for preparation as they offer the pertinent and comprehensive knowledge needed to perform well. They not only provide knowledge but also provide thorough instruction and support for improved conceptual understanding. Below are some best books for graphic designing:
Book Name | Authors |
---|---|
Design Drawing | Francis D K Ching |
Basic Rendering | Robert W.Gill |
Perspective Drawing Handbook | Joseph D’ Amelio |
Arihant’s Ultimate Guide for NIFT/NID/IIF Entrance Exam | Arihant Publications |
Art Perception | David Cycleback |
Rendering With Pen and Ink | Robert W Gill |
NIFT Exam Guide | Dr R P Datason |
NIFT Exam Guide | Verma |
UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series | Afaindia |
Living Spaces: 150 Design Ideas from Around the World | Edited by Franco Magnani |
Furniture & Interiors of the 1940s | Anne Bony |
Furniture & Interiors of the 1960s | Anne Bony |
New Interiors 1 Text | Daniel Giralt-Miracle |
The creative solutions that a graphic design school can provide for difficult problems encountered in print media such as books, magazines, and newspapers are referred to as "pictographic depictions" or "concept visualisation". Traditional applications include book covers, letterheads, textile prints, posters, newspapers, logos, brochures, jewellery, and more. Further, Typography and cartooning are also common.
As was previously said, graphic design courses place a strong emphasis on producing informative and compelling visual communication. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, students learn design techniques, colour, typography, concept development, composition, visual thinking, and design approaches as they prepare for a career in graphic design. Candidates studying graphic designing in their first year acquire the fundamentals of the major fields. The second and third years of the course will provide them with an in-depth study of the subjects. Graduates in their last year of college must complete viva voice, major projects, internships, etc.
No, graphic designing subjects are not hard to learn; nevertheless, it does take patience, dedication, and a creative mind in addition to a strong affinity for art and design. Qualifications for a graphic designing course include knowing and utilising design concepts and principles, as well as mastering the necessary tools.
Yes, students can learn the graphic designing syllabus and subjects themselves provided they study with persistence, passion, and determination. But in this complex subject, knowing the philosophy, art, history, and real-world applications of graphic design is crucial. To pursue a career in graphic design, one should get admitted to a renowned institution.
Distance learning colleges in India that offer the best graphic designing course curriculum are
Lovely Professional University (Jalandhar), MIT Institute of Design (Pune), National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Srishti Manipal Institute of Art/Design/ Technology (Bangalore), Vishwakarma University (Pune), and more.
The top government colleges that offer the best graphic designing course curriculum are NIFT Delhi, NIELIT Guwahati, NIELIT Delhi, NIELIT Ajmer, NIELIT Aizawl, NID Ahmedabad, National Institute of Electronics & IT Manipur, National Institute of Electronics & IT Chandigarh, MGU Kerala, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, CSJM Kanpur, and more.
The top private colleges that offer the best graphic designing course curriculum are the World University of Design Sonepat, Vogue Institute of Art & Design Bangalore, School of Design Dehradun, Pearl Academy Delhi, MIT-ADT University Pune, J D Institute of Fashion Technology Bangalore, International School of Design Pune, IIAD Delhi, DY Patil University Pune, DIT University, and more.
No, the knowledge of fine arts is not necessary to understand Graphic Designing subjects. However, it can be beneficial as it helps develop a sense of aesthetics, composition, colour theory and other fundamental design principles. To achieve success practical experience and self-study are necessary.
Yes, you can learn the basics of Graphic Designing in three months. However, if you wish to gain advanced knowledge you need to dedicate atleast a year to training yourself and you can practice on your own to solidify your learning and build a portfolio.
The diploma in Graphic Designing subjects for the second year includes topics such as Sound Principles, Music and Effects Film, Method of Design Introduction to Multimedia, Language Career Planning and Guidance, Drawing as Basis for 2D and 3D Animation, Basic Information, Background and Concept, and more. Simply put, the second-year graphic designing course curriculum is designed to help students develop the practical skills required to find employment.
Some of the top books for Graphic Designing are The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst, Branding: In Five and a Half Steps by Micheal Johnson, Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, Two-Dimensional Man by Paul Sahre and Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills by David Sherwin.
No, the graphic designing syllabus for distance courses is not the same as that for regular courses as there are some changes to the disciplines incorporated into the course structure. However, the core concepts and principles of graphic design remain the same. The major difference between distance and regular courses lies only in the mode of instruction and delivery.
The list of core graphic designing subjects includes Typography; Layout Design and Collage; Introduction to Modern Graphic Design; Colour and Colour Theory; Advertisements, Publications, Photography and Visual, and more. These subjects are mostly common and offered at every institution providing this programme.
If a student fails in one of their Graphic Designing subjects, they must re-take that particular paper and prepare well to clear it in the second attempt. Backlogs can always be cleared by taking supplementary or compartmental exams. If someone is declared a failure in a particular year, they must repeat the year.
The total marks of Graphic Designing may vary for honors courses and general courses. The average total marks for all four years are 2000 for honor courses and 1800 for general courses.
There are many types of Graphic Designing courses are there for instance BDes, BDes Graphic Design, BA Graphic Design, BSc Graphic Design, BSc in Graphic, Advertising & Digital Design, BA(Hons) Graphic Communication Design, BA(Hons) Graphic Design: Advertising and Branding and BA Graphic Design and Visual Communication.
The diploma in Graphic Designing subjects for the first year includes topics such as Web Design, Team Management, Scripting for the Web, Generic Skills, Computer Studies, Colour Theory for Computer, Animation the Production Process, and more. Simply put, the first-year graphic designing course curriculum is designed to help students develop innovative perspectives.
The total number of papers in Graphic Designing courses differs from college to college and is based on the type and the level of programme a student has opted for. In the semester system which is being followed in most of the colleges, there are around five to six subjects every semester which makes around 35-36 subjects for the entire Graphic Design course.
The list of elective graphic designing subjects includes Business Information Design, History of Graphic Design, Graphic Design Elective, Motion Graphics, Visual Systems, and more. These subjects are also termed optional subjects as they can be chosen by the students as per their interests or career objectives.
Anything above 60% marks in Graphic Designing is considered good, as you are eligible for admission to higher education for all the streams. As graphic designing is a skill it is important to have a robust portfolio and creativity that gives an edge during the admission process.
No, the first-year graphic designing subjects are not tough to understand. You will enjoy learning the basic concepts provided you are interested in learning innovative things. Also, the difficulty level depends on the institute and course curriculum. It includes courses on design theory, typography, colour theory, layout and introductory software training.
The list of specialisations offered in graphic designing courses includes Digital and Interactive Media Design, User Interface Animation, Animation and Visual Effects, Mobile Application Design, etc. Candidates can always choose the area of graphic design specialisation that they are most passionate about or that they excel at. Also, a student's chosen specialisation must be pursued and further explored during their degree programme, which is another crucial consideration.
Graphic Design courses can be pursued both on merit basis and entrance examinations. Some of the top popular entrance exams are NID, UCEED, AIEED, and CEED. Students must prepare beforehand to appear for these exams to gain entry into reputed design schools.
The graphic designing subjects offered as a part of the various specialisations offered are Studying the technical aspects of, Scripts for superlight workflow, Protocols, Morphings and animating infographics, Image processing & delivery, Illustrations, File formats, Drawing Wireframes, Design Patterns and Colour Palettes, Design Concept & theories, Creating User Flow Diagram for each screen and Mockups, animating shapes and preloaders, 3D Modelling, etc.
The methodologies and techniques that are used to teach graphic designing syllabus are in line with the industry needs and requirements of top employers. To fully comprehend each topic, candidates must participate in group discussions, practical sessions, and lectures. They also need to work on research projects. The following pointers enlist the same:
Projects help students understand their chosen specialisation in a more practical way as well as help them research to develop the thesis that states the practical implementations of the topic chosen. Given below are some best graphic designing project topics:
Colleges that provide the best Graphic Designing course curriculum are the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, United World Institute of Design Ahmedabad, Vishwakarma University, Lovely Professional University, Arch Academy of Design, and World University of Design, Sonipat.