Quick answers to frequently asked questions.
Do students from overseas pay higher course fees?
Do students from overseas pay higher course fees?
Shillington course fees are the same for domestic students and students from overseas. Find out more about studying design abroad!
CloseWhat are the contact hours for the course?
What are the contact hours for the course?
590 study hours over the duration of the course.
It’s the same whether you study:
Online Full-Time: 4 hours live classes + 3.5 hours independent learning per day
Online Part-Time: 9 hours of live classes + 6 hours of homework per week
On Campus Full-Time: 32.5 hours of live classes + 8 hours of homework per week
On Campus Part-Time: 9 hours of live classes + 6 hours of homework per week
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Why should I choose Shillington over other study options?
Why should I choose Shillington over other study options?
Over the past 25 years we’ve developed an innovative approach to help students achieve amazing results in a seriously short amount of time. Ask our graduates—it’s completely different to any other course or classroom! Our intensive, fast-paced course isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a go-getter who wants to learn quickly and efficiently, Shillington’s right for you.
CloseIs 3 months full-time or 9 months part-time really long enough to learn design?
Is 3 months full-time or 9 months part-time really long enough to learn design?
Absolutely. Our student work speaks for itself and Shillington graduates build incredible creative careers. Our graphic design course is expertly planned to teach technical skills, cover design theory and ingrain creative principles to help you create a well-rounded portfolio. Read more on the blog in Learn Graphic Design Fast or Fast, Good or Cheap. And if you want to hear it straight from our graduates, check out 21 Unbiased Shillington Reviews.
CloseWhat kind of job could I get after Shillington?
What kind of job could I get after Shillington?
Shillington prepares you for a wide variety of creative careers, and upskilling in design helps you put your best foot forward on the job hunt. You could work in digital design, focus on publishing or design packaging. There’s even opportunities to take on freelance clients and build your own business. The list is endless! Check out graduate testimonials or scroll through our graduates’ profiles on LinkedIn.
CloseWhat qualification will I receive?
What qualification will I receive?
Online course graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion, create an industry-ready portfolio and get exclusive access to The Guide.
New York on campus graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion, create an industry-ready portfolio and get exclusive access to The Guide. We are licensed by the New York State Education Department.
London on campus graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion, create an industry-ready portfolio and get exclusive access to The Guide. We are not educationally accredited, but teach a commercially-driven portfolio course which prepares you for working in the design industry.
CloseDo employers want graduates to have a diploma or degree?
Do employers want graduates to have a diploma or degree?
When employing a graphic designer, most employers will look at your portfolio before they look at your qualifications. Your portfolio shows the quality of your work, level of technical skill and your practical knowledge more than a certificate can. For more, read Checklist to Become an Employable Graphic Designer and What Creative Recruiters Really Think of Shillington Graduates on the blog.
CloseDo you help graduates get jobs?
Do you help graduates get jobs?
We encourage students to tackle their job hunt independently, but provide assistance along the way. During the course we make sure students are confident presenting their portfolio for future interviews. Students who give 100% to their studies are in an excellent position to land their first design job. We have a Jobs Board for employers seeking Shillington graduates and frequently share career advice on the blog.
CloseShould I study full-time or part-time?
Should I study full-time or part-time?
Our graphic design course is the same across full-time and part-time and graduates leave either with high quality graphic design portfolios. It’s just about how you want to get there.
Full-Time: 3 months, 5 days a week (online or on campus).
Commit yourself 100% to design for three months and start your creative career as quickly as possible.
Part-Time: 9 months, 3 live classes a week (online) or 3 evenings/1 Sunday* a week (on campus).
Study design without quitting your job and manage your own study time before embarking on your creative career.
*London only
CloseWhen is the application deadline?
When is the application deadline?
Please apply at least 1 month before classes start to secure your spot.
Contact us for last-minute applications.
CloseAre there entry requirements to study on campus?
Are there entry requirements to study on campus?
There’s no prior design experience required. Basic computer skills are a must for all of our courses globally. To ensure you succeed in the course, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tools—Zoom, Slack and Gmail (Google Drive).
Additionally, we’ll need you to confirm language proficiency since our fast-paced course is taught in English.
New York-based students will need to provide an official copy of their High School Diploma/Transcript (or the equivalent)*
*In compliance with the Department of Education, students studying at the New York campus can upload the following forms of documentation;
- Copy of high school diploma
- Official high school transcript showing graduation date
- Copy of High School Equivalency Diploma or GED
- Copy of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or official transcript indicating the same.
Can I get a visa to study in London?
Can I get a visa to study in London?
We can accept students who are Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, India Young Professionals scheme visa holders, European Union (EU) members, European Economic Area (EEA) members and Swiss citizens. Find out more about studying design abroad!
CloseAre there any entry requirements to study online?
Are there any entry requirements to study online?
There’s no prior design experience required. Basic computer skills are a must for all of our courses globally. To ensure you succeed in the course, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the tools—Zoom, Slack and Gmail (Google Drive).
Additionally, we’ll need you to confirm language proficiency since our fast-paced course is taught in English.
CloseCan I get a visa to study in New York?
Can I get a visa to study in New York?
Yes! We offer the M-1 Student Visa at our New York campus in the United States. Find out more about studying design abroad. You can also check out videos from Chrystal Christie, who travelled from Sydney to New York to study. Watch her experience exploring NYC as a design student!
CloseDo you have a language requirement?
Do you have a language requirement?
Our course is taught at a high level of English, so you need to be proficient in spoken and written English. We recommend a minimum of IELTS Band 6.
CloseWhat extra costs can I expect while studying?
What extra costs can I expect while studying?
We’ll send a list of suggested supplies once you’ve enrolled, but students should expect to have a working computer (Mac preferred with Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma installed), general school supplies (sketchbook, pens, USB drive) and budget for portfolio and poster printing at the end of the course.
Membership to The Guide is included for all students enrolled at Shillington. After graduating, continuing access is available for a small monthly cost.
CloseDo you offer scholarships?
Do you offer scholarships?
We typically offer Full Scholarships and Mentorships and Half Scholarships as part of our Diversity in Design program. For scholarship announcements, sign up for our email list and follow us on Instagram to be the first to know!
CloseHave Shillington students won awards?
Have Shillington students won awards?
Yes! Check out this full list of awards won by Shillington students and graduates.
CloseCan I apply for a student personal loan in Australia?
Can I apply for a student personal loan in Australia?
Yes! We’re proud to partner with Plenti for a simple, flexible, gimmick-free loan option for Australia-based students. Learn more.
CloseCan I apply for financial aid?
Can I apply for financial aid?
Unfortunately financial aid is not available to our students in the United States.
CloseDoes the course have connections in the design industry?
Does the course have connections in the design industry?
Yes. All of our teachers are practising graphic designers and we regularly welcome industry guest lecturers to share insights and experience. Check out industry connections and our Industry Interviews on the blog.
CloseWhen is the next Shillington Info Session?
When is the next Shillington Info Session?
Visit our Info Sessions page to find out about upcoming Shillington events.
CloseCan I take a campus tour?
Can I take a campus tour?
Totally! You can check out our campus at an Info Session. And if you can’t make an Info Session, you can book in a campus tour.
CloseIs there a lot of homework?
Is there a lot of homework?
We set the minimum independent study requirement as 8 hours per week for On Campus Full-Time classes, 6 hours a week for Online and On-Campus Part-Time classes and 3.5 hours per day for the Online Full-Time class.
CloseWhat is your attendance policy?
What is your attendance policy?
Our course is intensive, so you’ll need to commit to missing no more than four days if studying full-time, six nights if studying part-time in-person or 9 nights if studying online.
CloseHow much does a Shillington graphic design course cost?
How much does a Shillington graphic design course cost?
Course fees vary between study options. See our Online course dates and fees and on campus course dates and fees to learn more.
CloseWhy do course fees differ between different cities?
Why do course fees differ between different cities?
Our course curriculum and teaching methods are identical across all six campuses. Course fees vary between campus due to cost-of-living
CloseWhat’s the refund policy for online students?
What’s the refund policy for online students?
Please refer to Shillington Online Terms and Conditions.
CloseWhat’s the refund policy?
What’s the refund policy?
For students studying on campus in New York City, please refer to Shillington US Terms and Conditions.
For students studying online, please refer to Shillington Online Terms and Conditions.
CloseWhat are your terms and conditions?
What are your terms and conditions?
Our terms and conditions are different for depending on where you study: Shillington New York Terms & Conditions, Shillington United Kingdom Terms & Conditions and Shillington Online Terms & Conditions.
CloseWhat topics will be covered in the graphic design course?
What topics will be covered in the graphic design course?
We’ll take you through the creative process from beginning to end—integrating idea generation, technical knowledge, design theory and studio skills at every step. Visit our course and approach to learn more.
CloseDoes the course cover digital design?
Does the course cover digital design?
Our course has a focus on digital design across platforms like mobile, tablet and web. We teach students Figma, run in-class workshops on UI and UX design and keep our course up-to-date with industry standards. We don’t teach code but don’t worry—most studios outsource this kind of work to developers. In graphic design, it’s the user interface that matters. We cover this in our curriculum. Find out more in our course and approach.
CloseI’ve already worked or trained as a designer. Is Shillington right for me?
I’ve already worked or trained as a designer. Is Shillington right for me?
Our graphic design course is ideal for current creatives to revive software skills and enhance their understanding of the design fundamentals. If your software skills are self-taught, we’ll teach you how to work smoothly and efficiently across Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma. Or if your current portfolio isn’t up-to-scratch, we’ll help you craft a collection of your best work, showcasing an ability to work across a wide range of briefs. Meet 20 Inspiring Designers Who Studied at Shillington After Creative Degrees or Diplomas.
CloseAre there tests?
Are there tests?
Throughout the course, you’ll take 10 quizzes on topics like typesetting, quick keys and design terminology. They’re quick and painless, and your teachers will give plenty of notice to prepare.
CloseWhat type of computer will I need?
What type of computer will I need?
We recommend the use of Mac computers since it’s the design industry standard. A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended to keep things running nice and fast. Depending on your budget, we recommend either a MacBook Pro or an iMac.
If you do not have access to a Mac computer—please note that, as a student, you are are required to have access to the Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma and a computer that supports these programs outside of the classroom, for the duration of the course.
CloseWill I need specific software to attend the graphic design course?
Will I need specific software to attend the graphic design course?
You need to purchase a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat). Unfortunately Shillington students are not eligible for a student discount in the United States.
You will also need to download Figma, a digital design app, and Slack, an industry relevant communication tool. These are both free. During class time, we also utilise Google Drive to back up work—meaning you can open your work at home. This, in turn, means you’ll need to have your own Google account.
CloseI can’t draw very well. Does that matter?
I can’t draw very well. Does that matter?
Not at all. During the course you will need to do rough sketches in order to develop ideas, but your drawing ability will not be judged. Design is about conveying ideas effectively, not creating artistic masterpieces. We’ll guide you through what you need to know.
CloseCan students get discounted subway cards?
Can students get discounted subway cards?
At this time, Shillington students are not eligible for student discounts on their subway fees. Students commuting from New Jersey via the NJ Transit are eligible for a discounted monthly rail pass. Student applications can be found at your local train station.
CloseWill accommodation be provided to students?
Will accommodation be provided to students?
We don’t provide student housing, but in New York we recommend researching options on Airbnb, Craigslist, 92Y Residence, EHS Student Living, Behomm and Homestay.
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