Layout and grid design
Learn the skills required to create your own publication in this layout and grid design course. This course will teach you the design principles for layout design, exploring magazine layout and other publication design and empowering you to innovate and create your own publication.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 23 Apr 2026End Date: 21 May 2026Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will explore the fundamentals of layout and grid design; the arrangement of text, illustrations, photographs and other graphics on the page.
You’ll learn about proportions, alignment, contrast and repetition and how text and image work together. You will use Adobe InDesign to create a cover design and several page-layout templates which you’ll be able to take away and populate with content for your magazine or publication.
The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
- The principles of effective layout design
- Research historic and current innovations in magazine design
- Develop original ideas for your magazine’s cover and several page-layout templates
- Basic Adobe InDesign skills
- Online magazine publishing and hosting options
- Formats for physical printing of magazines after the course
- Critical evaluation of your own and others’ work will be facilitated throughout the course.
- Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level.
Specifically:
- Use the principles of layout design to create original designs
- Use your research to create original designs
- Use Adobe InDesign to create a cover design for a magazine
- Use Adobe InDesign to design several templates for page layouts
- Decide which online and / or physical ‘publishing’ methods you will use to create and distribute your magazine and how to prepare files for these
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Intermediate learners (with some experience of visual communication) will get the most from this course, but computer-competent beginners are welcome.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Practical work
- Individual and group tutoring
- Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
Please note, the costs of final printing or hosting of your magazine will need to be covered by learners, and conducted after the course (tutors will provide information and advice only).
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
John is a seasoned graphic designer and educator, bringing over twenty years of experience in art direction, graphic design, and illustration to his teaching practice. With expertise in delivering impactful design solutions, John's career spans a wide array of disciplines, including exhibition design, information systems, brand identity, packaging, and promotional materials. His client list is as diverse as his portfolio, with notable projects including work for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Tower Bridge London, the London Fire Brigade Museum, and the National Library of Scotland. John's meticulous approach to design ensures that every project, from concept to execution, is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest creative standard. His exhibition work transforms spaces into immersive storytelling experiences that engage, inform, and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. As a freelance designer and former senior exhibition graphic designer, John has contributed to award-nominated projects and gained recognition from clients and visitors alike. He holds a passion for design and storytelling, matched with his dedication to teaching.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.