How long will I study this course for?
2 Years
What do I need to get on this course?
4 GCSEs at grade C or above plus portfolio of artwork to study a BTEC Extended Diploma and a NCFE
5 GCSEs at grade A-C plus portfolio of artwork to study a BTEC Extended Diploma and an A-level
The portfolio could include observational drawings (drawings from objects in front of you). Computer work, mark-making, photography, any artwork you have produced. Please note that you do not need to be accomplished in drawing to study graphics.
What Will I study?
- You will be taught how to become a ‘creative problem solver’ through use of the design process across a wide range of assignments covering advertising, editorial design, packaging, marketing and promotion, information graphics, computer graphics and corporate identity.
- You will gain many design skills including problem solving and creative thinking, typographic design, layout, image-making, , Apple Mac hardware and software, drawing , visual communication and professional practice.
- You will be involved in several live projects set by practicing designers and industry clients and enjoy the benefits of educational visits
- You will be taught in an excellent open plan studio environment with a dedicated computer studio containing state of the art equipment and software
- You will be challenged and have expectations of your own abilities stretched allowing you to achieve your full potential as a designer
What else can I study?
This course allows you to study an A-Level in Photography or a NCFE qualification.
What can I do after this course?
You can progress onto a range of courses at Degree or Foundation Degree level in Graphic Design or you can use your skills to progress on to courses related to Advertising and Marketing.
What career paths does this course help me get into?
Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Editorial Designer, Advertising or related subjects. Teacher, Photographer, Public Relations Manager, Marketing, Sales Promotor, Art Therapist, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, Textile Artist, Surface Graphics Artist and Journalist.
Live projects / Trips / Competitions
You will take part in competitions, in 2011, year we had five students reach the regional finals of the Lloyds TSB ‘Art of Nurture’ competition, which is a fantastic achievement as the competition is mainly university student work. You will take part in live projects. In one typical year we had 27 live briefs from local and national companies.
You will have the opportunity to visit art galleries, take part in educational visits and be involved in extracurricular activities such as cultural trips to Barcelona and Disneyland Paris.