Graphic Design Level 3 (24/25)
Course Overview
The Graphic Design pathway comes under the Applied general Art and Design Diploma in year 1 and Extended Diploma in year 2. It is delivered through introductory and diagnostic projects to develop skills and understanding in graphic design. You will be encouraged to explore materials, processes and techniques, develop process and research skills whilst communicating your ideas visually and contextually, whilst exploring typography, image making, packaging, book and magazine design. In the latter part of year one students undertake an externally assessed project.
On successful completion of the year one diploma, students can enrol onto the second year of the course. This is the extended diploma, consisting of a series of assignments, culminating in an internally assessed project moderated by the UAL awarding body. The second year allows learners to explore a more personal approach within the chosen pathway investigating brand design, advertising and marketing and working to an audience. The 2nd year also offers a live project where students work with a client.
The course allows you to gain excellent practical and critical skills, independence and a working understanding of creative practice, whilst encouraging an ethos of personal and professional development. You will be taught by specialists with industry experience in purpose - built studios and workshops. You will also become very well prepared for progression to university, industry or the workplace.
Success Story
"Choosing the Graphic Design course made all the difference to the future I thought I wanted. I never contemplated going to university before the course. I had struggled a bit at school but here at the college I found my feet. I decided to commit to my studies and I worked hard and then harder. And now I feel so pleased because I have learnt a lot and I am planning to go to university and make a career in design. I have accepted my place at University and my dreams have grown whilst at college and I have discovered I am capable of so much more than I initially thought."
Frequently asked questions
Additional costs may be required for trips.
The Graphic Design pathway comes under the Applied general Art and Design Diploma in year 1 and Extended Diploma in year 2. It is delivered through introductory and diagnostic projects to develop skills and understanding in graphic design. You will be encouraged to explore materials, processes and techniques, develop process and research skills whilst communicating your ideas visually and contextually, whilst exploring typography, image making, packaging, book and magazine design. In the latter part of year one students undertake an externally assessed project.
On successful completion of the year one diploma, students can enrol onto the second year of the course. This is the extended diploma, consisting of a series of assignments, culminating in an internally assessed project moderated by the UAL awarding body. The second year allows learners to explore a more personal approach within the chosen pathway investigating brand design, advertising and marketing and working to an audience. The 2nd year also offers a live project where students work with a client.
The course allows you to gain excellent practical and critical skills, independence and a working understanding of creative practice, whilst encouraging an ethos of personal and professional development. You will be taught by specialists with industry experience in purpose - built studios and workshops. You will also become very well prepared for progression to university, industry or the workplace.
4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include an art related subject and English Language or maths
Teaching is delivered through guided sessions in classrooms and workshops, alongside research activities and gallery visits. There is a practical emphasis on experimentation, exploration and problem solving as well as a written element when looking at an artist's work. Demonstrations will be given and learners will work on specially set tasks to understand techniques and enhance creative skills. Assessment is ongoing through tutorials, peer reviews and written assignments - the final unit is graded (pass, merit, or distinction). Learners will gain a solid foundation of knowledge, and develop core creative skills using digital and traditional media, techniques and processes. In addition to a portfolio of work, on successful completion learners will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification at the appropriate level, issued by University of the Arts London (UAL).
The Art and Design pathways and levels are designed to help you gain confidence, establish a solid foundation of knowledge, and develop your core creative skills. In addition to a portfolio of work, on successful completion you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification issued by University of the Arts London (UAL).
Progression on to undergraduate courses such as graphic design, advertising, animation, and multimedia, and into careers including graphic design, animation, media graphics and web design. Below is a list of recent examples of universities which students from this course have progressed on to: Hereford College of Arts, UAL University of Brighton, University of Gloucestershire, London Met University, Plymouth College of Arts, University of Portsmouth, Kingston University, Falmouth University.