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Graphics (Pathway)

Get paid to be creative! As a Graphic Designer, you will express your creativity every day. As well as picking colour palettes, choosing imagery and type, you will have to be adaptable and think ‘outside the box’ to solve challenging design briefs. If you’re a creative type, enjoy learning about IT in creative industries and have an eye for detail, graphic design gives you the opportunity to bring your ideas to life.

Every design project from a small flyer to a major advertising campaign has the potential to make a difference to society. For instance, a poster campaign could encourage someone to donate blood; the right logo can help a local business attract more customers, or you can even just point people in the right direction through effective signage. Whatever you design, the ability to create change is very exciting.

The study of graphics is integral to all our vibrant and exciting Art and Design courses. Initially, you will acquire a broad art and design skill base, developing briefs and ideas via photography, fashion and textiles, 3D, fine art and graphics, trying new techniques and approaches to widen your creative perspective and thoroughly prepare you for your chosen specialist field of Graphic Design.

To enhance your studies, you will have access to fantastic, industry-standard facilities such as a Commercial Graphics Studio and Photography Studio equipped with IMac computers, 3D Modelling and & Animation Suite with Adobe Creative Cloud, Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design Studios with a 3D printer and laser cutter as well as individual fine art spaces.

Artists and practitioners come to College to talk about their work and experience. We work with galleries, universities and businesses to ensure you have the opportunity to showcase your work. Our annual End of Year Show gives you the opportunity to display your best work in a professional environment.

At Level 3 in Year 1, you will study a range of arts disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the arts and attributes to the creative process. In Year 2, you will specialise in your chosen pathway (Graphics) which will allow you to explore and develop your skills and knowledge central to that area. The Graphics specialist pathway forms part of the UAL (University of Arts London) Art and Design Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication.

Aireville Campus
Study Location
1-2 Years
depending on Level
How your qualification is made up

Entry Requirements

  • Level 3 – 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 or equivalent including English & maths GCSEs grade 9-4 plus portfolio of Art & Design work

What you will study

Year 1 (General Art & Design Creative Practice Units):

  • The Creative Process
  • Developing Creative Practice
  • Responding to a Set Brief

Year 2 (Specialist Graphics Units):

  • Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
  • Specialist Technical Skills Development
  • Specialist Creative Outcome
  • Typography
  • Branding
  • Illustration
  • Advertising & Publication
  • Environmental graphics
  • Packaging
  • Motion Graphics
  • Comic and concept art
  • Photography

What's Next?

Further Study

  • Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Level 3/4)
  • Graphic Design BA (Hons)
  • Design for Industry BSc (Hons)

Careers

  • Freelance Graphic Designer
  • Graphic Designer for niche design agency
  • Graphic Designer for In-house department for a large company
  • Editorial Designer
  • Branding Designer
  • Packaging Designer
  • Printmaker
  • Digital Designer (screen)
Select your preferred study programme (subject). You can make 2 choices now and make a final decision in June. We will give you a conditional offer based on your predicted/actual GCSEs.
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