Graphic Design Level 3 Extended Diploma

Develop your creative potential, learn a broad range of design skills, and find out how your ideas can solve professional design problems in a fun, innovative way with the Extended Diploma in Graphic Design. You get an introduction to the main areas of graphic design including illustration, typography, photography, web design, packaging, editorial design and printmaking.

You learn about digital media and use industry-standard software. Over the two years you cover 18 units of work including:

• visual recording
• materials, techniques and processes
• ideas and concepts
• communication through art and design
• contextual influences in art and design
• application, exploration and realisation
• design methods; personal and professional practice
• computers in art and design
• lens-based image making
• typefaces and letter forms
• typographic and layout design
• words and images in graphic design
• design for advertising
• graphic image making

You also study functional skills in English or ICT.

All units are internally assessed by specialist tutors, and assessments take place throughout the course. Grades are verified internally and externally to ensure that national standards are met.

Learning activities include specialist workshops and practical sessions, as well as talks and discussions. You are set practical assignments which reflect professional practice. Emphasis is placed on working and learning with others, and you need to work independently and take responsibility for your own learning. Throughout the course you are also required to complete additional tasks including research on your home study days.

You gain a portfolio of work suitable for progression in to higher education or employment and you develop professional skills in presentation techniques.

Applicants for a Level 3 programme will normally have at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (including some subjects related to the proposed area of study) and/or a completed Level 2 award, and the willingness to study for an additional Level 2 qualification in English and/or maths.

If you are interested in a Level 3 programme and have alternative qualifications you would like us to consider, please contact us with your details. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an internal assessment. All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.

After this course you could progress to higher education, or directly into employment as a studio assistant. Students of graphic design can gain employment in a variety of work situations including advertising agencies and design companies. Employment opportunities are also available in illustration, computer animation and multimedia work. The BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic Design generates up to 360 UCAS points. Functional skills are integrated into the timetable.