Level 3 Graphic Design

This course will give students a comprehensive introduction into graphic design and the range of transferable disciplines required to be successfu in the advertising industry. You will cover topics in the use of the industry standard software and digital technologies such as animation, web-design as well as paper based methods of promotional material. Theory and practice are integrated to ensure that the qualification supports progression to higher education or employment. Typography, Illustration, Digital Manipulation, Life Drawing, Marketing, Branding, WebDesign and Desk Top Publishing.

All Level 3 students will have the opportunity to undertake a range of live projects in graphics design, desk top publishing and illustration as well as numerous competitions. We have our own in-house design agency that will give you the opportunity to pitch for jobs and gain that all important industry experience. INDUSTRY INFORMATION Hours You would usually work from around 9 am to 5 pm, but you would need to work longer hours when there are deadlines to meet. As a freelance graphic designer, your hours would vary depending on the work you get. You would usually be based in a studio or office, but may spend some time visiting clients and printers. Income Starting salaries can be around £15,000 a year. Experienced graphic designers can earn between £19,000 and £30,000 a year, and senior graphic designers can earn up to, and over, £50,000. Figures are intended as a guideline only. Key facts: There are 193,969 people working in the design industry, of which: 51% are in communications, interior and exhibition 42% are in product and industrial design 7% are in stage and set design There are 18,105 businesses, of which 94% employ less than 50 people. 34% of the design workforce is located in London and the South East. Design contributes £6.8 billion to the UK economy. 32% of the design workforce is self-employed. 14% of the workforce work part-time. 50% of those working in design have a level 4 or above qualification. Men and women are equally likely to have a qualification at level 4 or above. Women are likely to earn less money than men (66% of women in design earn less than £20,000 per year, compared to only 39% of men). Jobs in the industry include: advertising design, computer game designer, costume designer, exhibition designer, fashion designer, footwear designer, graphic designer, industrial designer, interactive designer, interior designer, product designer, textile designer, textile maker. South West - There are 60,690 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 9% of the UK sector workforce. There are approximately 5,000 creative businesses in the region, of which 93% employ less than 50 people. 47% of the workforce is self-employed in arts, design and music. 59% of the workforce is male. 98% of the sector workforce is white and 46% are under 40 years. West Midlands - There are 40,300 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 6% of the UK sector workforce. There are approximately 5,000 creative businesses in the region, of which 91% employ less than 50 people. 31% of the workforce is self-employed, which is the lowest regional figure.

5 GCSE A*-C (or more) with English or Maths. Or equivalent/relevant vocational qualification at Level 2 with a merit or higher grade with all Functional Skills in English or Maths at Level 2 and Successful Interview and excellent reports.

After successful completion of the course with merits/distinctions learners can progress to the Level 4 or 5 HNC/HND in Creative Practice at Gloucestershire College or This will enable them to make informed choices with regard to a career in the creative media sector. You will need to receive an outstanding report from your tutor and achieve all targets set as progression to the next level is not guaranteed.

STUDENT CASE STUDY Jack Mulcahy Course: Graphic Design Following on from studying A Levels in fine art, product design and ICT at Cheltenham Bournside School, Jack chose to study a HND in Graphic Design and Multimedia at Gloucestershire College knowing that the course was well-respected in the industry and that the College had a great reputation. Jack sought out the opportunity to get on the future jobs scheme and through this he secured himself a Junior Graphic Designer role in the marketing department at Gloucestershire College. He has now been promoted and has been a permanent member of staff for three years. Jack said: “I was lucky enough to take part in the design and painting of the mural in the College Principal’s office at the new Gloucester Campus when it opened. I would definitely recommend studying at GC; it gave me the qualifications to turn my passion for design into a career.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details