Graphic Design (Art & Design) A Level

Course code: FTB019

School of Creative Industries

The Programme

This is a practical course involving hands-on skills such as silk screen printing, illustration, photo retouching and Adobe software on Apple iMacs. Also includes research, creative thinking, discussion and techniques for generating ideas. This is achieved by a combination of both short design exercises and briefs lasting several weeks covering all aspects of graphics from editorial and illustration to packaging and advertising. You can use the iMacs a great deal or very little, it's your choice Both the AS and A2 Levels are modular programmes made up of coursework and an externally set assignment which includes both coursework and a timed piece for both levels. Students are encouraged to work individually and evolve their own solutions through research, experimentation, discussion and exploration. Students learn the basic principles of design and then they can apply them to the design of anything from a chair to a newspaper.

The Programme Content

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including a creative subject.

Costs

You will need a USB Memory stick or other portable storage (8GB capacity minimum) to transport your digital work between college and home (it is also useful for backing up) and during the year three to four A3 spiral bound sketchbooks which cost less than £5 each. There is a studio fee of £30 per year for consumables

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

Many students will choose to progress to the Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design and some will go directly on to a specialist degree course in art and design, either at Petroc or elsewhere. Graphics is a career with many different opportunities, from making TV commercials to editorial design for a magazine, from designing packaging to the graphics for a surfboard. It is well paid after the first few years and there are still jobs available in all areas. It depends on the area you are drawn to as a designer, many who start in graphics move into product design. A good designer can design anything!

Length of Study

AS Level one year, A Level two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.