Graphics and Digital Design BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

The world of graphics and digital arts is not only very exciting, but it is also a growing industry that covers many different subjects.

The aim of the course is to cover a broad range of such subjects including: web design, animation, drawing, typography, graphic design, basic photography and video operation. You will use a range of applications in the digital media centre including Photoshop, Flash, InDesign and Dreamweaver.

Initially in year one you will study for a Subsidiary Diploma. Successful students will be invited to study for the Extended Diploma which they will complete in year two of the course.

The first year is exploratory and you will cover many skills. In the second year you will know where your creative strengths lie and will therefore be able to specialise. Units covered include typography, web design, information graphics, page layout, branding and animation.

During the course you will, along with your fellow students, take part in several internal exhibitions, the largest will be the final end of year show in year two when all courses take part in a final show, to which family and friends are invited. In addition you will be able to access careers advice from specialist members of staff and you will be carefully guided through the UCAS process if you want to apply to a higher education course. Alongside specialist topics you will also work on projects that develop your time management skills, research abilities and factual writing skills. These transferable skills are relevant to all areas of creative arts and will prepare you for both higher education and the world of work.

Many of your tutors are practising artists and designers bringing current industry practice to the classroom. From our teaching team you can expect enthusiasm and commitment, individual guidance to help you progress and achieve, help with working on your individual strengths, extensive guidance for application to higher level courses, help with building a varied portfolio of work, and help with exploring careers within the creative industries.

The course is taught through a range of approaches designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop your technical and conceptual skills. You will be given assignments to work on at regular intervals throughout the year and the teaching team will help guide you through all of the assignment requirements.

There are no formal timed exams on this course so all of your work will be assessed as you complete the assignments. Staff will provide you with feedback to help you better understand the processes behind the subject matter. Delivery methods will include practical workshop sessions in the sewing workshop, pattern cutting areas and print room, classroom-based theory sessions supported by IT, computer-based research, real-world fashion industry situations (cat walk shows exhibitions) and educational visits.

During the first year of the programme students will work towards an Art and Design BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to one A level). Successful students will be able to progress on to the second year of the programme where they will work towards either an Art and Design BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels) or Art and Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to two A-levels). Throughout the duration of the programme students will develop a portfolio of work, fashion industry knowledge and skills to help them find employment, or support an application for a higher education course. Additional learning and pastoral support is offered through the tutorial support.

Four GCSE grades C or above including an Art-related subject, English Language and preferably Maths, or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma with a Merit profile, or a Higher Diploma and supporting Functional Skills. Details of suggested portfolio content is included at the bottom of this page. A satisfactory reference is required.

Students who successfully complete the two-year programme will be able to progress on to the Art and Design BTEC Level 4 Foundation Diploma, a degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma in a Graphics Visual Communication, or Digital Arts related subject.