Graphic design
Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (National Award)
Two-year vocational (equivalent to one A-level)
This course is your first step towards a career as a graphic designer, animator or digital media specialist. The course combines well with media courses and will give you the practical tools to realise your creative ideas using a range of handcraft, graphic design and software techniques.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English language. At your interview, you will be required to show a portfolio of art or design work to demonstrate your interest in graphic design.
What will I study?
The course is studied over two years and consists of six units; three core units, two specialist graphic units and one final major project unit.
On the course you will:
- design and develop your own artwork
- attend events such as portfolio advice days
- visit museums and galleries to explore historical and contemporary aspects of art and design
- have your work displayed in college and external exhibitions.
Method of assessment
You will produce a portfolio of your work, which will demonstrate your research and development of the final product. You will also make coursework presentations and complete a final major project.
What will I be able to progress to?
On completion of the course you will have a number of options to choose from including studying graphic design, digital media or a creative art subject at university or areas of employment including design, advertising and the creative arts.
Other information
Please note that you must study this course for two years to gain this qualification. You will need to pay for your own art and graphic design-specific materials, some of which are available to buy from the college. Research trips will require a small financial contribution.