Graphic Communication – Art and Design

Any A Level subjects can be combined. A Levels can also be studied alongside a BTEC Level 3 Certificate.

You will study an AS Level in the first year of this course.

Graphic design is about communicating ideas and information through graphic imagery. You are then encouraged to develop individual solutions to design problems in both traditional and digital media.

This course is ideal if you are creative, enjoy problem solving and want to understand the influence of graphic design in our lives.

Most of the work is practical and studio/workshop based. There may also be whole class discussions and lectures on the more theoretical aspects of the course. Your lecturer(s) will work closely with you and you will be encouraged as the course progresses to develop your own individual interests. Your work will be assessed informally throughout the course. A final grade is determined by an externally moderated, end of course assessment of the two units, for each of the two different levels.

On this course you will:

• Learn how to present your ideas to others through visual and other means
• Investigate a range of design specialisms – illustration, advertising, packaging and typography
• Explore your own creative ideas through the use of different media to develop your personal portfolio
• Take part in visits to experience the work of others, both contemporary and historical

The development of your own work requires you to analyse and evaluate your research, practical studies and final outcomes. The emphasis is very much on enabling you to express and refine your own individual response to a theme, through increasingly personal and independent work. You will be required to produce two substantial units of work: a portfolio of coursework, and another which incorporates an externally set assignment.

You will take part in visits to experience the work of others, both contemporary and historical.

Next steps: You could progress to specialist courses at Exeter College, including a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or Esports. Alternatively, a university degree in your chosen area of interest or pursue a career path in graphics. Students have also gone on to careers in architecture, advertising, app design, branding, car design, events promotion, illustration, marketing and publishing.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths). You will also need grade 4 or above in GCSE art or a related subject such as media or graphic products. If this has not been achieved, then a project can be undertaken to demonstrate your suitability for the course. 

The Art and Design Faculty has numerous art studios, a print workshop, a ceramics workshop, a 3D workshop, photographic darkrooms, fashion and textile workspace, IT rooms with industry standard software eg: Photoshop, Flash, Motion, Stop Motion Pro and Final Cut Pro software on PCs and Macs.

There are some costs of materials and resources.