Graphic Design

Graphic Design is everywhere – posters, websites, packaging, illustrations and apps amongst others are all examples and they are all trying to tell us something, to communicate with us. As varied as the work is there are fundamentals that need to be learned in terms of colour, shape, layout, typography, computer software and working to briefs.

This course is ideal for students who wish to study Art and Design predominantly and who are committed to a career within this field. It is equivalent to three A Levels and is universally recognised as an entry qualification for degree level study.

This is the Graphic Design pathway of the Creative Practice – Art, Design and Communication UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma. Students can choose to study one of four specialist pathways: this course – Fine Art or Photography or Fashion and Textiles or this course Graphic Design.

Most of the work is practical and studio/workshop based. There will be whole class discussions and lectures on the more theoretical aspects of the course. Your lecturers will work closely with you and you will be encouraged, as the course progresses, to develop your own interests. Your work will be assessed at the end of each year. You take part in a final exhibition to celebrate your work.

Graphic Design is everywhere – posters, websites, packaging, illustrations, billboards amongst others are all examples and they are all trying to tell us something, to communicate with us. As varied as the work is there are fundamentals that need to be learned in terms of colour, shape, layout, typography, computer software and working to briefs.

What topics will I study?

You will:

• Learn about various art and design practices alongside other students on different Extended Diploma programmes.
• Be taught a range of traditional techniques and digital processes
• Enjoy a balance of a practical/studio work alongside developing an understanding of design theories and commercial practices
• Visit galleries, including an optional residential visit abroad to locations such as Florence, Venice or Berlin
• Define your individual style and build up a strong portfolio of work.

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses. Your work will be assessed at the end of each year. You will take part in a final exhibition to celebrate your work.

Future Steps: You could progress to specialist courses at Exeter College, including a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Alternatively, a university degree in your chosen area of interest or pursue a career path in graphics. Future job roles might include web designer, advertising creative, art director, typographer, app designer, infographics designer, architectural visualiser or copywriter.

You will need five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths) and three GCSEs at grade 3 or above. You should have Art GCSE (or a related subject such as DT) at grade 6 or above and an interest in, and commitment to, art and design. You will have to present a portfolio of artwork at your interview. If you need to continue with either Maths or English GCSE to achieve a grade 4 you can study one of these alongside this 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.

Some essential materials will be provided by the college. There is a materials and equipment fee of £80.00 to be paid at enrolment at the start of your course. You are likely to spend at least £80.00 per term on other additional materials and equipment. You will be invited to take part in study visits to exhibitions; a typical day visit to London costs £25.00-£35.00. There may be the opportunity to participate in a residential visit abroad.