A Level Graphic Design

UK creative industries generate more than £100 billion a year to the UK economy and employ more than 2 million people. Graphic Designers are at the heart of this growing sector and this course sets out to develop the skills, techniques and problem solving ability you'll need to make your mark in it. You will be challenged to think differently about design and improve your talents, exploring the power of visual communication.

Over the course of two years we will encourage you to experiment while nurturing your personal, imaginative and reflective approach to design as you experience practical and contextual studies. There will be an early focus on discovering and developing your own creative voice and our experienced teaching staff will support you throughout via a framework of traditional skills, design principles exploring 2D or 3D form, and digital applications. Throughout the course you will put together a professional portfolio which you can use as evidence to get a place at a top university, a higher apprenticeship or to get your foot in the door at a creative agency.

In addition to examples of your creative work, you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices. This should ideally include English Language and maths as well as a creative subject, however we actively encourage interested learners to apply and attend an informal interview to allow us to find out more about you, your career aspirations, predicted grades and creative ability.

In Year 1 you will: Be introduced to a wide range of skills and processes relevant to the subject in an exciting series of mini projects. The last project of the year will be more sustained, to help prepare you for the second year units.

In Year 2 you will produce: 

• A Personal Investigation and related study (60% of A Level final grade, which is internally assessed and externally moderated). 
• A practical project supported by a related study of 1,000 words minimum. You will be encouraged to undertake a range of research in support of your chosen theme. This should include museum or gallery visits.
• An Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level grade, which is internally assessed and externally moderated) where you will choose from a variety of starting points, culminating in a 15 hour controlled practical test.
• The two components combined are internally marked and externally moderated. Your final A Level grade is awarded based on the quality of research, experimental studies and final pieces evidenced in these modules.

The final A Level certification you will receive is entitled Art and Design: Graphic Communication. This means that you cannot study A Level Illustration and Animation as a separate subject.

Progression to year 2 will be dependent on successful completion of the first year taking into account Internal Progression Examination results and the Key Assessment Profile throughout the first year.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Simon Jones, Subject Leader, by emailing: simon.jones@nscg.ac.uk

An A Level in Graphic Design will allow you to progress onto the College’s Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or directly into Higher Education. Students from the course have applied to study subjects including Graphics, Illustration, Animation and Games Design at top universities. Many former students are now practicing professional Designers, Teachers and Lecturers. The creative industries are one of the UKs top employers.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance