Extended Diploma in Graphic and Creative Design

Packaging, posters, branding, illustration, social media, advertising, logos, photography, moving image, drawing and print-making. These are just some of the areas you will explore when studying this course, giving you an extremely broad experience of creative arts that leads to an equally broad range of creative careers and university courses.

Did you know that creative industries in the UK are worth more to the British economy than the oil, gas, automotive, life sciences and aerospace industries combined? This equates to 1 in 17 jobs in the whole of the UK being in the creative sector. Whilst studying on the course, we will mirror industry closely and provide you with exciting opportunities to work with practicing designers and engage with live projects and local businesses. This incredible opportunity gives students practical work experience whilst being fully supported by award-winning staff to guide and support their journey.

In the past, students have progressed on to study courses as diverse as: arhcitecture, graphic design, illustration, advertising, marketing and content creation amongst others. This proves that our philosophy of developing students with transferable skills, who are confident and able to adapt to using a variety of methods is extremely successful. 

If you would like to be creative using a range of traditional methods, along with digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and have passion to solve problems by generating lots of ideas, then this could be the course for you.

You will need a minimum of four or more high grades at GCSE in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. A GCSE grade 4 or above in a creative subject is preferable, but not essential. When you apply, you will be invited to an interview in which you can bring along a portfolio of work that demonstrates your interest and passion for creative arts. It is this passion that we are looking for in all of our students.

This is a hands on, practical qualification and you will be assessed throughout the programme at key assessment points. This will involve research, project work, sketchbooks, design and drawing sheets and presentations. All assessments will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

If you wish to find out more you can contact David Holcroft, Course Leader, by emailing: david.holcroft@nscg.ac.uk 

Instagram: @StaffordGraphicDesign

The breadth and diversity of this course ensures an accurate identification of your creative strengths. You can then progress successfully to a specialist art, design and media university courses such as graphic design, advertising, branding, editorial design, web design, multimedia design, animation and illustration. You could also go on to one of the Higher Education courses here at NSC.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group, please contact Charlotte Robertson on 01782 254141 or email charlotte.robertson@nscg.ac.uk.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance