Extended Diploma in Graphic Design

The programme offers a thorough introduction to these exciting and developing areas of the design industry and will allow you to develop your imagination and creative thinking through the use of visual communication and practical processes.

This course is ideal if you are passionate about creative thinking, problem solving and experimentation through digital and traditional media.  You will be taught by specialist staff to use industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

The course involves a varied mix of practices that will help to develop both your artistic and software skills as well as your visual awareness and compositional skills.

Work produced by students in the past has been submitted to the World Skills Competition, Newcastle Borough Council, Stoke Your Fires, Shelter and VCCP.

The course also offers many opportunities to produce live project work in collaboration with local and national companies as and when appropriate and involvement in selected regional and national competitions is also encouraged.

You will need a minimum of four GCSE's, grade 4-9 in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you'll have a Level 2 Certificate with overall Merit in a relevant subject. If you do not hold an Art related GCSE you will need to present a good portfolio. 

If you do not have a minimum GCSE grade 4 for Maths / English, you would study these as a part of your timetable study programme. These structured weekly sessions will help you to improve your skills in these vital subject/s. In addition, Maths & English development is integrated into practical course sessions and assignments.

You will be expected to bring relevant examples of your artwork to the application interview to help staff assess your suitability for art and design study.

If you would like to find out more you can contact David Burgess, Curriculum Leader, by emailing: david.burgess@nscg.ac.uk.

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 course such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Web Design, Multimedia Design, Animation, Marketing and Branding. You could also go on to one of the Higher Education courses here at the College.

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