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 contextual studies.

You will explore ideas and concepts including advertising, typography, brand identity and illustration both collaboratively as part of a team and also on individual projects and 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 digital and traditional artwork that will help to develop both your drawing 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, Young Creative Chevrolet, and the college Christmas E card.

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.

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