Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
You will learn the elements of effective design by working to a series of set briefs and your own personal projects. As the course progresses, you will develop a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of design and gain confidence in the use of techniques before going on to explore your own identity and areas of interest.
In the first year, you will learn how to keep a sketchbook and document a development of ideas. You will learn how to develop a critical and analytical understanding of historical and contemporary design and how this can inspire and influence your work. You will also learn how to experiment and take risks with typography, illustration and imagery and how to apply these to advertisements, branding or campaigns.
In the second year, you will develop a personal project through independent study, lessons and tutorials and write a 1,000-3,000 word critical assignment linked to your personal project that will focus on an element of design that interests you. We take opportunities wherever possible for you to view a range of work from various artists both locally and nationally.
If you’re interested in applying to study a degree level graphics course, there will be one to one portfolio sessions that will help you select the best work to show at interviews. Norwich University of the Arts also come in to discuss portfolios and interviews to ensure that you are well prepared for your next step.
Graphic Communication will appeal to you if you want to express your creativity in ways that can be applied to the worlds of advertising, illustration and typography. This subject will also appeal to you if you’re considering degree level courses or careers in these areas. Graphics can be studied alongside any of our art based A Level subjects as well as alongside any other Paston College A Level subject.
Entry Requirements
3 A Level Programme
Minimum of 2X 6 grades and 3X 4 grades at GCSE.
Art, Graphics or Photography GCSE grade 4
If you did not take an Arts GCSE you must have a portfolio approved after interview as a condition of offer.
Learning Outcomes
Graphics gives you the opportunity to learn and use a range of visual language skills using digital and hand drawn techniques. You learn the elements of effective design by working to a series of set briefs and own personal projects.
As the course progresses you develop a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of design, gaining confidence in the use of techniques before going on to explore your own identity and areas of interest.
Assessment
You will be assessed on two components across the 2 years. For component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A Level marks. In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A Level marks.
Progression
This course helps you to prepare for the next step in your creative career. Many students go directly on to degree courses at a wide range of universities and/or art schools to study Graphics and/or other visual art disciplines.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
