Graphic Design BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design Practice Level 3

This qualification offers learners the opportunity to develop their technical graphic design skills through a process of selfevaluation, practice and review. In addition to the specialist graphic design content available in this qualification, learners develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers, for example communication, project management and problem solving.

This covers a range of creative skills and disciplines within the creative industries. Are you interested in being a graphic designer or working in a creative studio? Creating logos, illustrations, typography, posters, book covers and digital narratives? You will be using industry standard software on the latest Apple Mac computers and will be challenged to think and work creatively in different digital formats, sketchbooks and layout pages. There is the potential to work on live challenging project briefs with the opportunity to showcase your work to the public.

Some of the subjects within the course may include,
• Study and explore traditional drawing skills and digital illustration techniques
• Study historical, contemporary designers, artists and illustrators
• Apply marker pen processes and presentation techniques for illustration and visual communication
• Acquire skills and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Illustration and visual communication
• Desktop publishing techniques and processes, page layout design for visual communication
• Examine and apply design concepts and produce illustrations for book covers and posters
• Conceptual ideas generation and layout design for visual communication
• Review the structure of type and typographical forms for graphic design
• Educational visits will form an integral part of the curriculum, vital to broadening experience of design and culture
• Dedicated sessions to investigate and define HE pathways and progressions during year 2

Continuous assessment of coursework in the first and second years across a range of mandatory and professional specialist units. Assessments will be project based and marked by specialist course tutors.

Year 2 culminates in a final exhibition, ArtsFest, which is open to the public.

There are a number of essential items needed for this course. A tailored starter pack is available to purchase from the college (this will contain essential equipment). Letters are issued at enrolment which include details of content and costs.

There is an expectation that learners take part in educational visits tailored to their programme of study. The costs for these vary and can be compulsory.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Graphic Design

Foundation in Art and Design or HNC/D course within the Creative Industries sector at Dudley College of Technology.

HND, BA (Hons) in related subject areas such as illustration for advertising, digital illustration, visual communication or graphic design.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English language), one of which should be in an art or design-related subject OR First Diploma in Art & Design / First Diploma Creative Digital Media or equivalent. You will need to attend an interview and bring with you a reference or school report, sketchbooks and a portfolio of your art and design work. Due to the popularity of this course please apply early to avoid disappointment.