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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice (Graphic Design)

Unleash your creativity across a range of disciplines from designing fonts, typefaces and magazine layouts to exploring digital and traditional illustration and studying 2D animation.

Based in our Apple Mac studio using the latest software, you will build an extensive portfolio of work with direct access to a creative community of practising artists, photographers and other arts professionals.

Working on live briefs is a crucial part of your course, alongside showcasing your work in local art galleries and design shows.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

During this course, you will focus on developing and harnessing skills that will enable you to become a graphic design specialist.

You will study areas of design such as:

  • Typeface design
  • Magazine layout
  • User interface/app prototyping
  • 2D animation
  • Digital and traditional illustration
  • Branding and logo design

You will be taught by specialist staff to use industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and After Effects.

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.

Enrichment and employability opportunities on the course include working on cross-curricular projects within the computing and creative industries department, live competition briefs and presentations from artists relating to subject specialisms.

How is it assessed?

You will create work for a range of practical assignments and projects that will be assessed internally and/or externally. Tutors will provide ongoing feedback designed to help you improve across a steady learning curve.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths, and preferably an art based subject.

Achieving a good standard of English and maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses you may wish to progress on to. If you achieve below a grade 4 in your English and/or maths GCSEs at school, you will study it alongside your chosen course when you join us.

If you already have a grade 4 or above in English and/or maths but wish to achieve a higher grade, we can also support you to do this.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated Financial Support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Once you have completed this course, you may choose to progress on to degree level by studying BA (Hons) Graphic Design at University Centre St Helens, validated by University of Chester.

Alternatively, you may decide to study graphic design, choosing from a range of universities across the country. Some of our previous graduates have secured places at University of Salford, De Montfort University, Liverpool John Moores University and University of Central Lancashire.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: Graham Williams