Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Graphic Design) (UAL) | South Bank Colleges
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Is this course for you?

Graphic Design is all about visual communication. We see it around us every day in advertising, books, posters, CD covers, packaging; film and television titles, trailers, and idents; anywhere a message, an idea or an emotion needs to be conveyed with words, images or a combination of both.

This course will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of graphic design. It includes visual research techniques, lettering and typography, layout on screen and for print, digital design and image manipulation. Students are encouraged to stretch their creativity, to explore the area in the broadest sense, to be experimental and risk-taking, and learn how to solve problems and create elegant and workable solutions to design briefs to deadline.

The course will also give students a grounding in the work of other artists and designers and how technology has shaped the profession. Students will gain skills at researching, developing and presenting their ideas, and produce a sophisticated portfolio of work ready for further study or employment.

This is a two year programme and is the equivalent of 3 A levels.

What experience and skills will you gain?

The course is a combination of skills with understanding and manipulating materials and producing outcomes, both by hand and digitally. You will develop skills, techniques, and knowledge of areas that can include:

  • Typography; how the language of type conveys meaning and identity
  • Drawing
  • Layout and composition
  • Colour theory
  • Branding and identity, logo creation
  • Packaging design
  • Using the Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
  • Illustration/image making including time-based imagery and animation
  • Client-based work
  • Career options within the field of graphic design
  • Campus
    This course will be delivered at London South Bank Technical College - Nine elms
  • What do you need to apply?
    • 4 GCSE qualifications at grades A*-C or 9-4, including English Language
    • Level 2 vocational qualification and a Level 2 English qualification

    Additional information: You will have a review of your portfolio and ideally show some skill and a keen interest in the subject area

  • How will you be assessed?

    You will be assessed through a combination of projects, course work and a final examined project.

  • Where can this course take you?

    This course can lead to future employment in a number of art and design-based roles or provide a route to Higher Education and further study.

    Careers open to you could include graphic design, layout artist, illustrator, animator, advertising creative, multi-media artist, web designer.