This course gives you the opportunity to combine the use of digital technology with traditional art techniques. You will develop skills that enable you to produce exciting, creative and imaginative work in such areas as graphic design, illustration, interactive media, video work, animation, and traditional art and design.

Equivalent to three A Levels, you'll gain the skills, knowledge, and industry connections to take your next step - whether that’s straight into work or onto university.

The course provides an introduction to digital graphic design, interactive media technologies and traditional art-related industries, and requires learners to produce a portfolio of practical work along with supporting theoretical studies. You will complete three themed projects per year.

Areas of study may include:

• Traditional art (drawing, painting and sculpture)
• Computers in Art & Design
• Image Manipulation using Computer Applications
• Design Principles in Graphic Design
• Graphic Image Making
• Typefaces & Letterforms
• Typographic & Layout Design
• Product Design
• Mixed Media Image Making
• Design for Advertising
• Narrative Image making
• Animation (2D, Stop Motion etc)
• Web design
• Photography
• Digital Storytelling

You will also develop core skills in communication, numeracy and IT.

We also offer a full programme of enrichment activities that include visits to relevant exhibitions and galleries.

You will need:

• Four GCSEs grade 4 or above, including English and maths
  or
• A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2

You will also have an interview with our course tutors at enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.

We will also ask you to bring a portfolio of work, demonstrating your drawing, painting, line and tone skills, including examples of observational drawing.

Your assessments are designed to match what you’ve learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.

You’ll be graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. This grading system helps you see how well you’re doing and where you can improve.

You’ll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors. Some mandatory units may be assessed by external exams.

After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for employment, an apprenticeship, or further study, such as degrees at university.

In Year 1, units covered can include:

• Unit 1 - The Creative Process
• Unit 2 - Developing Creative Practice
• Unit 3 - Responding to a Set Brief

In Year 2, units covered can include:

• Unit 4 - Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
• Unit 5 - Specialist Technical Skills Development
• Unit 6 - Specialist Creative Outcome

School Leavers (16-18)

If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.