Graphic Design (Triple Vocational A-level)

Outline

The UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphic Design is an exciting, intensive and in-depth introduction to the field of graphic communication. This is a full-time level 3 course, equivalent to studying three A levels and is designed for those students who have set their sights on a career in a graphic design related field such as working with typography, in advertising, corporate identity design, illustration or creating digital content (e.g., design for games, web or other interactive applications).Within the Schools of Creative Arts at Pendleton Sixth Form we are very much focused on developing the necessary skills, critical thinking and individual voice to allow each student the chance to discover their specific strengths and creative direction. Students will develop visual language skills working in a two-dimensional, three-dimensional and time-based formats whilst responding to a range of creative assignment briefs designed to really test their creative problem-solving abilities.The level 3 Graphic Design course is specifically designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of graphic design and visual communication principles alongside a range of digital and traditional techniques needed to work as a designer. Focusing on communication and problem solving, the course challenges students to apply their creative thinking when responding to real-world, complex design briefs. Students will explore non-digital outcomes including illustration, hand rendered typography, printmaking and other material manipulation processes alongside digital skills development using industry standard Adobe Software (e.g., Photoshop, In-Design and Illustrator). At the end of both year one and year two students are required to complete a final project which allows them to write their own creative brief and therefore personalise their practice. Practical work will be supported throughout by contextual studies (exploring design history and practice, ethics and sustainability for example), guest speakers and live briefs (set by external organisations or professional creative practitioners) which will push student’s creativity further, developing a solid understanding of their place within the global creative community.Most of our students choose to progress to study on one of a wide range of degree courses offered at universities across the United Kingdom before going on to work in what we believe is the most exciting and dynamic employment sector in the country. Studying at degree level is still one of the best ways to secure employment in the Creative Industries and as part of the course our students benefit from expert careers advice and support in choosing and applying to higher education or looking for alternative routes to employment.This qualification is awarded by University of the Arts, London Awarding Body (UAL), the only specialist art and design awarding body in the UK and is highly regarded in this country and internationally. We deliver UAL qualifications because they inspire students to reach their true potential and have high achievement rates due to their relevance to industry needs, and student progression plans.All work is externally moderated by specialist creative practitioners appointed by UAL to ensure fairness of assessment and that national standards are maintained.You can follow us on:Instagram: @pendletonschoolofcreativeartsTwitter: @creativeartspen

Entry Requirements

Students will need a minimum of five grade 4s at GCSE, which must include a grade 4 in English. Students who enroll on this course will typically have a GCSE (or vocational) qualification in a creative subject. Applicants who do not have a creative qualification will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and interest to succeed on the course, usually via a portfolio of creative work produced outside of the school environment.Additional Information: We will consider 1 Vocational qualification in place of a GCSE as long as a grade 4 is achieved in English.

*Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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