Graphic Design

A LEVEL

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Course Overview

AQA A Level Graphic Communication explores visual problem-solving across both traditional and digital platforms. This course encourages creative thinking, technical skill development, and independent design practice through a wide variety of industry-relevant techniques. You’ll respond to real-world design briefs and personal themes, producing outcomes such as branding, advertising campaigns, editorial layouts, digital illustrations, motion graphics, and packaging.

The course nurtures confident, concept-driven designers ready for progression into higher education or the creative industries. We provide real-world context through talks and feedback sessions with leading creative agencies like VCCP (a global branding and advertising agency), giving students insights into professional practice, creative roles, and client-facing design. This exposure helps students align their work with industry standards.

ASSESSMENT

Coursework: 60%
Externally assessed: 40%
Awarding Body: AQA

COURSE CONTENT

Induction Project: This introductory unit familiarises students with core Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The primary aim is to develop confidence in creative problem-solving and digital design foundations. Students will respond to a set brief to design their own campaign, incorporating elements of research, sketching, and digital artwork to explore the full design process.

Mixed Media Project: This project blends digital and traditional graphic design methods. Students alternate between working on computers and in the art studio to develop experimental and unique outcomes. Emphasis is placed on using artist research to inform and inspire design work. Students will be introduced to Adobe After Effects for motion-based outcomes, as well as screen printing and packaging design, promoting versatility in both process and presentation.

Component 1: Personal Investigation: This self-directed project begins in Year 1 and continues into Year 2, forming 60% of the overall A Level grade. Students select a personal theme and explore a wide range of outcomes, including editorial design, advertising, branding, and print-based media. The project includes in-depth research, visual experimentation, and the development of a cohesive body of work. Final outcomes and supporting work are submitted in a fully digital portfolio, with strong emphasis on layout, structure, and typographic composition.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment: This final project is based on a selection of themes provided by the exam board. Students choose one topic and follow a similar process to Component 1—conducting research, exploring design ideas, and producing a digital body of work. The unit concludes with a 15-hour practical exam, during which students create final outcomes under controlled conditions. This component accounts for 40% of the overall A Level grade.

BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

If you’re curious about how design communicates messages, solves problems, and shapes the world around us, this course is for you. From posters and branding to apps, websites, and film titles, you’ll explore how everyday design is created and why it works. Most importantly, you’ll need a willingness to tackle open-ended challenges with original ideas—because graphic design is as much about thinking as it is about making.

BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?

At our college, you’ll develop independent and distinctive design projects that reflect your creativity and individuality. We have strong links with leading London agencies, giving you insight into professional practice. For example, students recently worked with VCCP on a live brief for Alton Towers, developing branding campaigns and pitching directly to industry professionals—an invaluable experience of real-world design communication.

BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

By the end of the course, you’ll have a professionally presented portfolio showcasing your technical ability, creative development, and independent thinking. This portfolio is tailored to support applications to university design courses, foundation diplomas, or creative apprenticeships. Alongside this, the experience of responding to briefs, developing concepts, and presenting outcomes equips you with the confidence and skills to thrive in the fast-paced design industry.

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

01782 854221

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