Graphic Design

A LEVEL

Home > Courses > Graphic Design

Course Overview

If you are interested in working in an exciting, vibrant and fast growing sector such as the Creative Arts, then studying our A Level in Graphic Design is for you!

This course will allow you to develop a wide range of industry standard skills. The course begins with skills building where you will develop skills and understanding in a wide range of graphic design principles and theories, as well as introducing you to equipment and software developing both your digital and hand rendered graphic design skills.

This course works well with a range of subjects at the college. You may choose combine this course with other Design A Levels including Art & Design, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design to develop a wider skillset to prepare you for a career in the Arts. Equally, Graphic Design combines well with Business and Media should you choose to progress into a career or further study in Marketing.

On successful completion of the course, you will gain an A Level in Graphic Communications.

Course Topics

You will cover a range of graphic design principles including typography, illustration, branding and advertising through projects, independent work, team work and working to live client briefs.

You will use a range of digital and hand rendered equipment and software include print presses, lino printing and Adobe Illustrator.

You will also understand also understand colour theory, the importance of audience and branding, how meaning and representations are created, and the social, environmental, cultural and or ethical contexts of graphic images.

Testimonials

The college always supported me, which helped me to settle in quickly, and I can honestly say I loved my experience. Staff care about your progression and give you opportunities to develop your skills. The Aspire Programme ties in all aspects of college life, so you can build on your skills and achieve your true potential. College helped me to secure a place to study Graphic Communications at Cardiff Metropolitan.

Amy Sproston

Previously: Endon High School
Studying: BTEC Graphic Design & BTEC Theatre

I studied Graphic Design at Stoke Sixth Form where I found my passion for designing, achieving a D*D* by the end of my two years and continuing this course at Loughborough University.

Leon Dawson

Previously: Endon High School
Studying: BTEC Graphic Design & A Level Media Studies

Course Features

This is a practical work-related course which you will learn by completing live projects that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

You will be taught how to undertake ambitious graphic tasks offering you the possibility of exploring a broad range of media, techniques and processes.

You will be given the chance to work alongside professional practitioners and share their experiences of the graphic design industry.

By studying this course you will develop a broad based portfolio of work suitable for progression into Higher Education or employment.

ASSESSMENT

Controlled Assessment: 50%
Coursework: 50%

Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel

Where Courses Become Careers

The creative and media industries combined make one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy. Employers are desperately looking for imaginative people with a broad and flexible skills base, and the BTEC Graphic Design programme will provide you with many of the appropriate professional skills suitable for progression into employment or higher education.

You can progress to careers in the graphic design industry such as Advertising, Editorial Design, Packaging Design, Photography, Surface Pattern, Content Creator, Typography, Website Design and Corporate Design or Illustration.

Make your mark

How SFC will help you to boost your CV by developing your skills and qualifications…

This course has a strong ‘skills’ focus, developing not only your practical and creative skills, but also the employability skills essential for progression into the Creative Industries. You will complete ‘Live’ projects with an applied vocational scenario regularly working with experts from the creative industries. You will evidence and enhance the Stoke6th Graduate Attributes through their use on this course.

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

Email Enquiry

apply

find an open day

our prospectus

stay updated

Similar Courses

On this pathway

TV & Film Production

BTEC

If you are passionate for all things film and TV and would like to develop your craft of visual storytelling then this course is fo you. You will in depth practical, technical and creative skills in a range of film and TV areas. This will include scriptwriting, film production, stop motion animation and film editing. In addition to this you will develop proffesional pre-production practices, including storyboarding, casting and logistical film planning

Music

A Level

The A-Level Music course offers a broad, flexible and coherent course of study which encourages learners to engage actively in the process of music study. It provides learners with the opportunity to study music in an integrated way where the skills of performing, composing and appraising reinforce knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.

Creative

Transition

This programme is targeted at students who are not ready to start Level 3 but have the potential to progress onto a Level 3 programme of study following a tailored preparation programme.

Digital Games Production (BTEC Extended Certificate)

BTEC

If your interested in the gaming industry whether it be concept art, animation or games design then this is the course to give you the skills to progress in this sector. Its an ideal qualification for those intending to progress directly to employment in the digital games production sector of the creative industries, or to a related apprenticeship such as TV Production and Broadcasting, or to a Creative Digital Media apprenticeship. It is the equivalent of two A levels and is an ideal course to progress to university to study any of the above sectors.

Dance

A Level

Have you ever wanted to create your own imaginative dances and to explore the movement style of famous choreographers through the analysis of fascinating dance works? Are you ready to develop your technical and expressive dance skills to an advanced level and to participate in a range of performances both in and out of College? You will develop your skills in performance, choreography style, culture and notation. The creative, co-operative and communication skills acquired in following this course also prove attractive to a wide range of employers and higher education.

Art & Design

A Level

Music Performance

BTEC

Music Performance BTEC is the perfect qualification for you to gain knowledge of the music industry in preparation for further study or employment.

Musical Theatre

BTEC

We are passionate about training young people to be professional and well equipped to cope in the world of performing arts.

Digital Games Design & Development (BTEC Extended Diploma)

BTEC

Photography

A Level

Do you want to be part of one of the fastest growing industry sectors in the UK economy? Then you need to get involved in the creative and media industries, and studying Photography will take you there.

BTEC

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

Media

GCSE

If you want to understand the influence and sway the media has and the impact it has on society then this course is for you. You will explore a range of media areas such as film, newspapers, gaming and online media. This course will empower you to understand the effects the media has on audiences and how media industries operate. What’s more, you will also have the opportunity to create your own media products, working within print.

Textiles

A Level

Are you creative and imaginative? Do you enjoy exploring ideas and looking at things in different ways? Do you enjoy making? If so, you should consider a course in textile design. You will enjoy developing your understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills and responding to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you.

Digital Music Production

BTEC

Music Technology is an ideal mixture of creative and technical skills. It is perfect for you to gain knowledge of the music industry in preparation for further study or employment. Throughout this course you will learn about how the music industry works, including relevant historical developments. You will work with live sound equipment, record real instruments and develop skills in sequencing, music theory and using the musical keyboard for MIDI entry.

Theatre

BTEC

Are you passionate about Theatre? Do you want to learn about and experience working with a variety of different styles of acting? Do you want to work in an environment designed to replicate being a professional actor? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then this course is for you! You will develop acting and performance technique through a mixture of workshops, lessons and practical performance projects. Workshops will focus on fundamental acting skills: acting technique, voice and movement. You will have at least one session in these areas every week, covering a variety of key practitioner styles: giving you plenty of opportunity to develop your abilities as an actor.

Product Design & Architecture

A Level

Three-dimensional design – Product & Architecture is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas. It inspires creative thinkers, problem solvers and people who enjoy making. It will enable you to select appropriate materials and learn how they fit together, develop an understanding of scale and experiment with texture and surface
finish.

Media, Broadcast & Production – Content Creation

BTEC

Ceramics

T Level

This qualification will help you gain an understanding of the financial compliance and risk activities within financial services. You will specialise in compliance and risk, and apart from the classroom delivered modules, you will complete 315 hours industry placement. Here you will develop your skills in assessing risk, working with clients and communicating complex financial ideas. You will also produce professional reports making recommendations on how both clients and financial service providers can manage the risks they face, securing your dream job.

Dance – Contemporary

BTEC

This course is designed to encourage you to develop as an independent, autonomous learner and grow into a confident, creative dance practitioner. You will develop skills, imagination and new ways of seeing combined with the versatility, creativity and drive to meet the challenges of the competitive and demanding dance profession of today.

Media Studies

A Level

If you want to understand the influence and impact the media has on society then this course is for you. You will explore a range of media areas through critical debates, theory and academic writing. This course will empower you to understand the effects the media has on audiences and how media industries operate. What’s more, you will also have the opportunity to create your own media products, working within video, print and audio formats.