BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice (Graphics) Level 3

Ideally for this Level 3 course, you will have achieved a grade 9-4 in an art related subject, and GCSE Maths and/or English at school, however, if you have not achieved this, we will help you to improve your skills.

Maths and English are also embedded into the coursework. Different design applications, as well as studio and darkroom processes, involve the measuring and calculation of artworks in their processes. In theory lessons and in coursework journals you will be broadening your industry specific knowledge and vocabulary.

You will be taught through a combination of practical lessons in the design classroom, developing practical and digital skills, gaining knowledge about the graphic design industry. The course involves visits to regional/national exhibitions and workshops, where you will study and record the work of various artists and designers. You may even be producing work for local clients in industry through our live briefs.

Assessment is carried out through the creation and submission of your practical graphics work, coursework and digital journals in which you record your research, ideas and ongoing work.

English and Maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career.

You have the opportunity to take part in a placement in your second year of the course. This will be a subject related work placement with a local business connected with graphic design or a related arts industry organisation.

Placements are crucial in providing our students with an understanding of how their skills can be applied to employment as well as helping students develop their professionalism and people skills. Placements are crucial in providing our students with an understanding of how their skills can be applied to employment as well as helping students develop their professionalism and people skills.

We have a number of links with local businesses connected with graphics and the arts. This includes local designers, agencies and art galleries to ensure you gain an outstanding learning experience with us and are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to progress to a career in industry.

In recent years, students have experienced industry talks from established designers and art directors.

BTEC awarded by Pearson

The aim of this course is to develop your skills and knowledge in graphic design.

You will explore the subject of graphic design in practical and digital sessions over the two years, combining both sets of skills. An example of some of the areas covered in this qualification would be observational drawing, illustration, advertising, animation, photography and website design.

As well as learning to use industry designed digital software, the course will assist, develop and improve your technical and creative skills in the graphic design field. The successful completion of this course will support your progression into a career in the creative industries or on to Higher Education.

Year 1 - Module A:

A1 - Skills Development- Exploring and developing art and design skills. In this unit, you will explore a range of skills and processes in the graphic design field. This will be hand-based practice as well as digital computer skills with industry software.

A2- Creative Project - This unit is a response to skill learnt in A1. You will use these skills to create a body of work with a final outcome linked to industry.

Year 2 - Module B:

B1 - Personal Progression - The aim of this unit is to set you up ready for your next steps in the industry or further education. You will research into all areas, such as universities, jobs and self-employment. From there you will discover your personal attributes, long-term goals and attend a mock interview to build your confidence. To complete the unit you will prepare a portfolio to support your progression.

B2 - Creative Industry Response (FMP) - The FMP encompasses all of the units completed on the course. You will write a brief linked to industry and your chosen progression. A body of work will be produced with experiments, development of ideas and a final outcome. The work will then be exhibited at our end of year show.

Pearson