AS/A Level Graphic Design
- Graig Campus
Do you look at advertisements, magazine layouts or business/retail displays and think that you would like a career in creativity? If you have an interest in design, exploring your creativity and developing a deeper understanding of the visual principles used in brand marketing, then Graphics at Coleg Sir Gâr is the course for you.
You will develop and nurture your understanding of the visual elements that will enable you to effectively design, brand and produce professional standard graphics. We study illustrative techniques in colour, composition, typography, and Images in traditional and digital formats through Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator which enables all participants to produce a high standard in their portfolio work. This qualification leads to progression into foundation and degree courses and is an excellent partner subject in gaining access to higher qualifications in graphics, photography, design and fine art.
Course details
- Full time
- Face-to-Face
Admin Fee: £25
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Progression and employment
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Programme content
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
This is a two year programme, which focuses on developing a broad understanding of graphic communication in social media, marketing and advertising. Graphic communication is about developing the ability to communicate visually; using innovation and creativity to solve design problems, exploring media and design processes to communicate ideas.
The programme aims for every learner to develop their own unique voice using visual imagery, applying technical and contextual understanding confidently to realise their intentions. Learners are encouraged to explore individual interests and ideas over a range of genres through the development of sketchbooks to record their progress. Programme content includes techniques such as digital image creation using Photoshop and Illustrator, traditional illustration, collage and printmaking. Developing ideas using direct observational drawing and photography is a critical starting point for every project.
External opportunities and competitions are provided for all learners to push themselves outside their comfort zones and develop extra-curricular experiences and all learners are kept up-to-date on current exhibitions and events of interest, with trips organised throughout the year. AS graphic communication consists of a coursework portfolio and controlled assessment and AL graphic communication includes a self-initiated portfolio module and an externally set controlled assessment.
Our successful graphics students have gone to Cardiff, Swansea, Bath, Carmarthenshire School of Art and London to study on both Graphics and Illustration courses leading to high levels of attainment and employment within associated trades. We have a significant number of our students who complete the course to go straight into a Graphic Design apprenticeship or full time career in the profession. The skills you acquire and develop on the course will equip you with whichever pathway that suits you best: for the world of work, apprenticeships or Higher Education pathways.
You will develop and nurture your understanding of the visual elements that will enable you to effectively design, brand and produce professional standard graphics. We study illustrative techniques in Colour; Composition; Typography, and Images in traditional and digital formats through Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator which enables all participants to produce a high standard in their portfolio work. This qualification leads to progression into Foundation and Degree courses and is an excellent partner subject in gaining access to higher qualifications in Graphics, Photography, Design and Fine Art.
- Illustration, photography and drawing techniques
- The study of typography and its fundamental uses in design
- Colour theory to develop branding
- Layout and compositional theory
- Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
- Advertising principles
- Adobe Creative Cloud Digital Suite
AS Level - 40% of overall grade.
All coursework with a strong emphasis on portfolio work and detailed sketchbooks, research and development.
A2, A Level - 60% of overall grade
76% Coursework, 24% Controlled Assessment. Again the portfolio and the detail in sketch books are integral to the higher grades.
A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C To include: GCSE Mathematics, English Language, and an art-based subject (or a portfolio of work) at a C grade or above.
There is a studio fee of £20 to pay for specialist resources and equipment needed.
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
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“Studying graphic communications at Coleg Sir Gâr has been an amazing experience.”
"I am learning all the technical skills I need to succeed in the course and was given the freedom to explore topics and concepts I am passionate about.
The atmosphere in the art and design department allowed me to feel confident in stepping outside my comfort zone in terms of my artwork."