Art & Design - Graphic Communication

Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: WJEC/EDUQAS
This innovative and exploratory design course involves working with a broad range of digital media including animation, digital photography and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator), alongside traditional techniques like drawing, spray painting and screen-printing. In year one, students will explore ideas and develop skills through the creative process and learn from creative exploration. You will develop a mastery of practical skill, creativity and visual literacy. The Graphic Communication A Level fosters creative problem solving as well as independence, innovation, risk taking and engagement with cultural, social and political issues. You will have the opportunity visually to explore, challenge and develop your own ideas and opinion on significant themes and issues. These skills are highly valued at Higher Education and by employers.

Course Units

Component 01: Personal Investigation (60%)
Component 02: Externally Set Assignment (40%)

Course Assessment

Assessment is at the end of the second year and is comprises of internal marking of assessments 1 & 2 with external moderation. The Externally Set Assignment is set early in the Spring Term of the second year.

This Course Can Lead To…

Progression to university from this course is high; students who want to advance into Art & Design typically progress through a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and then onto undergraduate courses. Many go on to study at UAL institutions, Ravensbourne College of Design, Manchester Metropolitan University and De Montford University. Career opportunities include Animation, Video Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustrator, Creative Director, Set Design, Special Effects Artist, Photography, Product Management, Interactive Design, Industrial Design, Editorial Design and Architecture.

Entry Requirements

To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above. 

In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 4 in Art or Graphic Design OR Merit in BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art.

Course Highlights

  • Visit to various museums & major art exhibitions in London, including Horniman museum Butterfly House
  • Visit to the Public Health Poster Collection at the Wellcome Collection Euston
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