A Level Graphic Design
What is required of you? Entry Requirements
Open mind, creativity, hard work, enthusiasm, a sense of excitement and interest in Standard advanced course requirements plus:
the world around you, a sense of fun. Grade 5 in GCSE Art, Design or Technology based subject
OR
What will you do in the first year of Graphic Design? Merit or above in BTEC Level 2 First Diploma
In the first term, you will receive training in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to OR
ensure that you have the necessary skills to confidently produce digital design If GCSE Art, Design or Technology have not been taken, suitably qualified
work. You will also explore the work of other designers, critically evaluating and students with a good portfolio of work demonstrating your skills will be
responding to various design styles in order to develop your own ways of working. considered. You can submit a combination of drawings, photographs, collages,
You will cover the following topics: sketches for logos and/or digital design work to demonstrate your creativity,
imagination and technical ability.
• The basics of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Drawing skills from direct observation using traditional materials For more information, please contact:
• Printmaking using linocut and etching techniques Jas Chopra
• Taking digital photographs and editing for use in your own design work
[email protected]• Research and respond to a range of artists and designers 01273 508011 Ext.439
• Visit a gallery or museum to develop your visual language skills
What will you do in the second year of Graphic Design?
In the second year, students may choose to specialise in an area of graphic design
that they particularly enjoy. This could be type design, illustration, magazine layout,
packaging, poster design or even animation. You will cover the following topics:
• Advanced Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator techniques
• Introduction to Adobe InDesign to set up magazine pages
• Design and make bags, badges and t-shirts from your own designs
• Write a critical essay on a designer linked to your coursework project
• Develop a digital portfolio of final design work
• Mount and present your final design work for exhibition
Overall, 60% of your mark will be on coursework and the other 40% on an
externally-set module.
Where will Graphics lead me?
Many students continue their studies onto an art foundation courses or higher
education degrees in graphic design, illustration or photography. Some students
go onto degree courses outside of the design subject area, such as fine art,
textiles, architecture, history, politics, economics and English.
Career options can include: Advertising, animator, computer graphics, film work,
games designer, graphic designer, graphic illustrator, map maker, packaging
designer, teacher, television, typographer, wallpaper designer, zoological illustrator.
