You should have a minimum 80 UCAS Tariff points to join this programme.
Applicants should have and be able to verify that they have a pass in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 English or equivalent as an entry requirement. Proof of this should be shown at the interview.
Applicants should have an interest in the practice of graphic communication or an interest in some aspect of the creative arts. Applicants should attend an interview with their portfolio of work as part of meeting the standard entry criteria for the programme. This interview will perform two purposes:
- To allow the admission tutor(s) to assess the applicant's knowledge of the rudimentary elements of graphic design practice (e.g. drawing skills, basic familiarity with the relevant software and hardware).
- To allow for a supportive discussion surrounding issues such as fees, course structure, support, aspirations and career ambitions, student and our institutional responsibilities.
We welcome applications from mature students without formal qualifications for these courses or from mature students whose Level 3 qualifications were gained more than 5 years ago. If this applies, the interviewer will consider previously gained skills and experience, e.g. through employment or other verifiable source, and any prior formal qualifications. Applicants should attend an interview as part of meeting the standard entry criteria for the programme.
For non-native speakers of English you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Student Equipment and Financial Investment Required
Applicants should exhibit an interest in the subject of graphic design, either as process or theory. To indicate their interest in this subject area and to enable them to function effectively when on the programme, applicants will need to acquire equipment commensurate with Level 4 by the time they start their studies.
This equipment should include:
- An A3 hard-backed sketchbook containing good quality cartridge paper, minimum weight 120gsm
- Black fine-liner pens such as Unipin or Staedler in a range ofthicknesses
- A set of fine art pencils ranging from 5H to 5B
- A selection of good quality coloured pencils such as Daler, Rowney or Windsor
- Scissors
- Scalpel and blades
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Glue, either PVA or paper adhesive
- Set of gouache or acrylic paints
- Selection of artists inks
- A range of brushes, including fine ones for detail
- Masking tape
- Memory stick (min 16GB)
Throughout the programme, students will be required to invest in materials for the production and presentation of graphic design work suitable for assessment and (at Level-6) a public exhibition. We recommend that students purchase a laptop computer and purchase access to relevant software if possible.
We advise that any equipment or materials queries be directed to the programme delivery team.
Care Leavers or Young Carers
We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.
