Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 including Maths or English Language or completion of a Level 2 course including GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4.
Study Mode
Full time
Duration
2 academic years
Timetable
Various
Key features and Benefits
- Showcase your graphic design talents in our Annual End of Year Show, the National Festival of Making, Origins Festival and Embankment Galleries London
- Benefit from our UAL School and College Network with University of the Arts, London
- Learn from tutors, many of whom have industry experience
- Work with employers on live briefs to create graphic designs that will nuture your freelance skills
![smiling student sat at mac computer with adobe illustrator](/media/et2kjuof/graphic-design-l3.jpg?width=404&height=345)
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Overview
This Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Graphic Design is based around practical study with theoretical learning to underpin technical and creative skills. It is suitable for a wide range of students built to allow progression to university or employment. It is a specifically designed for those interested in a career within the creative industries and more specifically the field of graphic design.
Blackburn College is part of the UAL School and College Network, and are one of only 10 in the country to achieve this status. This means that all our students will benefit from:
- Industry specialised lecturers
- Invitations to a range of relevant talks and workshops - face to face and digital
- Advice & guidance from a UAL representative
- Help with portfolio development, creative careers and pathways to industry.
- UAL set assignments
As part of the UAL network, Blackburn College tutors will also meet and share good practice with the other 9 UAL approved colleges around the country, to make sure our students are receiving the best learning experience possible. This Foundation Diploma is extremely well regarded across design education in the United Kingdom and abroad.
We have a first-class record in placing talented students on the best degree course at institutions such as Ravensbourne, Chelsea School of Art & Design, Ruskin School at Cambridge, Leeds College of Art, Goldsmiths, London College of Communication, The Slade, Wimbledon, Camberwell College of Art, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. Many students on the programme also progress on to Blackburn University Centre.
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What will I study?
The course is made up of 9 units in year one and a further 4 larger units in year two. YOu will be given a range of projects that challenge you to explore different areas of graphic communication practice including:
- typography
- illustration
- design for print (e.g. page layout and poster design)
- design for screen (e.g. web and interface design)
- packaging
All of which are supported by contextual studies throughout.
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Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 including Maths and English Language or completion of a Level 2 course including GCSE Maths and English Language
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How will I be assessed?
In this qualification you will engage with study through a range of creative assignments, all of which help build confidence, knowledge and skills in preparation for your final Project Proposal and Realisation at the end of year 2 in which you will specialise.
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What can I do next?
This qualification is mapped to the Level 3/4 UAL Pre-Degree Foundation Diploma at Blackburn College. Many learners wish to complete this diverse, higher level course before they progress onto University or employment.
Many students choose to progress on to Graphics related degree courses as well as other design related programmes at Blackburn University Centre which allow you to follow a range of specialisms. These include:
- Graphic Design
- Animation and Game Arts
- Photography and Moving Image
- Fashion and Textiles
- Fine Art
These courses are all validated by UK Top 15 Lancaster University.
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Your Study Programme
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Career Options
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use lettering and images to communicate information and ideas. This could be for all kinds of purposes from advertisements to product packaging. If you have lots of creative ideas this career could be perfect for you.
To become a graphic designer, you will need to have IT and drawing skills. You'll need to be able to find practical solutions to problems. You'll also need excellent communication skills.
Most professional graphic designers have a foundation degree, HND or degree in graphic design or other art and design-based subject.
![Group of students holding signs for universities and gold stars](/media/1wuojgvy/meet-sixth-form-students.jpg?width=288&height=256)
99.7% overall BTEC pass rate
August 2021