Course Duration

1 Year

Location

Cauldon Campus

Course Cost

£ 3345.00
Do I have to pay this fee? These courses receive government funding, and some learners will be eligible for FREE tuition if they meet specific criteria. Some L code courses at Level 3 to 6 may also have an Advanced Learning Loan available for learners aged 19 and over.

Course Code

FL1162

Start Date

01/09/2025

Start Time

-

Day

Mon - Fri

Course Summary

This course aims to equip you with design and production skills through a range of specialisms such as Graphic Design, Photography, Illustration and Animation.

Taught at our brand new Digital and Creative Hub at Cauldon campus, opposite Staffordshire Univerity and Hanley Park, the course will prepare you for work in the creative industries or progression to university. While on the course we will develop your understanding of the design process applied to a range of production disciplines including advertising, studio photography, typography and concept art. Students have the opportunity to undertake live project briefs and work experience, as well as specialise in a subject area of their choosing for their final major project.

With visual communication skills through Graphic Design you will develop a wide range of processes and techniques, allowing you to explore industry areas such as design for print, moving image, packaging design, online publishing, brand identity, typography and persuasive visual messaging.Through Photography you will develop your practical skills and knowledge enabling you to gain an understanding of DSLR camera techniques, studio lighting and digital image editing. Perhaps however, you are more interested in Illustration and animation, through project work you will develop techniques within character design, comic arts, concept art and animated sequences.

Our graphics pathway will also equip you with the creative skills to communicate your ideas through printing techniques, 3D design, mixed media, digital technology as well as the core activity of visual studies. On this course you will also develop your contextual knowledge through an ongoing exploration of relevant contexts, artists, designers and photographers.

The Media and Creative Arts Hub is equipped with a variety of specialist facilities and equipment including a photography studio, Apple Mac graphics studios, art studios, a 3D printer and the Igloo Virtual Reality environment

Course Requirements

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade A*-C/grade 4 and above, BTEC First Diploma, appropriate NVQ Level 2 or Intermediate qualification. You will have a pre-induction interview/assessment to make sure this is the right level for you.

How Is It Assessed

This course is assessed by continual assessment, rather than exams, and students will need to research, plan and produce practical work. All assignments have interim assessment points, when the lecturer assesses the work and shows the student how to improve their grades. Students requiring any support in producing written work, organising themselves or managing their time can access our academic mentors. All student work is moderated by the awarding body.

How Is It Taught

The course is taught by a team of specialist lecturers including working professionals, who aim to help you to gain the most from the course. You are also allocated a personal tutor who will guide you through the course as well as organising any support that you may need. The course is delivered through a mixture of practical workshops, lectures and self-directed study.

What Could I do Next

With an Extended Diploma in Graphic Design and Photography (Illustration and Animation) you can progress into employment or on to a range of university courses including graphic design, photography, illustration, animation, and concept art courses.

What Else Do I Need To Know

You will also continue to study maths and English Functional Skills or GCSE in order to improve your employability and progression opportunities. On successful completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Level 3 (Extended) Diploma in Creative Practice. Please note: It takes 2 years to complete this full Level 3 qualification. Progression to the second year of the course is subject to successful achievement of the first year of the course.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade A*-C/grade 4 and above, BTEC First Diploma, appropriate NVQ Level 2 or Intermediate qualification. You will have a pre-induction interview/assessment to make sure this is the right level for you.

How Is It Assessed

This course is assessed by continual assessment, rather than exams, and students will need to research, plan and produce practical work. All assignments have interim assessment points, when the lecturer assesses the work and shows the student how to improve their grades. Students requiring any support in producing written work, organising themselves or managing their time can access our academic mentors. All student work is moderated by the awarding body.

How Is It Taught

The course is taught by a team of specialist lecturers including working professionals, who aim to help you to gain the most from the course. You are also allocated a personal tutor who will guide you through the course as well as organising any support that you may need. The course is delivered through a mixture of practical workshops, lectures and self-directed study.

What Could I do Next

With an Extended Diploma in Graphic Design and Photography (Illustration and Animation) you can progress into employment or on to a range of university courses including graphic design, photography, illustration, animation, and concept art courses.

What Else Do I Need To Know

You will also continue to study maths and English Functional Skills or GCSE in order to improve your employability and progression opportunities. On successful completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Level 3 (Extended) Diploma in Creative Practice. Please note: It takes 2 years to complete this full Level 3 qualification. Progression to the second year of the course is subject to successful achievement of the first year of the course.