BTEC National Extended Diploma Art and Design Practice Graphic Communication (Level 3)

This course is as dynamic and responsive as the creative industry is today for Graphic Designers.

The content of the course replicates the requirements of creative practitioners working within the creative sector, using a human-centred approach to developing knowledge through initiative education. The requirements for creative practitioners within the Graphic Design industry require them to be multidisciplinary in creative invention. The course's educational content adopts a growth mindset, focusing on project-based practical and practice work to develop and refine knowledge and skills. Therefore, this course is designed to prepare young creatives for the requirements that will be placed upon them after leaving education. 

5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above or a Level 2 Diploma Art & Design.

The course content is divided into the following disciplines of the creative industry to prepare young creatives best.

Graphic Design Practices – branding, visual communication and visual identity.
Practical Graphic Design is built on visual storytelling. Learners in this course can tell stories through visual communication, creating compelling brand identities and visual communication campaigns, and telling stories using visual language. They will learn how colour psychology is interpreted by those who view Graphic Design content, how to format and layout designs for professional presentations, and how to create graphics that can be transcended into language that tells brand stories.

Motion Graphics – a time-based medium.
Learners can create and transform 2D graphics into animated Motion Graphic videos. Further communicating messages and meaning to designs which embody a message and visual narrative to the intended audience. Using industry-standard software in the dedicated Graphic Design department. Learn how to produce video productions into interactive Motion Graphic advertisement videos, combining multiple forms of a time-based medium.

Website Design & UX/UI Design.
We’re in the modern age of Graphic Design. Websites and apps can further communicate a message to an audience beyond creative invention. Graphic Design learners will develop website design and development skills in this course. They will learn how to design, layout, and present professional websites that are visible through search engines and precise SEO development. Learners will also learn how to create and prototype apps for mobile and tablet platforms, planning the design and usability from wireframes to prototypes with reprint professional practice.

3D Visualisation.
It's now a requirement for Graphic Designers to be adept at turning 2D packaging designs and other Graphic Design outcomes into 3D models in 3D environments, becoming 3D Visualisation. Using industry-standard software, learners will become familiar with working in 3D and managing a 3D environment. They will also learn to use lighting and textures to present designs effectively in an interactive environment. 

Work is assessed through project-based work. Replicating the processes of the creative industry, learners are taught to follow a brief and fulfil its requirements. Work is evaluated against the requirements of each brief, as it is in the creative industry.

Sixteen / Eighteen

Full Time Further Education courses are free to school leavers and those who are under 19 on 31 August of the year they start their course. Exam resit fees may apply as applicable.

Grantham College reserves the right to offer a substitute course if the qualification advertised is not funded by the government.

Adult Learning Loan

Advanced Learning Loan to help with college fees on applicable course. Students won’t have to pay anything back until the end of their course and are earning £27,295 per year. Household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. Eligibility is dependent on course, nationality, and age to meet the ESFA funding eligibility criteria.

* Courses listed as free under the course details are free (material costs may apply as shown in the additional information section).

On this course, you’ll work on live project briefs for real clients, join workshops with guest lecturers, and complete 30 hours of work experience— building valuable skills and a strong portfolio.

You’ll also have the chance to go on exciting trips and take part in enrichment activities at Grantham College.

To make the most of the course, you’ll need a Graphics Kit, which we’ll provide details about upon enrollment.

This course will help you develop a strong portfolio of design work while equipping you with the essential skills to operate at a junior designer level. Upon successful completion, you’ll have the opportunity to advance to the HNC/HND Graphic Design course at Grantham College, continue your studies at another university, or step directly into employment within the creative industry.

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in graphic design today!