Art and Design: Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a dynamic, industry related course that provides learners with a strong grounding in design theory and technique. Students will engage in building a range of skills in disciplines such as animation, web design, branding, advertising, motion graphics, page layouts and packaging as well as have the opportunity to develop a professional design related portfolio.

"The college offers excellent Art and Design studios and workshop space to work in. The studios are large and spacious. The standard of the equipment for Graphic Design is well planned and there is an Apple Mac available for every student. There are effective links with industry. Workshops and visiting speakers are regularly invited into College to work with the students.” (Edexcel External Examiner Report 2015)

This programme is designed to be a two year HND level 5 course which is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree programme. On completion of the first year (at HNC level 4) accreditation can be claimed.

The course aims to be fast paced and professional with strong industry links and a curriculum that reflects this. The staff are experienced and passionate about design and deliver 16 units over two years in a state of the art studio environment. The qualifications are accredited by Pearson Education.

All students should have the opportunity to undertake a range of live projects across a range of creative disciplines. Encouraging students to pitch for jobs and gain that all important industry experience with companies, design agencies and local community requirements.

Within the industry itself you would usually work from around 9 am to 5 pm, but you would need to work longer hours when there are deadlines to meet. As a freelance graphic designer, your hours would vary depending on the work you get. You would usually be based in a studio or office, but may spend some time visiting clients and printers.

Starting salaries can be around £15,000 a year for a graduate. Experienced graphic designers can earn between £20,000 and £35,000 a year, and senior graphic designers can earn up to, and over, £50,000 (figures intended as a guideline only).

Jobs in the industry include: Advertising, branding, graphic designer, motion designer, packaging designer