This course is designed to enable you to:

• Develop graphic communication related skills using a variety of media, processes and techniques
• Have knowledge of historical and contemporary styles and genres in graphic communication and how they relate to social, environmental, cultural and ethical contexts
• Use specialist graphic communication vocabulary and terminology

Is it for me?

If you want to follow further studies in art and design - then this course is for you.

Assessment is coursework based with some controlled test periods.

What’s involved?

AS

Unit 1

This unit introduces you to the breadth of graphic communication areas including illustration, typography, packaging design and design for print and animation, exploring them in both traditional and digital media. It also introduces analytical written skills.

Unit 2

Within this unit you will be provided with a range of questions allowing you to choose one that suits the graphic communication area that you are interested in. This unit will require you to undertake research, make connections with other designers’ work, plan and develop your ideas and produce written analysis and evaluations.

A2

Unit 3

This unit builds on the skills gained on the AS level and allows you to continue to develop your specialist graphic communication interests. You will work from personal, specialist design briefs or starting points, collect relevant visual, critical and contextual research, develop creative ideas and realise final outcomes that show understanding and control of materials and technology. You will also produce a 1000 word written journal as part of this unit.

Unit 4

This unit builds on the work of unit 3 allowing you to further develop your skills and knowledge in your chosen area. You will be provided with a range of questions and will be required to undertake research, make connections with other designers’ work, plan and develop your ideas and produce written analysis and evaluations.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English Language.

It is necessary to show ability in art and design through either:

• GCSE Art (grade C or above)

or 

• Level 2 BTEC Art & Design at Merit grade

or

• A portfolio of artwork to be presented for assessment

Which courses go well with this?

This course combines well with a wide range of AS Levels and BTEC Level 3 courses.

Please note: no more than two art courses can be taken together due to the large amount of practical work involved.

Progression:

There are many careers in art, craft and design and these will often require a relevant degree from college or university. Careers in Advertising, Graphic Design, Marketing, Design, Animation, Publishing and the Media can all be aided by a graphic communications course.