Graphic Design - Level 3

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths and an art-based subject

You will also meet the teaching team to present and talk through your portfolio of graphic design work.

This is a two-year programme. You will achieve a qualification after successful completion of each year.

In year one you will receive a Level 3 BTEC 90 Credit Diploma Art and Design (Graphics).

In year two you will receive a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Art and Design (Graphics).

• Typography

• Design skills

• Packaging

• Advertising

• Print making

• Globalisation

• Theory and psychology of design

• Self-promotion

• Ethics

• Project work

• One-to-one tutorials

• Group work

• Crazy 8’s design sprints

• Debates and justifications

• Research tasks

• Pitches and presentations

• Critiques

• Project-based assessments

Regular feedback is provided throughout your project to help you understand areas for further development and improvement. 

You will take part in live briefs set by North East design agencies including Hedgehog Lab and Blue Shark Design. 

You also will showcase your work through renowned national graphic design competitions from the Design and Art Direction (D&AD) and the National Penguin Student Design Awards.  

Time is set aside for design, branding, print and social media design projects set by employers.

Graphic designers need core English skills to be able to write copy, proofread and check spelling on artwork. Maths skills are required to set up artwork, work out project costs and invoices and set the correct typography. You will develop these vital English and maths skills throughout your course. 

On successful completion you can progress to FdA Graphic Communication with Newcastle College University Centre. 

You may also wish to enter employment as a junior graphic designer or pursue freelance graphic design work. 

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.