Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for graphic design with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
This Level 3 course provides you with an all-round understanding of the design process, from initial idea development to completing your work in professional industry standard software. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of design software packages including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and InDesign. In addition to this, you will learn about branding and gain project management skills, which will put you firmly on the path towards a career in the design industry.
96% of students on this course feel they are developing the skills that will help them to get work (QDP Student Survey Results 2022).
You’ll learn:
- Advanced Adobe InDesign and Photoshop skills
- How to produce graphics for print- based and digital publishing
- How to produce motion graphics content
- Advanced art, design and photography skills
- How to use professional graphics tablets
- How to develop your ideas into a finished visual product
- To successfully complete live briefs with local creative professionals
What you'll study
Whether you have used creative software before or not, the first term will be giving you the tools of the main 3 programs used in the Graphic Design industry. You will be shown the main features of each and supported to explore the software further in order to create work that you are proud of. You will also be introduced to the principles and history of graphic design and principles of making professional design work.
You will investigate practical and traditional mark making techniques alongside designing for new and emerging software and briefs. This term will focus on how to create designs with user experience in mind and how to ensure your design work is accessible for all people.
Now that you know the basics of industry standard software, design principles and the history of graphic design. You will be given an exciting self-directed project revolving around the theme of branding. You will need to consider colour, typography and layout to create a successful branding campaign
This term will have a focus on the future, term 4 begins year 2 on the course with taking a look at what next steps you will be taking after your time with us at Confetti and what you need to do to get there. You will be developing a personal brand with associated branding material, getting social media and traditional portfolio’s prepared, testing your interview skills in simulated client interactions and tackling the UCAS process for those that want to go university. Term 4 is all about progression.
The start to the biggest piece of work so far, Term 5 introduces you to a large scale brief that tasks you with developing a series of touchpoints for a client. You will present your ideas and early development in the form of a pitch before beginning to produce the Touchpoints that will be the cornerstone of your campaign.
This is the final stretch, the Final Major Project will be winding down to its completion, all the months of hard work will be finished in time for the end of year exhibition where you will have the opportunity to share the best pieces of work you produced during your time with us, to family friends and potential job opportunities before you leave Confetti and begin your next steps.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- PC computer suites
- Professional graphics tablets
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Digital cameras
- Print and mark making materials
- Professional sketch books
- Professional drafting equipment
Celebrate
Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.
Industry Week
We offer lots of opportunities to our students throughout the year, but we really dial it up with our annual Industry Week. Like no other, we go off timetable for a week, inviting some of the biggest names the creative industries to deliver talks, workshops and masterclasses for our students. We organise these types of events to enrich our students' education with real world experiences.
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Student work
Continue your studies
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- Graphic designer
- Animator
- Illustrator
- Website designer
- Artworker
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