Duration:
2 years full time
Location:
Confetti Nottingham
This Graphics and Digital Design college course will give you an all-round understanding of the design process, from initial idea development to completing your work in professional industry standard software.
You’ll collaborate with students on other courses including Music Performance, Film and TV Production, VFX and Animation.
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 in 2D and 3D
- 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
This course is for you if:
- you enjoy creating logos, t-shirt designs, website and app development and motion graphics
- you are good at art, graphics, illustration
- you are excited by branding, digital artwork, marketing
The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a full time two-year course of study which will develop specialist knowledge, practical skills and understanding within a vocational area and will give you a qualification that is the equivalent to three A Levels. In most subjects, students will be awarded the BTEC Extended Diploma at the end of their two years of study. The Extended Diploma is fully recognised by universities and carries UCAS points, enabling you to progress to university or directly into employment. If you want to commit to vocational study in a particular area, then this could be the route for you.
Read our course commitment
- 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
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
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 Design Principles
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.
Print, Interactive and Motion Graphics
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.
Branding
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
Professional Personal Branding
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.
Introduction to the Final Major Project
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.
Completion of FMP and Exhibition
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.
Do It For Real
Industry Week
Studying at Confetti you’ll take part in Industry Week where you’ll be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries.
Student work
Our Talent Development team works closely with course leaders to link students with opportunities across the industry.
You’ll also go on trips to:
- Design Museum in London
You’ll hear from guest speakers, such as:
- Troy Browne – Motion Graphics Designer
- Mike Choo – Motion Graphics Designer
- Emily Catherine – Artist / Illustrator
- Daniele Caruso – Illustrator and Graphic Designer
You will use a range of industry standard equipment and software including:
- PC computer suites
- Professional graphics tablets
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Figma – UI Design
- Digital cameras
- Print and mark making materials
- Professional sketchbooks
- Professional drafting equipment
Courses
Your creative industry studies don’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on a range of foundation and full honours degrees at Nottingham Trent University that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
- FdA Graphics & Digital Design
- FdA Games Art
- FdA Digital Photography
- BA (Hons) Content Creation
- BA (Hons) Content Creation – London
- BSc (Hons) Virtual Production
Future careers
- Graphic designer
- Advertising and Marketing
- Animator / Motion Designer
- Illustrator
- UI / UX Designer
- Artworker
