Graphic and Digital Design - Level 3 Triple Diploma

Start date	Location	Duration
04 Sep 2023	University Centre	2 Years	Apply now
03 Sep 2024	University Centre	2 Years	Apply now

Course Summary

Packaging design, brand development, design for print, web design and digital media and CGI are just a few of the areas in which graphic design has a significant impact. Our vibrant and exploratory graphic design course will set you on the right path by helping you to develop an aesthetic and technical understanding of all kinds of visual communications. This industry focused course will look at typography, the impact of colour and shape, how to manipulate the latest computer applications and, most importantly, how to push the boundaries of your creative thinking and visual problem solving skills. Graphic designers are required to have a good awareness of the world around them and should be able to tap into a depth of knowledge and experience that will allow them to be creative across a range of subjects. Our purpose is to guide your learning supplying you with essential knowledge of how to use the creative process, research methods, idea and concept development, the use of appropriate materials and methods, evaluation and reflection of creative practice. You will have the opportunity to work on live briefs with real clients to give you a taste of what working in the industry is really like. What‘s more, if you excel in these assignments, there’s every chance you’ll get to see your work in print or online. This course primarily attracts school leavers but we welcome those learners keen on upgrading skills and returning to study. You will have access to excellent facilities and staff with specialist ‘real world’ skills that will develop you for your future career and as part of your preparation for BA application. ,

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above in English and Maths

a successful interview with a tutor
he ability to study independently
a genuine interest in the subject
good communication skills
hardworking approach towards the industry

Essential Skills – English and Maths

If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme. At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects at the same time as your chosen subject.

Qualification Obtained

Applied General Extended Diploma in Art & Design

Industry Placement and Field Trips

There will opportunities for field trips throughout the year these are subject to confirmation, as and when relevant events arise.

Learning and Teaching Methods

In the first and second parts of the course you will explore the creative process and resolve design problems in a variety of areas such as Textile and Surface Techniques, Drawing and Painting. You will experiment with mixed media and develop life enhancing research skills. The final project will allow you to focus in one or more areas in the development of a personal project.

You will be working on practical assignments where you will be producing art and design work, with a wide variety of techniques, materials, and methods. In addition you will be given the opportunity to investigate experimental approaches to your work, combining traditional and digital methods. You will be expected to research, plan, explore, develop, produce and then evaluate and reflect on your ideas. The primary teaching method is specialist workshop based demonstration and experimentation which is supported by individual and group based projects and briefs.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the qualification including a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment: External, Internal and Synoptic. Methods of assessment include practical, coursework and examination.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

All specialist equipment and software is available for use at the college. It is at the students’ own discretion if they choose to buy additional software for their own use.

Specialist and industry standard equipment is available for use to all our students.

Students are expected to cover the costs of their art materials and an indicative list of materials is supplied at the start of the course which includes things like basic drawing equipment.

The college has its own art shop, and there is a comprehensive art and design shop 15 minutes’ walk away from the college.

Trips that are organised by the college will have a fee attached to them. Full details of which will be given to students at the start of their course.

Tuition Fees

Students who are 18 or under pay no course fees. Read our tuition fees guide for students 19 and over.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: UAL

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

The majority of students progress onto BA Honours Degree courses at Blackpool and the Fylde College and other institutions. Degree level study could include: 2D or 3D Visual Communication, Art, Design, Fashion, Photography, Graphics, Illustration, Architecture, Creative Industry Administration, Management or Teaching. Students may also apply for Level 3 Creative Apprenticeships to gain further qualifications in the workplace. The North West has a burgeoning creative industry supported by significant investment in recent projects including Media City, Salford. However the multi-disciplinary nature of a diploma in Graphics and Digital Design means graduating students will develop the skills to work towards a number of different industry environments and respond to a range of varying market demands.