Where will this course lead?

Our Diploma and Extended level 3 in digital graphics aims to prepare you for higher education and give you a broad range of ability and knowledge.
The course is taught vocationally, with an emphasis on the professional skills you will need in the industry as well as the core, practical skills that are essential to succeed.
An option to move onto higher education upon completion of this course in either Graphic Design or a related field is the norm.

The course will prepare you to be a creative practitioner and also give you a vast range of employability skills.

What will I study?

Graphic design is a discipline that is very varied; we will work to briefs in the following areas:
- Advertising
- Corporate identity (logo design)
- Packaging
- Animation
- Illustration
- Typography
- Magazine design

You will produce project work in the first year that covers all these areas, with additional sessions studying photography, visual studies and the history of art and design.

The second year goes into more depth in all the briefs you are assigned, but you will have more freedom to specialise in the area you wish to progress into through the Final Major project.

How will this course be delivered?

UAL Awarding body's level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design are characterised by experiential, experimental and integrated learning.  Both qualifications focus on the application of practical skills and acknowledge the common principles and distinctive characteristics of different art and design disciplines.

You will study up to a maximum of 20 hours per week over a maximum of 4 days. Classes generally run between 9am-5pm but may vary.

Timetables will be given to all students during enrolment and induction week.

There are 13 units across the two years of the programme

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve a UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design) at pass, merit or distinction.  The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is a valid qualification to progress to higher education.

How will I be assessed?

All 13 units will be internally assessed and internally verified through student's portfolios of evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.

How do I get a place on the course?

You must complete an application form. Once your application has been registered you will be invited to attend an interview to determine your suitability for the subject and level.

Places on the course are offered following a successful interview where you must present a portfolio of your work and produce a positive reference.

You will also be invited to attend a welcome day in late June, where you will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of current students work, meet the teaching team and other students who will be beginning the course in September.

What are the entry requirements?

At least 4 GCSE 's at grade C/4 or above, two of these must be in Art or photography and English language, or a BTEC level 2 diploma in art and design at a merit grade or above.

What else do I need to know?

At the start of the course, trips to galleries take place, which will be an additional cost. There is an expectation to visit galleries independently and there is an opportunity to take part in a European trip, which will be relevant to your programme of study.

You will need to provide all basic creative materials and equipment; this is normally purchased from us as a kit at the beginning of the academic year.

Good levels of English and maths are important for success on your course, your chosen vocation and life. English and maths skills are embedded throughout your specialist pathway.

If you have not achieved a A*/9 - c/4 grade in English or maths at GCSE, or a level 2 functional skill, you will be working towards achieving that qualification at the appropriate level.

You will also need to provide any additional stationery which is required for your coursework.

There will be additional costs for trips and visits that are relevant to your programme of study.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we assist with this too.

What can I do after this course?

Progression from this course normally moves into higher education onto a HND, Foundation degree or BA Hons in Graphic design or a related subject.

In terms of employment, careers in design for print, advertising, web page design, publicity design, interactive media, illustration and teaching are suitable occupations to compliment this qualification.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2026

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

CACAG092BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Architect

Architects plan and design the construction and development of buildings and land areas with regard to functional and aesthetic requirements.

What’s Involved?

An Architect liaises with client and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements. They study conditions and characteristics of site, taking into account drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc. They analyse site survey and advise clients on development and construction details and ensure that proposed design blends in with the surrounding area. They prepare detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction and submits these for planning approval. They also monitor construction work in progress to ensure compliance with specifications.

Arts Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

Art Officers/Producers/Directors choose writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assume overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera teams, sound crews and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break scripts into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

Museum/Gallery Assistant

Archivists and curators collect, appraise and preserve collections of recorded and other material of historical interest.

What’s Involved?

Museum/Gallery Assistants examine, appraise and advise on the acquisition of exhibits, historic records, government papers and other material. They classify material and arrange for its safe keeping and preservation. They maintain indexes, bibliographies and descriptive details of archive material and arrange for reproductions of items where necessary. They examine objects to identify any damage and carry out necessary restoration whilst preserving original characteristics. They also make sure that storage and display conditions protect objects from deterioration and damage. They allow access to original material or material not on display for researchers. They also develop and promote ideas for exhibitions and displays. They negotiate loans of material for specialist displays. They liaise with schools and other groups or individuals, publicise exhibits and arrange special displays for general, specialised or educational interest. They also answer verbal or written enquiries and give advice on exhibits or other material.

Artist

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

What’s Involved?

Independant Artists conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.

Further Education Teacher

Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.

What’s Involved?

Further Education Teachers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.

Art Valuer

Estimators, valuers and assessors plan and undertake the calculation of probable costs of civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic and other projects, estimate the value of property and chattels, and investigate insurance claims to assess their validity and to assign liability.

What’s Involved?

Art Valuers examine plans, drawings, specifications, parts lists, etc. and specify the materials and components required. They assess condition, location, desirability and amenities of art to be valued. They assess costs of materials, labour and other factors such as required profit margins, transport costs, tariffs and fare structures, possible hazards, etc. They also prepare comprehensive estimates of time and costs and presents these in report or tender form. They examine insurance documents to assess extent of liability and gathers information about incident from police, medical records, ship's log, etc. and investigates potential fraudulent claims.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.

What’s Involved?

Graphic Designers liaise with clients to clarify aims of project brief, discuss media, software and technology to be used, establish timetable for project and define budgetary constraints; They undertake research into project, consider previous related projects and compare costs of using different processes; They prepare sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discuss any required alterations; They also prepare specifications and instructions for realisation of the project; They liaise with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales; They produce or oversee creation of the final product.

Web Designer

Jobholders in this unit group design, develop and maintain websites to meet a client's specified requirements.

What’s Involved?

Web Designers liaise with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website. They present design options to the client. They design web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access. They also develop the website and applications. They design and develop web interfaces for relational database systems. They establish methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery. They write and publish content for the website. They also test website interaction and performance prior to going 'live', and monitor and maintain functionality of the website. They activate the 'live' website.

Product Designer

Product, clothing and related designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, clothing and related fashion accessories.

What’s Involved?

Product Designers liaise with clients to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product. They undertake research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulate design concepts. They prepare sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories, set props, wigs, ceramics, plastics, motor vehicles, domestic appliances and engineering products. They also prepare sketches, designs, mock-ups and storyboards for consideration by theatre/film director or client. They submit design to management, sales department or client for approval, communicate design rationale and make any necessary alterations. They also specify materials, production methods and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversee production of sample and/or finished product. They observe and manage intellectual property issues.

Artist/Illustrator

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

What’s Involved?

Artists/Illustrators conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.

Pre-press Technician

Pre-press technicians prepare, format and compose text and graphics in a form suitable for use in a variety of print processes.

What’s Involved?

Pre-press Technicians determine from specification the kind and size of type to be used. They use computer applications to generate images and text. They scan and retouch digital images to create sample proofs, plan and lay out artwork to match planned design. They examine proof copies, check for quality and accuracy and make any necessary alterations. They also process filmsetting or desktop publishing output to produce image on film and transfer to printing plates and digital output. They arrange and paste printing material onto paper ready for photographing.

Creative Director

Advertising accounts managers and creative directors plan, design, organise and direct the advertising activities of an organisation.

What’s Involved?

Creative Directors liaise with clients to discuss product/service to be marketed, define target groups and assess the suitability of various media. They conceive advertising campaigns to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way. They also review and revise campaigns in light of sales figures, surveys, etc. They stay abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates. They also arrange conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation.

Higher Education Lecturer

Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.

What’s Involved?

Higher Education Lecturers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.

Journalist

Jobholders in this unit group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and manage their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.

What’s Involved?

Journalists determine subject matter and undertake research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc. They write articles and features and submit draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor. They select material for broadcast or publication, check style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arrange for any necessary revisions. They also liaise with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.

Higher Education Teacher

Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.

What’s Involved?

prepares, delivers and directs lectures, seminars and tutorials; prepares, administers and marks examinations, essays and other assignments; advises students on academic matters and encourages independent research; provides pastoral care or guidance to students; participates in decision making processes regarding curricula, budgetary, departmental and other matters; directs the work of postgraduate students; undertakes research, writes articles and books and attends conferences and other meetings.

Ceramics Designer

Glass and ceramics workers, form, shape, decorate, smooth and polish glassware, earthenware, refractory goods, clay bricks and other ceramic goods.

What’s Involved?

They use hand tools and operate machinery to heat, bend, shape, press, drill and cut glass. They make artificial eyes, laminated glass sheets or blocks, glass fibre tissue, wool, filament and matting, marks optical lenses and assembles rimless spectacles. They also make models and moulds from moulding clay and plaster for use in the making and casting of pottery and other ceramic goods. They throw, cast and press clay by hand or machine to form pottery, stoneware or refractory goods such as bricks, crucibles, ornaments, sanitary furnishings, saggars, cups, saucers, plates and roofing tiles. They cut and join unfired stoneware pipes to form junctions and gullies, mould sealing bands on clay pipes, prepare and join porcelain or earthenware components and assist crucible makers and stone workers with their tasks. They also apply decorative designs and finish to glassware, optical glass and ceramic goods by grinding, smoothing, polishing, cutting, etching, dipping, painting or transferring patterns or labels.

Animator

Animators bring drawings and computer generated characters to life on screen.

What’s Involved?

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the type of animation you're doing. You could visualise storyboard and script ideas, use animation software or hand drawn techniques to create characters and scenes, add lighting, shading and special effects, paint in backgrounds and character colours, add textures to digital models, use motion capture methods to create lifelike expressions and movements, use stop-motion techniques to film 3D models, combine separate layers of animation into one to create the final product.

CAD Technician/Draughtsperson

CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.

What’s Involved?

A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.