Graphic Design & Illustration | UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Practice | Level 3
Why this course?
If you would like a career in graphics or illustration or a related area, then this is the course for you. Based within the exciting and vibrant creative industries department, our graphic design & illustration course provides you with the opportunity to build your skills in a variety of areas including design, drawing, print and digital design.
This course can be studied over two years; the UAL Diploma is completed in the first year and the UAL Extended Diploma in the second year.
Year 2 is a continuation of your studies to a more advanced level. You will further develop your skills and techniques and undertake an advanced major project.
- Industry-standard Macs, PCs and software
- Access to a range of specialist facilities (print workshops, photography studios, 3D workshop)
- Opportunities to work on live briefs
- Industry expert teachers
Start dates
| Start | |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | Apply |
To join this Level 3 course, you should have at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and maths, or a Level 2 qualification. You should also have a portfolio of your art/design work.
Portfolio review with the course tutor.
Your portfolio of work must demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the subject area. You are required to bring sketch books, evidence of research and observational drawings, examples of developmental work as well as some final pieces. We are also interested in looking at work you have completed in your own time. There are a number of parental consultation evenings scheduled throughout the year which provide parents with the opportunity to gain feedback on your progress made at college.
If you do not have the above grades, you can start on the Level 2 Art & Design course.
About this course
You will build your skills in a variety of areas including design, drawing, print and digital design. With projects across advertising, packaging, illustration, typography, branding, print and digital design, you will discover your strengths and define your future path. Industry-based projects and work experience opportunities are part of each course curriculum, enabling you to develop the skills to progress to a career in the creative graphics and Illustration industries with the energy and confidence to thrive.
Topics and course units include
Year 1 (Diploma):
Project and assignment based learning using traditional and digital materials, techniques and processes. Supported by research skills and critical and contextual awareness.
- Corporate identity / Logo design
- Poster design
- Illustration
- Concept art
Year 2 (Extended Diploma):
- Advanced project and assignment based learning.
- Extended Photoshop and Illustrator study
- Advertising and publicity
- Applied illustration
- Developed concept art
- Live briefs
- Historical and contemporary knowledge
- Portfolio building
- Final major project and exhibition
Why the MET?
- Industry standard Macs, PCs and software
- Access to photo studios, print rooms and 3D craft facilities
- Opportunities to work on live briefs
- End-of-year exhibition open to the public and employers
Northbrook MET has a fantastic track record of progression to prestigious universities.
You will have the opportunity to work on real live projects commissioned by internal and external clients and be nominated for the competitive and highly regarded annual UAL Origins Exhibition.
The MET's vibrant arts department has a broad range of staff who are all practising artists and designers involved in the region's buzzing art and design scene. Our staff are here help you realise your potential. Our experienced teaching staff are passionate about their areas of expertise and are committed to helping you to attain your learning goals and meet your personal aims. You will work in artists’ studios with access to our 3D workshop, darkroom, printmaking studio, Mac suites and pattern cutting room.
Without a doubt, one of the reasons we know you will love studying at Northbrook MET is the renowned creative facilities and atmosphere at our West Durrington Campus. The campus is a dedicated arts space, with the art & design courses running alongside theatre arts and music courses. You will collaborate with like-minded, passionate students and benefit from the various creative projects that take place, such as theatre shows, music gigs and art exhibitions. The campus is regularly used by professional creatives, which further highlights the quality of our industry-standard facilities.
After this course
Further study
On successful completion of the Diploma (Year 1), you can progress to the Extended Diploma (Year 2).
Following completion of the Extended Diploma, you can progress to university-level course, either at the MET or at universities throughout the UK.
Our West Durrington Campus is a creative arts space with students studying at degree level in art & design disciplines as well as theatre arts and music. Degrees at Northbrook MET include Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Textile Design or Theatre/Set Design.
Future careers
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Editorial designer
- Illustrator
- Advertising designer
- Concept artist
- Creative entrepreneur
- Educator
Course costs
UK and EU students do not have to pay fees if they are under 19 on 31 August in the year they are studying. More information about fees for college courses and financial support for 16-19 year olds can be found here.
Additional costs
The majority of the equipment and materials are provided by the college to enable you to complete each project. However, you will be required to purchase an art kit from the college at the start of the course.
We also recommend you budget for £10 per week for any other consumable materials you may need appropriate to the development of your work.
There will be one trip in the year which will cost approximately £20.
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