FdA Graphic Design

To gain entry to the programme, you must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the programme.

Admissions Criteria The College Admissions Policy is to encourage access to higher education through an equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief, or age.

Standard Entry requirements To gain entry to the programme, you must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the programme.

Admissions Criteria The College Admissions Policy is to encourage access to higher education through an equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief, or age.

Standard Entry requirements The following admissions criteria will apply at Level 4:

• You will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject of Art & Design, Graphic Design, A-Level in graphics or art
• You will hold four GCSEs at grade 9-4 (or working towards)
• It is desirable but not essential that you hold at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or to have demonstrated ability in Maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).
• You will be encouraged to obtain grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English
• BTEC National Qualifications, A2-Level, AS Level at Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant subject or a total of at least 32 UCAS tariff points.
• All Internal and external applicants must be interviewed with an art and design/creative-based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email respectively).
• Attend a successful interview with two members of the curriculum team.
• A personal statement.
• Evidence of digital literacy within portfolio to meet the needs of Level 4
• Minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants

Non-Standard Entry Requirements

• Evidence of ongoing creative experience or employment within the creative industries.
• Attend a successful interview with two members of the curriculum team.
• A personal statement.
• All applicants with non-standard criteria must be interviewed with an art and design-based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email respectively).
• It is desirable but not essential that you hold at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or to have demonstrated ability in Maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).
• You will be encouraged to obtain grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English

Additional costs include general art and design materials, external hard drive, access to a digital camera and personal computer (Mac or PC) with design software. There will also be expenses for a yearly national trip and optional international visit.

You will attend an interview with a course tutor. Please bring with you a sample of your creative work in the form of a portfolio (this could be digital and/or a traditional portfolio). Your interview will consist of some set questions and opportunities for discussion.

Aims are as followed:

• Advance the development of professional, innovative, and creative outcomes in a supportive learning environment.
• Engage in academic activity that underpins learning within the creative industries.
• Enhance creative skills within a work-related context that supports the acquisition of transferable and professional skills relevant to employment or further study in the creative industries.

Level 4 Core Modules:

• Personal & Professional Development
• Work Related Learning - complete practical live briefs, working with real clients, to build an awareness of the procedures involved in the creative industries.
• Design Process - you will be introduced to the fundamental principles in design production, how materials and methodology contribute to the production of meaning in graphic design.
• Design Context - develop your understanding of theoretical and visual contexts within design.
• Creative Design Project - develop your creative problem solving skills to produce realistic and professional responses, and adopt appropriate project management techniques.

Level 5 Core Modules:

• Personal & Professional Development
• Work Related Learning
• Design Process - extend and further develop your ability to propose ideas and creative solutions.
• Design Context - develop your research and academic writing skills.
• Self-Initiated Project - showcase what you have learnt over the two year programme. You will research and experiment to develop and refined outcome.

• Monday - 9am - 4pm ~Tuesday - 9am - 4pm

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

You will have direct personal contact with an individual member of the course team to discuss academic and personal matters relevant to your learning. At induction you may discuss any learning or support needs – your progress will be monitored and you will be encouraged to arrange regular one-to-one sessions with your tutor to discuss any issues arising.You will also receive academic support from your module tutors. Support is given to students via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year. A range of assessment methods are used across both Level 4 and Level 5, including:

• Time constrained briefs
• Reflective journal
• Presentations
• Work related projects
• Assessment of practical skills
• Preparation of portfolios of evidence.

This programme places focus upon the opportunity for students to engage in, in live briefs, enterprise ideas and competitions, and the development of industry-based work.

Module Work Related learning will simulate working in a design agency, you will respond to industry – linked projects and live briefs to gain valuable experience working in graphic Design industry. Visits to organisations, events, you will take part in portfolio surgeries and attend guest lectures.

You will be encouraged to engage in work experience activities to enhance your portfolio and develop work based skills needed for progression.

View the work of some of our current students.

You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement in your second year to showcase your creative skills to employers.

You will have access to a visually striking Creative and Digital Suite, a bustling creative hub within the college, providing design and media students with impressive industry standard facilities.

You could progress to BA (Hons) top-up Design or BA (Hons) top-up Visual Arts at New College Durham to top-up this qualification to a degree. Alternatively, you could progress to a relevant course at university.

You could pursue one of the following careers in the industry:

• Graphic Designer
• Graduate Designer
• Junior Designer
• Senior Designer
• In House Designer
• Digital Marketing Designer
• Artworker
• Freelance Designer
• Concept Artist
• Creative Director
• Illustrator
• Studio Manager
• Account Manager
• UX Designer
• App Design
• Animator
• Advertising Art Director
• Typographer
• Package Designer