National Diploma Graphic Design

What it's all about?

This course will enable you to progress to a degree or foundation degree in an area of graphic design; some students elect to enter employment in graphic design and its related disciplines. You'll complete the course with a professional portfolio of your own design work, together with greater confidence in presenting your ideas.

You will learn the widely used ‘design process', involving problem analysis, research, strategy/concept, ideas development, visual experimentation, synthesis, production and evaluation. You will also learn key visualisation skills and industry-standard graphics software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash. Photography is an important element of the course: the Lens-Based Image-Making module will teach you both digital and traditional methods of film-based photography and processing.

Mature students (21+)

We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. Each year we attract more students seeking a change in career or who wish to progress to higher education to attain a degree. We offer many opportunities for adults even if you don't have conventional entry qualifications. We're interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully.

Course content
detail

Modules include Image Manipulation (Photoshop), Web Design (Dreamweaver and Flash), Visual Recording, Type & Letterforms, Lens-Based Image-Making, Contextual Influences in Art & Design, Materials, Techniques & Processes, Ideas and Concepts, Design Method, Words & Images in Graphic Design, Design for Advertising, Specialist Contextual Investigation, Visual Communication, Personal & Professional Development, Application, Exploration and Realisation, Graphic Image-Making, and Mixed-Media Image-Making.

The Personal & Professional Development module prepares you for employment or Higher Education, with portfolio development, mock interviews, live briefs and presentation skills.

During your second year, you'll undertake a final major project (from a self-directed brief). You'll decide what the theme and direction of your project will be. Ideally, students will draw upon the strengths they have demonstrated on the course to date.

Assessment

There are assessments at the end of each module, as well as four assessment reviews each year. The course is designed to give students several chances to succeed in all 18 of the subject units. There are no exams, and coursework can be reworked and resubmitted if you wish to improve your grade.

Live briefs

We are regularly approached by companies seeking students who may wish to involve themselves with paid or voluntary design briefs, in which you may be able to participate.

Resources

Facilities include a suite of Apple Macs, equipped with the latest industry-standard design software, high-speed broadband, colour printing and digital illustration tablets. Students also have access to print-making and a photography suite, with lighting studio, darkrooms and access to a wide range of cameras, including digital.

Study visits

Study trips are organised to museums and galleries, both regionally and nationally.

Progression & career opportunities

Students progress to a range of degree and foundation degree courses, including graphic design, visual communication, interactive design, photography, illustration and modular design programmes. Many students choose to go on to Higher Education courses at the College. Those students who go directly into employment will typically start as junior designers across a wide range of related areas.