Graphic Design BTEC National Diploma Level 3

Graphic Design BTEC National Diploma Level 3
Exam board: EDEXCEL NCS course code: NDGRDAP
Aim This 2 year course provides you with the opportunity to develop all the skills needed for a career in the design industry or for progression onto Higher Education. The course is project based with studies centred on advertising and promotion, package design, typography, web design, corporate identity, exhibition design, digital imaging, photography and desktop publishing as well as drawing and design skills.

After the initial introductory and assessment phase your work will be organised into a series of challenging design briefs which are targeted at specific areas of learning with importance being placed on idea, design development and presentation of finished work.

Content
In year 1 the core units you will study include:
· Drawing and development
· Historical and contextual understanding
· Type and letterforms
· Ideas and concepts
· Materials, techniques and processes
· Desktop publishing computer applications
· Visual communications.

In year 2 the units you will study include:
· Design methods
· Words and images
· Information graphics
· Design for advertising
· Website design
· Image manipulation
· 3D studies
· Location techniques
· Final major project.

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and includes the successful completion of course units and presentation of your work in the Diploma exhibition. Your final major project will be externally assessed.

Progression/career opportunities Successful students may choose to use their qualification as progression route to university degree courses in such subjects as graphic design; graphic communications, multimedia or print design. Alternatively, those seeking employment can find a wide range of careers in graphic design, printing, packaging or advertising.

Screening
Students will also be screened (in the College) and must achieve literacy and numeracy at the level appropriate to the course.