Overview
Digital Communication Design Graphics (Full time)Why study Graphic Design, Animation and Photography?
In today’s fast moving ever widening digital communications industry the complementary disciplines of graphic design, photography and animation work seamlessly to solve a multitude of design needs over a growing array of media channels and touchpoints. To mirror these changes and current creative industry practices, this course will offer you the opportunity to learn both traditional problem solving and design craft skills through digital graphic, animation and image making processes. Skills which will ultimately enhance your employability within a wide range of career and employment possibilities.
As in industry, the course encourages interdisciplinary innovation through collaboration,and uniquely offers students the option to pursue their own specialist interests within Graphics, Animation or Photography through a substantial major project. Completing students will elect certification in either Graphics, Animation or Photography. You will regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live’ projects and talks, and benefit from our impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions. The course is an active member of British Design & Art Direction (D&AD) and the British Institute of Photographers and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national practitioners.
At the end of the first year your work will be exhibited in public venues. Work experience opportunities will also be made available to you in the latter stages of the course.
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Need to know
Entry requirements
To join the course, you will need either a National Diploma in an Art & Design subject, Diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies, an equivalent Level 3 qualification, or a T Level pass in an appropriate subject area. Applicants from A-Level programmes displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered, as will mature students, who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.
Entry will also be subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to present a portfolio
of your creative work, including developmental worksheets or sketchbooks.
Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to:
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 51
- IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
You will be suited to this course if you have the ability and/or potential to:
- Work imaginatively within communications and visual media
- Generate and develop creative ideas in response to a wide range of briefs
- Articulate and communicate your creative intentions clearly
- Show a willingness to collaborate and discuss your work in group situations
- Reflect critically on your activities and learning, and demonstrate intellectual inquiry
- Embrace new ways of thinking and exploit the potential of new and emerging digital
technologies.
How will I be assessed?
Project briefs with set deadlines are issued for tasks within each module. These are assessed and graded upon hand-in, and an overall qualification grade is calculated based on performance across all module activities. There are no examinations.
Attendance times
You will be required to attend college 12 hours (2 days per week), and to additionally supplement
the course hours by working independently a minimum of 12 hours each week. (Days of attendance will be confirmed by Tutors).
Course content
What will I study?
Course delivery is by practising, specialist Graphics, Animation and Photography lecturers (including visiting professionals), in well-equipped studios supported by one-to-one tutorials and group discussions and seminars to inform personal progress and aid assessment.
The course consists of two assessment units which cover the development of core competencies for the workplace: contextual knowledge, ideas generation, design strategies, technical knowledge and skills, professional practice and communication and presentation skills.
Unit 1: Concept & Development
Through this unit, you will develop the underlying knowledge and skills of Graphics, Animation and Photography to enable you to begin your journey in the digital communications design industry.
Unit 2: Creative Project
This unit is designed to consolidate and apply your learning from Unit 1 through the production of a specialist project or series of projects within a discipline/area of work of your choice.
You will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively on assignments that explore:
• Branding and corporate identity
• Motion graphics
• Photographic techniques/lighting
• Advertising & digital campaigns
• 2D & 3D animation and modelling
• Image making and visual effects
• Typographic design and kinetic typography
• Storyboarding and narrative
• Editorial and information visualisation
• Website design, app Design and social media
• Digital media production
In the first year you will be introduced to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, After Effects, Blender, & Animate.
Next steps
Course progression:
Upon successful completion of the HNC, the natural progression is to continue your studies into year 2 by studying on the HND (Higher National Diploma) course. Post HND you have options to study at Degree Level at Bedford College or other nationwide institutions.
Career progression:
Alternatively, you could after completing the HNC look for employment within the communications industry. Students pursuing this qualification are employed as graphic and digital designers, animators and games designers, photographers and digital modellers and developers.
Additional information
You will need art & design equipment such as layout pads, pens, scalpel, ruler, and external hard drive all listed within a materials list.
• In-studio, colour laser and 3D printing is provided free of charge
• For students completing (not progressing to HND) approximately £150 for developing a personal portfolio and self-promotional items.
• Train costs for visits by train to London and/or travel costs for participation in any Departmental overseas cultural trip
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, or contact info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk.
Interested in this course?
If you would like to be notified when this course is next available, please fill out the form below.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Financial Support
For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.
