Digital Communication Design Graphics (Full time)

32-48 UCAS points and English language and maths GCSE grade 4 or above.

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.

Teaching will be delivered through a mix of dynamic and interactive lectures and workshops. Your learning will be an engaging and enjoyable experience delivered through a variety of methods by skilled lecturers with industry experience.

You will have a mix of practicals, workshops, in-person industry talks and learning how to use new techniques and software.

The course consists of two assessment units which cover the development of core aspects of the industry: contextual knowledge, idea generation and development, technical knowledge and skills, professional practice, and communication.

Core Modules:

• A1 – Concept & Development
• A2 – Creative Project

Unit 1: Concept & Development

Through this unit, you’ll develop an understanding of the fundamentals of Graphic Design, Animation and Photography, enabling you to begin your journey into the digital creative industry.

Unit 2: Creative Project

This unit is designed to apply your learning from Unit 1 through the production of a final outcome that concludes all skills learnt in that year.

You will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively on projects 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 of the course you’ll be introduced to a range of software including: Blender, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Light Room and more.

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.

You will gain:

Higher National Certificate in Graphic Design (Level 4).

Upon successful completion of the HNC, the natural progression is to continue your studies into the HND (Higher National Diploma) course. Post-HND you have options to study at degree level at The Bedford College Group or other national institutions.

Alternatively, you could look at pursuing employment within the Graphic Design industry after the HNC.

Additional costs:

You are expected to bring your own Art & Design equipment, such as a sketchbook, pens, and pencils. You have the option to purchase an Adobe subscription in order to access programs from home.

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, or contact info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk.