Study Type
Full Time
Study Level
Level 3
Start Date:
08/09/2025
Duration
36 weeks

Course Sheets

Entry requirements

View The Isle of Wight College's standard entry requirements for full-time college courses (depending on the level of the course to be studied).

Five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English and Maths are required although account will be taken of other experience and qualifications; equally important are your enthusiasm, commitment and your willingness to work hard on all areas of the course. You will have the opportunity to show any existing work at the interview stage.
Who the course is for

Anyone wishing to understand an exciting visual language! Expect to engage with complex design problems and to arrive at solutions that promote, publicise, inform, persuade and entertain! 

One of the most important requirements of this course is a lively enquiring mind, a growing interest in graphic design, illustration, photo-manipulation, typography, animation, web design and photography to name but a few! 

The Diploma in Graphic Design introduces you to: 

  • 3D design 
  • 2D animation 
  • Information graphics 
  • logo design 
  • web design 
  • mixed media 
  • advertising 
  • typographical layout 
  • poster and brochure layout 

Introducing all the exciting technologies of graphic design, website construction, animation and photography. 

What the interview will involve

You will be invited into college for an interview. The interview is a two-way process and it will allow you to ask any questions that you may have regarding the course. You will be required to bring into college a portfolio of work that you feel relevant for the tutor to see. The portfolio could include: 

  • Your GCSE/AS Level Art work.  
  • Work you have done in your own time.  
  • Sketchbooks.  If you cannot take these out of school, then take photos of some of the best pages.  We want to see how you think about and record your ideas. 
  • Include some drawing – this can be drawings of anything such as still life, family. 
  • If you have any photography, work include this. 
  • If you have 3D work or work that is too large or delicate to bring in, take photos of it. 

The portfolio can be hard copies or digital copies on a USB or website/Instagram account. We suggest you have at least 10 pieces of work to show the tutor, they will ask you questions about your choice. 

You will be sent a career plan prior to your interview date to complete and bring along with you on the day. The interview is a two-way process which will give you the opportunity to discuss the course and suitability with the subject tutor. 

What you will learn

Through a variety of workshop practices, project work and visual studies you will develop your understanding of graphic design, digital design, image manipulation, typography, animation, photography and other design disciplines. 

You will learn how to design and prepare visuals using traditional skills – mark making and hand produced artwork. You will learn how to use the industry standard software including – Adobe Creative Cloud – In-Design,Illustrator, Photoshop, Animate. Webflow and Auto Desk Maya (This however is subject to curriculum direction and can alter). You will also understand the requirements of pre-press and how to prepare print ready artwork. 

  • Year 1 has two units, the first is skills development, and the second allows you to develop your own project through a set theme. 
  • Year 2 again two units, the first is about personal progression, if you want to go to university we help you apply and support you through the process.  You may want to set up your own business, look at apprenticeships, hunt for job opportunities or even plan a gap year.  The final unit is what we call the final major project, your write your own brief and then implement it. 
Fees

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.

Additional information

Visit our Instagram site: 

https://www.instagram.com/iw_artanddesign/ 

 

  • To gain your Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphics and Digital Design you will need to pass all units, Assessment is continuous and is formalised at two set stages throughout the academic year, which is discussed with students.?  

  • All work is internally assessed, there are no exams for this qualification. 

 

 

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Open Day - February

When
01/02/25, 10:00 - 14:00
Where
Isle of Wight College