BTEC ND Graphic Design and Illustration at Plymouth College of Art
What will I do on the National Diploma in Graphic Design/Illustration?
The BTEC in Graphic Design / Illustration course is diverse and challenging and will enable you to develop your creative and technical skills in order to produce a varied and sophisticated portfolio of work and prepare you for a rewarding and exciting career in design or illustration.
During the two years on the BTEC course you will complete eighteen units, the work you produce within these units will give you the opportunity to improve your drawing skills, develop your use of appropriate materials, techniques and processes, learn and use the design process, find out how to generate ideas and concepts and then how to visual communicate them to specific audiences. You will also have lectures and undertake personal research into the history of design, photography, animation and illustration.
The BTEC National Diploma course could easily be described as a foundation in design and illustration, as it gives you the basics of how to design and illustrate well, while producing work using a mixture of traditional (by hand) and digital techniques and processes.
The type of design/illustration produced may be any of the following: Typographical and illustrative posters (digitally produced, screen printed or produced by hand), CD and DVD cover design, packaging including labels, stamp design, book cover design, magazine spreads, corporate identities/logo design, brochure design, photography, websites, advertising, type design, animation (istop motion or flash) drawings and book illustration, we also work on live assignments that come from outside clients.
The work produced reflects some of the career paths available within graphic design and will help you to choose the right specialist path when you reach the end of the course and are applying for a higher level course in a specific subject.
What qualifications will I need?
We normally offer places for the BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design / Illustration to students who have at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above and who can show commitment and enthusiasm for design and illustration through examples of creative work. Applicants are welcome with an appropriate portfolio including those with relevant experience but without formal qualification.
If you do not have the necessary experience or qualifications we offer a First Diploma which upon successful completion may enable progression to a more advanced level course.
What qualifications will I gain?
- National Diploma in Graphic Design / Illustration – equivalent to 3 full A-Levels
- Learning Skills and Complementary qualifications are embedded into this course
How do I apply for the BTEC in Graphic Design / Illustration ?
We offer all prospective students an opportunity to receive an advisory interview to ensure that they are placed on the most suitable course; this can be a good opportunity to ask questions and get some advice on what we like to see in a portfolio.
More detailed information on the interview process and advice on preparing a portfolio can be obtained from Information Services on 01752 203434 or by emailing enquiries@plymouthart.ac.uk
When we receive your completed application form we will arrange an interview and ask you to bring along examples of your creative work. Whilst we are happy to receive applications at any time of the year, we would encourage you to apply as early as possible before the start of the course.
What could I do after the National Diploma?
Successful students may progress to a variety of higher education courses at Plymouth College of Art, for example Foundation Degrees and BA (Hons) programmes in Graphic Design, Illustration, Games Design and Animation or gain entry to degree level courses at other Colleges and Universities. Alternatively you may choose to look for employment.
