Graphic Design - A Level

Graphic Design is a visual language which explores the creative display, organisation and communication of ideas and information through word and image. Graphic Design -whether functional, informative or purely aesthetic- is all around us: it touches everything we do and everything we see. From children’s books to textbooks, billboards to skateboards, film titles to websites, Graphic Design is integral to the visual landscape of modern urban society.

The A Level course allows you to investigate and gain experience of a wide range of design styles and media: for example, typography, image making, illustration, screen-based design, animation, interactive media and environmental graphics. The course builds from basic design exercises to fully comprehensive projects where you will take initial ideas all the way through to a completed design product.

What will I study in Graphic Design?

AS Units 1 & 2
Coursework - This unit is intended to form the basis on which you will develop your knowledge, skill and understanding of Graphic Design as a visual language. You will generate design-based ideas, develop concepts, explore visual form and composition, and examine the use of type within design-based images. You will experiment with a variety of practical techniques: for example, illustration, typography, drawing and mixed media, and learn how to use computer-aided design packages such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Externally Set Assignment - The examination board will set an assignment. Using the knowledge and skills acquired in Unit 1, you will experiment with and develop ideas to fulfil the project brief. The unit culminates in an 8-hour exam where your project is brought to realisation.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Coursework - This unit incorporates two linked elements: practical work and a personal study. The practical element provides you with an opportunity to pursue your own creative, visual ideas in a field you are particularly interested in. Areas of specialization could include web design, information graphics, animation, typography, etc. The personal study is an illustrated dissertation on the work of a graphic designer of your own choice.

Externally Set Assignment - The examination board will set an assignment. Using the knowledge and skills acquired in Unit 3, you will experiment with and develop ideas to fulfil the project brief. The unit culminates in a 12-hour exam where your project is brought to realisation.

How will I be assessed?

Your work on each of the four units will be assessed throughout the year. At the end of the year all units are internally marked and externally moderated by the examination board.

Do I need to have studied Graphic Design before?

No, but you should have an interest and enthusiasm for graphics, art and design.

Who will teach me?

With an MA in Digital Media, Cesar Gonzalez is an expert in Graphic Design and the digital technology and software systems that best serve students’ needs. His enthusiasm for the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject is supported by his experience of the industry as a web and media designer, providing students with expert skills and knowledge for success in their A Level and future studies.

What subjects complement Graphic Design?

Graphic Design is well suited to students studying Art, Photography, Media Studies, History, ICT and Computing

Which careers can Graphic Design lead to?

Graphic Design could lead to a career as a professional graphic designer working in interactive media, television, advertising, packaging design, book and magazine illustration, web design, or film and animation.