Course Summary

Graphic Design is a dynamic, industry related course that provides learners with a strong grounding in design theory and technique. Students will engage in building a range of skills in disciplines such as animation, web design, branding, advertising, motion graphics, page layouts and packaging as well as have the opportunity to develop a professional design related portfolio. "The college offers excellent Art and Design studios and workshop space to work in. The studios are large and spacious. The standard of the equipment for Graphic Design is well planned and there is an Apple Mac available for every student. There are effective links with industry. Workshops and visiting speakers are regularly invited into College to work with the students.” (Edexcel External Examiner Report 2015) This programme is designed to be a two year HND level 5 course which is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree programme. On completion of the first year (at HNC level 4) accreditation can be claimed. The course aims to be fast paced and professional with strong industry links and a curriculum that reflects this. The staff are experienced and passionate about design and deliver 16 units over two years in a state of the art studio environment. The qualifications are accredited by Pearson Education. All students should have the opportunity to undertake a range of live projects across a range of creative disciplines. Encouraging students to pitch for jobs and gain that all important industry experience with companies, design agencies and local community requirements. Within the industry itself you would usually work from around 9 am to 5 pm, but you would need to work longer hours when there are deadlines to meet. As a freelance graphic designer, your hours would vary depending on the work you get. You would usually be based in a studio or office, but may spend some time visiting clients and printers. Starting salaries can be around £15,000 a year for a graduate. Experienced graphic designers can earn between £20,000 and £35,000 a year, and senior graphic designers can earn up to, and over, £50,000 (figures intended as a guideline only). Jobs in the industry include: Advertising, branding, graphic designer, motion designer, packaging designer

Course Details - Modules

Modules Covered in Year 1 - Professional development - Contextual studies - Individual project - Techniques & practices - Screen based practices - Typography - Graphic design practices - Packaging

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: 012W

Institution code: G45

Campus Name: Gloucester

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

Gloucestershire College will recognise other/combinations of equivalent Level 3 qualifications to meet the UCAS Tariff point requirement.


Mature students (over 21) are welcome and encouraged to apply. Any mature applicants that do not meet the UCAS point requirement will be assessed in terms of appropriate experience, knowledge, or industry-based qualifications. We will consider prior learning, life experience and/or work experience but also explore alternative options with you to set you on your path to your goal.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
Cambridge English Advanced
IELTS (Academic) 4.5 Across all skills.
TOEFL (iBT) 53.0

To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent). The College will consider Functional Skills Qualification in English and Maths at Level 2. The ability to demonstrate the required level of proficiency in English and Maths, through an appropriate assessment at the College’s discretion may be considered. All decisions are based on an applicant's individual circumstances and the College will approach each application on a case by case basis.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 0%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 0%

Go onto work and study: 0%

Fees and funding

England 5700.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 5700.0 Year 1
Scotland 5700.0 Year 1
Wales 5700.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.

Provider information

Gloucestershire College
Princess Elizabeth Way
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Cheltenham
GL51 7SJ

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