Five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including a grade 4 or above in English, Maths and a creative subject – or portfolio. BTEC Level 2 qualifications considered in subject related courses.
Graphic Communication – A Level
Graphic design is all around us; we see it in logos, advertising, magazines, packaging, signs, posters, apps, websites and book jackets. You will develop skills in a number of graphics disciplines, learning about identity and branding, typography, illustration, magazines, advertising and layout. You will use the Adobe suite; Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign as well as traditional art, design and printmaking skills.
First Year
A collection of coursework that introduces you to a broad range of graphic communication methods: branding, identity, packaging, advertising, logos and illustration. You will make work using traditional techniques; printmaking, painting, collage, photography and drawing as well as digital methods; using the latest edition of Adobe Creative Cloud and drawing tablets. There will be a gradual progression towards individual ways of working.
Second Year
Personal Investigation – this is an in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance. It is supported by a written element of not less than 1000 words to underpin the practical project.
Externally Set Assignment – using a series of visual and written stimuli presented by the exam board, you will provide a personal response in terms of a practical project within a 15 hour period of time supported by preparatory work
Component 1 – Personal Investigation (worth 60% of A Level)
Internally assessed, externally moderated.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
(worth 40% of A Level)
15 hours of sustained focus work. Internally assessed, externally moderated
Careers: Graphic design lends itself to many different career opportunities including most obviously, becoming a graphic designer, but also, marketing, web design, magazine editorial, working in social media, illustrating, computer game design, TV and broadcasting.
Degree Courses:
BA Honours Graphic Communication,
BA Honours Graphic Design,
BA Honours Visual Communication,
BA Honours Illustration,
BA Honours Animation,
BA Honours Digital Media,
BA Honours Architecture etc.
You may also wish to progress on to a pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art and Design offered at Andover College, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
A studio fee and kit list is set in August of each year for each course. They can be purchased from the College via the online College shop. There may be print costs throughout the year depending on projects. The College has support funds available for those students who have difficulty meeting the costs.
There will be the opportunity for a variety of trips and visits on a rolling programme that include, UK cities such as London, Brighton or Oxford and residential trips that have included, Paris, Madrid, Berlin and New York. Speakers come from other Universities such as Winchester College of Art and Design, and The London College of Communication UAL. There is a number of opportunities to visit universities.
Computers, drawing tablets, a photographic studio with a range of lighting, animation tables, tripods, latest edition of Adobe Creative Cloud, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other more traditional materials and equipment