16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Art and Design: Graphic Design and Photography Pathway (Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 3.5, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4

Course information

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design Graphics and Photography pathway is a two-year qualification equivalent to three A Levels. It has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to progress to degree level study in related fields, or to further training or employment in the creative and design industries. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in graphics and photography to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from further to higher education.

The course offers an exciting project-based approach where you will develop your graphics and photography skills alongside like-minded artists culminating in professional, industry-relevant outcomes that will form a portfolio of work to prepare you for further study or work within the industry. We are proud of our community of creative artists and you will be encouraged to collaborate with other courses to deliver an industry-like experience. We will support your development as an artist in a range of areas.

You can expect to study:

  • Visual language in art, graphics and photography
  • Print making and photographic processes
  • Digital and analogue photography (including dark room)
  • Studio practice
  • Digital software (such as Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom)
  • Materials, processes and technical skills
  • Exhibiting your final major project

As part of your assessment, you will undertake projects that will allow you to utilise the various skills acquired throughout the course. The Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels. It is a complete programme and is therefore not taken with any other course. Having an understanding and interest in graphics and photography will benefit you personally and professionally.

See examples of our students' work

  • How you are assessed

    100% Coursework, including practical/written assessments.

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study, a higher level apprenticeship or employment.

This course provides students with a portfolio for progression to our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (which will prepare you for transition to higher education), or directly to degree level courses in a wide range of creative arts and design subjects. We have links with Central St Martins, London School of Fashion, Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Arts, and Ravensbourne University. Graphics and Photography can lead to a wide variety of careers via apprenticeships or directly into employment, including in Advertising, Illustration, Publishing, Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation, Motion Graphics and Special Effects.

Did You Know?
There are more than two million jobs in the creative industries and creative jobs have increased by 30.6% since 2011. Creative jobs are future-proof jobs - 87% of creative jobs are at low or no risk of automation. (Source: Creative Industries Federation 2017).

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Facilities for Students

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Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

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