16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Art and Design: Graphics & Photography (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4

Course information

Love design, visuals, and telling stories through images? This Graphics & Photography pathway is for creative minds who want to explore both traditional and digital techniques—from darkroom photography to digital design using industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Across two exciting years (equivalent to 3 A-levels), you’ll develop your creative voice through hands-on projects, working in a studio environment that mirrors real-world industry. You’ll build a professional portfolio, collaborate with other creatives, and exhibit your work in your Final Major Project.

What to expect:

  • Projects in graphic design, photography and printmaking
  • Learn both analogue and digital photography, including darkroom techniques
  • Master visual storytelling through layout, composition, and editing
  • Use industry-standard tools and software to create professional outcomes
  • Work collaboratively to mirror real-life creative briefs
  • Build a portfolio ready for uni applications or creative jobs
  • Exclusive access to workshops, masterclasses, work experience and mentoring opportunities thanks to our links with our industry partners
  • Full access to our Adobe Creative Cloud apps—including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects and more—at college and at home, so you can keep creating anytime, anywhere.
  • How you are assessed

    100% Coursework, including practical/written assessments.

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Higher Education

  • Apply to university for Graphic Design, Photography, Visual Communication, Illustration, Marketing or Digital Design
  • Get into top creative arts universities like Central St Martins (CSM), Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication (LCC) and Ravensbourne University.
  • Use your portfolio to impress in competitive degree and foundation applications

Industry & Creative Careers

  • Start a career as a graphic designer, photographer, content creator, or visual editor
  • Work freelance or in design studios, media agencies, or online platforms
  • Launch your own brand or creative business
  • Explore creative apprenticeships in content production or digital marketing
  • Creative skills like idea generation, critical thinking, and project management are transferable and highly valuable in a broad range of sectors

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

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

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