16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

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

Course Overview

Entry requirements

Minimum average point score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

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.

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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