You will explore a range of Graphic design techniques including hand drawn but mainly digital. Key areas include:

• Working to design briefs to create Graphic Products for a specific audience.
• Working with and explore a range of art-based techniques such as drawing and photography but mainly using photoshop and similar software.
• You will also study a range of designers and artists.
• Create digital project portfolios.
• Experiment with designs and images using specifically Photoshop.
• Realise personal intentions through to final real-world outcomes, such as posters, album covers, game designs, watch designs, interiors, product logos etc.

100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):

• Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project (evidencing the journey from initial ideas to final realisation) plus further work from the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA; no time limit.
• Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper (preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time to produce final outcomes). Internally assessed and externally moderated.

Both components address four equal assessment objectives: developing ideas (AO1), experimenting/refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9-1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, and final pieces.

After GCSE Graphics, there are several post-16 study options depending on whether you prefer coursework, exams, or hands-on learning. Common choices include A-Level Graphic Design, A-Level Art and Design, or A-Level Media Studies, which are more academic and suited to students thinking about university. You could also take BTEC or Cambridge Technical courses such as Level 3 Graphic Design, Art and Design, Creative Media, Digital Design, or Animation, which focus more on practical work and portfolios.

For a more skills-based route, T-Levels in Digital Production, Design and Development or Creative and Design are an option, while apprenticeships in areas like graphic design, digital marketing, or content creation allow you to work while studying. These courses can all lead to university, higher apprenticeships, or creative jobs.

Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Visual Identity Designer, Print Designer, Web Designer, UI (User Interface) Designer, UX (User Experience) Designer, Digital/Product Designer, Marketing Designer, Social Media Designer, Content Creator / Digital Content Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Animator (2D / 3D), 3D Designer / Visualisation Artist, Packaging Designer, Game Artist, Concept Artist, VFX Artist, Art Director, Creative Director, Freelance Graphic Designer, Design Consultant, Graphic Design Teacher / Lecturer.

This specialist course is highly creative and practical, allowing you to focus on graphic design while developing a distinctive personal style in a supportive environment. It suits students who enjoy digital tools, visual problem-solving, typography, and creating impactful designs, with no prior experience required.

Graphic design can lead to many different careers across creative, digital, and media industries. With graphic design skills, you can work as a graphic or brand designer creating logos, posters, and visual identities, or move into digital roles like web, UI, or UX design for websites and apps. It also opens doors to marketing and social media design, where you create visuals for campaigns and online content, as well as motion graphics, animation, or even game and film design. Many designers work freelance or progress into senior roles such as art director or creative director, making graphic design a versatile career path with lots of options.