Course overview
Applied Design Practice (Graphic Design) Level 3 National Diploma City of Bristol CollegeGraphic Design is one of four specialist pathways within our Applied Design programme.
All students begin with a shared foundation in design principles, creative processes, and industry-standard software before choosing a specialist pathway.
Graphic Design sits within the programme’s 2D design strand, alongside Concept Art, with opportunities to develop skills in visual communication, branding, typography, and digital design. You will cover the core principles of design and learn how to apply the creative process across a range of media and project outcomes using industry-standard Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Through practical projects, you’ll develop skills in research, idea generation, visual communication, and presentation, building a strong foundation in contemporary design practice. These transferable skills will then be developed and applied within Graphic Design, where you will explore how designers communicate ideas, messages, and identities through visual media.
Working across branding, advertising, editorial design, packaging, digital content, and promotional materials, you’ll learn how to combine image, typography, colour, and layout to create effective and engaging design solutions. Focusing on creativity, communication, and professional design practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to take a project from initial concept through to a resolved and professionally presented graphic design outcome.
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-ARTL3-05X/FC01 | 06/09/2027 - 01/07/2028 | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 17.91 | 09:15 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Apply |
Additional information
Who is this course for?
Perfect for aspiring graphic designers, content creators and visual storytellers ready to turn their ideas into impactful visuals.
What you'll learn
You will develop a broad understanding of applied design before specialising in Graphic Design.
You will learn how to:
- Apply the creative design process from initial research through to final outcomes
- Generate, develop and present original design ideas
- Use Adobe Creative Cloud and digital tools to support visual communication
- Explore the principles of branding, typography, colour, image and layout
- Create design outcomes for advertising, editorial, packaging, digital content and promotional materials
- Develop visual identities and communication concepts for different audiences and purposes
- Understand how graphic design communicates messages, ideas and brand values
- Respond creatively to design briefs and client-style projects
- Refine your work through experimentation, feedback and professional presentation
- Build a portfolio of work to support progression into higher study, employment or the creative industries
Course entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at 4 or above, or a Level 2 in a relevant subject with either a 4 or above in their English GCSE or 4 and above in their Maths GCSE.
We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish.
Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process – we’re here to help take you to the next level.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
All assessment is through coursework – there are no exams.
Future career and study opportunities
You’ll be ready for Higher Education, apprenticeships, or creative industry roles such as graphic designer, content creator, or brand assistant.
Additional costs
We provide the basics, but you may need to purchase additional art materials from our on-site art shop.
Students from low-income households can apply to the Learner Support Fund for help with these costs.
