Current Students Staff Portal

Your courses

Click Apply now above and continue to stage 2 where you can review and choose courses 3 to apply for.

Graphic Communication

Overview

Graphic Communication is the study of design in a more digital form. It is about communicating ideas and information through graphic imagery, illustration, marketing, games design and UX design, involving visual and textual content. You will be encouraged to develop individual solutions to design briefs in both traditional and digital media.

Entry requirements

GCSE - 5 or above in Art & Design or a similar subject.

(Portfolio required if the student does not meet the above requirements)

Learning & Assessment

Why study this subject?

Studying Graphic Communication lets you explore the digital world and learn how to capture audience interest through unique selling points. You'll gain skills in cutting-edge programs and professional design, and it opens doors to fields like Animation, UI/UX, Illustration, and Motion Graphics, preparing you for the Creative Industries.

What can you expect from this A level?

The subject is taught through project-based learning, with Year 12 focusing on skill-building in core design programs. You’ll apply these skills in Component 1 coursework, developing a personal investigation or live project brief. This approach lets you explore your interests and specialisms throughout Years 12 and 13, while classroom time encourages independence and self-challenge.

What can you do with a qualification in this subject?

The subject can lead to degrees in Animation, UI/UX Design, Interior Design, and Marketing.

It also opens doors to a wide range of careers, including Animator, Design Assistant, Typographer, Motion Graphics Specialist, Illustrator, Games Designer, and Marketing Professional.

Assessment

Component 1 - Personal investigation
You will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material of 1000-3000 words.

Component 2 - Externally set assignment
(15 hours supervised time)

You will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points.

Modules / Topics

Component 1

Personal investigation. You will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material of 1000-3000 words.

Component 2

Externally set assignment.
(15 hours supervised time). You will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points.

Trips / Visits / Enrichment

Trips, Visits & Enrichment

Graphic Communication students benefit from a wide range of visits, workshops and industry-linked enrichment opportunities designed to develop creative skills, build portfolios and explore progression routes into higher education and creative careers.

Visits & Workshops

Dec 26 - Creative London Trip - £200 Approx.
Visit world-renowned cultural institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Design Museum, with opportunities to explore exhibitions, creative industries and university progression pathways.

Date TBC - Northumbria University - Free
Explore Fashion and Fashion Marketing courses through specialist workshops and taster activities, providing valuable insight into university-level study.

Multiple Dates - Photography Workshops - Free
Develop photography skills and support project work through practical workshops and photographic walks around Newcastle city centre.

Guest Speakers & Progression Talks

Throughout the year, students have access to a variety of visiting speakers, university representatives and creative professionals who provide guidance on progression opportunities, careers and higher education.

Recent guest speakers and workshops include:

Northern School of Art - Nov 26
Teesside University - Nov 26
Leeds Beckett University - Nov 26

These sessions include portfolio advice, career guidance, university application support and practical creative workshops designed to help students plan their next steps.

Jen Linsdell

Director of Faculty & Head of Creative Arts

"Creative Arts provides such a good outlet to support wellbeing, as well as giving the opportunity to delve into the Creative Industries, a continuously growing community. I love how exciting it is watching skills and quality of work grow continuously, and watching all students succeed with moving forward into higher education."

Ethan Shaw

Year 13 Student

"Graphic Communications is one of my favourite subjects. I get to use my creativity to create awesome designs. I have a passion for photography as I get to use cameras from the college to take high-quality photos and capture great moments."

Animator

Create engaging animations for films, video games, and web content, bringing characters and stories to life using various animation software.
Collaborate with directors and producers to ensure that animations align with the artistic vision and narrative.

Design Assistant

Support senior designers in developing visual concepts and layouts for branding, marketing materials, and digital content.
Conduct research on design trends and compile materials that inform project development and presentation.

Typographer

Design and select typefaces that enhance readability and visual appeal for print and digital media.
Collaborate with graphic designers to integrate typography effectively into layouts, ensuring cohesion with the overall design.

Motion Graphics Specialist

Create animated graphics and visual effects for videos, advertisements, and multimedia presentations.
Work with video producers and other team members to develop creative concepts and deliver high-quality visual content.

Illustrator

Produce original illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements, or online content, utilising both traditional and digital techniques.
Collaborate with authors and art directors to ensure illustrations enhance storytelling and meet project objectives.

Games Designer

Conceptualise and design game mechanics, characters, and environments, ensuring engaging gameplay experiences.
Work closely with developers and artists to create prototypes and assist in refining game features based on user feedback.

Marketing Professional

Develop and execute marketing campaigns utilising graphic design to effectively convey messages and promote products.
Analyse market trends and consumer behaviour to inform design strategies and create compelling promotional materials.

UI/UX Designer

Design user interfaces for websites and mobile applications, focusing on enhancing user experience through intuitive navigation and aesthetics.
Conduct usability testing and gather feedback to refine designs, ensuring that products meet user needs and business objectives.

November Open Evening 2026

Wednesday 4th November 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Find out more

Open Evening - 2nd December 2026

Wednesday 2nd December 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Find out more

23 October 2026

STUDENT AND STAFF RECOGNISED FOR AMBITION

This week we celebrated the end of a busy first term with a special celebration for ASPIRE. The theme of this term was Ambition, and for almost 80 of our students we held a celebratory breakfast at the college and presented A for Ambition pin badges and certificates. We followed up with a second celebration for our staff, with almost 40 staff from across teaching, support, professional services and leadership receiving nominations from colleagues for demonstrating the Ambition to succeed. Well done to everyone who took part, nominated and our wide range of winners.

23 October 2026

WEAR IT PINK

Staff and Students took part in a special celebration of Pink, to show our success for Breast Cancer Now. Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink day is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. Taking place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, thousands of amazing people wear pink in their communities, schools or work places to raise money for life-saving science and life-changing support. Students and staff donated money, dressed to impress and across the whole college, we saw a sea of pink food, drinks and sweet treats for everyone.

16 October 2026

Up and Running - Enrichment Success

This first half term for our Year 12 students has been the most successful ever for our Enrichment programme, which takes places on Tuesday afternoons. With a range of activities covering skills development, social, physical and practical extra curricular, we have over 700 students participating in 42 activities. Ranging from British Sign Language and IBM Cyber Security to Music and Film Production and even Dungeons and Dragons, these weekly sessions are an important part of our ASPIRE programme, and develop the community and ambition of our students in their first couple of weeks as part of NSFC. A major success this year has been our running club, which builds on our sponsorship of the Great North 10k and Great North 5k runs, which happened over the Summer, and saw over 400 participants from across our colleges. The group meet weekly and have both a competitive 5k run, and a less challenging run for those who simply want to get out and get some exercise. Led by Director of Curriculum Kate Gardner, this is a great example of our students engaging in physical activities and working together as a college community. Our first student experience survey illustrated the huge success of a range of our wider enrichments with great reviews of ‘A Taste of China’ for Chinese language beginners, ‘Performance Lab’ where students prepare a Christmas showcase and Film Production which is hosted and managed by a professional production company Digital Sidekick and builds real industry leading skills.

Apply Now Print course information

Your courses

Graphic Communication

Overview

Entry requirements