Christmas Closure Information
Our campuses close on Friday 20th December and re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2025 for the Christmas Break.
Students will return to timetabled lessons on Monday 6th January 2025.
For information on term dates and enquiries please visit our information page using the button below.
Graphic Design and Branding Level 3
Graphic Design and Branding Level 3 | UAL Diploma / Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
I don’t know where I would be without this course. A huge thank you to the brilliant tutors who keep each day exciting and new and the massive help they are! This has been by far the best course I’ve taken and would take it again if I could!Sabrina - Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
What Will I Learn?
You will explore visual language and develop a basic knowledge of Adobe packages including Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. The programme will introduce design contexts and vocational situations, pushing research methods and critical thinking, enabling you to start to make connections with the work of other digital artists and designers.
Throughout the programme projects are varied and wide ranging enabling you to identify and develop personal interests whether they be in typography and logotypes, app and interactive media design, editorial layout design, packaging and photography for advertising. You will produce a variety of work suitable for branding, multi-media platforms, moving image, advertising, print and publishing, gaming and smart technologies.
The Graphic Design and Branding programme supports learners to develop presentation and communications skills through group discussion tasks and exhibition opportunities. Learners are also given the opportunity to develop employability skills and industry knowledge through ‘live’ projects with community groups and organisations.
Course Content
The Graphic Design and Branding UAL Awarding Body Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3 programme units include:
- The Creative Process
- Developing Creative Practice
- Responding to a set Brief
- Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
- Specialist Technical Skills Development
- Specialist Creative Outcome
As part of your main study programme you will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills.
Entry Requirements
- 5 GCSEs (9-4), including English and maths, or Level 2 Functional Skills Equivalent, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification
- An interview with a portfolio of artwork (this could be a digital portfolio)
Please note that unlike other Art & Design programmes this course does not require you to have achieved an Art and Design GCSE.
Career Opportunities
The programme supports students to develop careers in design and communication, branding, interactive design, app design, advertising, printing and publishing.
Course Progression
On successful completion of the one-year programme you can continue your study of Graphic Design and Branding for a second towards an Extended Diploma qualification. Alternatively, students can choose to study for the Art and Design Foundation Diploma, or Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship.
After completing the Extended Diploma programme many of our graduate progress on to Higher Education and can choose to study on a wide range of graphic related programmes including animation, graphic design, animation, typography, illustration, advertising and games design.
What do our students say?
I cannot think of a better way I could’ve spent my last year in education, The tutors on this course are admirable for taking on a class of twenty something teenagers and managing to do so in a way that made myself, and others think of them more as friends than teachers.
I can honestly say I enjoyed waking up for college and getting excited about the new possibilities each day had. The materials and support you receive here outshines any class I have taken before.
I cannot recommend this course any more highly, and I am extremely sad to be leaving, if I could stay another few years then I would!Joshua Edwards – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
I can honestly say I enjoyed waking up for college and getting excited about the new possibilities each day had. The materials and support you receive here outshines any class I have taken before.
I cannot recommend this course any more highly, and I am extremely sad to be leaving, if I could stay another few years then I would!Joshua Edwards – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
As well as this course helping me to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge, I have also made brilliant, long lasting friends!
The tutors are down to earth, supportive of all of their students and very passionate about the subject. This has made it easy to ask for help, when needed.
This has truly been one of the greatest periods of my life so far! I would 100% recommend this course to anybody who has a creative sparkBen Scales – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
The tutors are down to earth, supportive of all of their students and very passionate about the subject. This has made it easy to ask for help, when needed.
This has truly been one of the greatest periods of my life so far! I would 100% recommend this course to anybody who has a creative sparkBen Scales – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
This course successfully helped me to develop a wide range of skills needed to succeed within the design industry. Giving you the opportunity to develop knowledge in areas which will boost your; analog, digital and communication skills-sets. This course covers it all!
The tutors are; caring, supportive and most importantly informative, always helping you to develop and push yourself further every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend this course enough! The course leader also loves Wu-tang, so what’s not to love…Cobi Brady – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
The tutors are; caring, supportive and most importantly informative, always helping you to develop and push yourself further every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend this course enough! The course leader also loves Wu-tang, so what’s not to love…Cobi Brady – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
This course was the best course I have ever taken. You never stop learning new things. The way the course is made, makes everyday new and exciting. The tutors motivate you to achieve your own goals and help you as much as they can in every single way. I would recommended this course to anyone, Best course ever!Max Toogood – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
I don’t know where I would be without this course. A huge thank you to the brilliant tutors who keep each day exciting and new and the massive help they are! This has been by far the best course I’ve taken and would take it again if I could!Sabrina Luckman – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
Fantastic, educational and productive course with inspirational, motivational tutors who know what they’re talking about. After 2 years I’ve refined my skills in a multitude of craft and have tried new techniques outside of my comfort zone.
Would wholeheartedly recommend this course. Thank you so much.Lewis Collen – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
Would wholeheartedly recommend this course. Thank you so much.Lewis Collen – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
Couldn’t recommend this course enough, I’ve learnt so many skills within in graphic arts and even in communication and writing. The tutor and student communication and support on this course is brilliant. The skills we’ve learnt are applicable to the work place and has allowed me to move on with great connections.Chloe Moore – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
There was such a great connection between the tutors and student. We were really put into a professional environment which faced us with real life challenges. This course has opened up so many opportunities for myself and other students and helped us to progress onto higher things next year.Georgia Pizzala – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
A great course with great tutors. Ive learned so much and became much more confident in my self and in the work I produce. I have learnt many new skills which will be useful for the course I am going on to next year. Covers a wide variety over the two years which I have really enjoyed.Emma Nind – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
I owe it to this course for the amount of confidence I’ve gained the past 2 years, not only in myself but also in my work, the encouraging tutors and the supportive environment this course provides has played a huge part in this and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of joining it!Jess Aldridge – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
An amazing course run by amazing people, haven’t stopped smiling all year, highly recommend it. Thank you so much!
Ellena Louise Kite – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
Ellena Louise Kite – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
An amazing course that I would recomend to anyone. Have been the best two years of my life so far. Emily Norman – Extended Diploma in Graphic Arts Level 3
Fees and Finance
Students’ college education is funded for three academic years after leaving secondary school in year 11. Please click the button below which will apply to your age on the 31st August 2025 in order to find out more information about fees and finance relating to your course.
16-18 - Do I have to pay a fee?
All students aged 16-18 on the first day of their course will have their course fully-funded by the government.
Costs of studying
If you are/will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August in the calendar year when you begin a programme of study, you DO NOT pay tuition fees, College registration fees or examination/board registration fees. However, there are some courses which have additional costs which could include:
- Equipment costs – such as uniforms, kits, books and so on
- Trips and enrichment activities
- DBS checks (formerly CRB checks)
- Occupational Health Screening
You will be informed of any additional costs associated with your chosen programme as early as possible to allow time for payment to be made.
Applicants thinking of enrolling on this course can apply for funding to help with the costs associated with attending college. Bursary awards can help with your course related costs such as travel, books and equipment and much more.
The bursary fund cannot provide help with costs unrelated to your course, such as general living expenses, nor can it be used as an attendance incentive.
Applications to the fund are not normally considered if the household income exceeds £30,000 but may be considered in some instances if the household is experiencing severe financial hardship.
| The 16-19 Bursary Fund is aimed at helping: |
| Students who are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August 2025 |
| Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday |
| Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2025 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) |
When can I apply?
******Applications for student funding for learners who started in September 2024 are still open. Applications can be made from this page using the button below.
Applications for student funding for learners starting in September 2025 will not open until the end of June 2025*****
For courses starting in September 2024, applications should be made by 1st November 2024. If you find yourself in financial hardship after this date it is important that you still contact Student Services. Applications received after 1st November will be considered on a pro-rata basis subject to need and the availability of funds.
You are advised to read the notes and policies at the beginning of the form and ensure that you provide all the evidence that is required when submitting your application.
Full details of the bursary funds, including making an application, can be found here:
I will be 19 or over on the 31st August 2025
19+ - Do I have to pay a fee?
The information in this section applies solely to this course and the criteria for a fee waiver is not transferable to any other course offered by the College.
| You will not pay tuition fees if you are: |
| under 19 at the 31st August 2025 |
| aged 19-24 at the 31st August 2025 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan |
Learners aged 19 and over at the start of this course can either self-fund and pay for the course themselves or apply for an advanced learner loan to cover all or part of the tuition fees for this course. The minimum loan you can get is £300, but the maximum will depend on how much the fees are and the type of course you take.
What if I am on a low income or unemployed?
Discounted fees or fee waivers for those on low income or who are unemployed are not available for this course.
For students with an identified low household income, there may be financial support available through the College’s discretionary bursary fund. Although the funds cannot be used to pay for course fees they can be used to contribute towards other course related costs such as travel, childcare, books and equipment.
Other Additional Costs
Regardless of whether tuition fees apply, some of our programmes incur additional costs which could include:
- Equipment costs – such as uniforms, kits, books and so on
- Trips and enrichment activities
- DBS checks (formerly CRB checks)
- Occupational Health Screening
You will be informed of any additional costs associated with your chosen programme as early as possible to allow time for payment to be made.
Advanced Learner Loans
Am I eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?
To qualify for an advanced learner loan to cover the fees for this course you must be:
- 19 years old or over on the first day of your course (there’s no upper age limit)
- A UK national or have ‘settled status’ (this means there are no restrictions on how long you can stay)
- Living in the UK on the first day of your course, and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before this
Most learners that fall into this bracket will be eligible, it doesn’t depend on your household income and there’s no credit check!
If your nationality or residency status is different to the above, then please contact the national Advanced Learner Loan helpline on 0300 100 0619 or check the Advanced Learner Loan website where you will be able to find further information on eligibility.
How do I apply for an Advanced Learner Loan?
Once you have applied and been offered a place on the course, the college will provide you with a ‘learning and funding information letter’. These are normally sent out in early July.
You need this to complete the loan application and you cannot apply for a loan until you have received this.
Once you have applied for a loan and it has been approved you will receive an official letter from Student Finance England.
Am I eligible for a bursary?
Applicants thinking of enrolling on this course can apply for funding to help with the costs associated with attending college. Bursary funds are targeted at students where there is an identified low household income.
The bursary fund cannot provide help with costs unrelated to your course, such as general living expenses, nor can it be used as an attendance incentive.
Applications to the fund are not normally considered if the household income exceeds £30,000 but may be considered in some instances if the household is experiencing severe financial hardship.
| The 16-19 Bursary Fund is aimed at helping: |
| Students who are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August 2025 |
| Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday |
| Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2025 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) |
If you turned 19 on or before 31st August 2025, and do not fall into the above categories, you can apply for financial assistance via the Advanced Learner Loans Bursary Fund.
Awards from the Advanced Learner Loans Bursary Fund can only be made to students who have received an Advanced Learner Loan. If you do not intend to apply for an advanced learner loan or if your application has been unsuccessful you will not be eligible for an award from this particular fund.
Regardless of income or employment status, students self-funding (including where an employer is covering course fees), are not eligible for financial assistance through any discretionary bursary funds.
When can I apply?
******Applications for student funding for learners who started in September 2024 are still open. Applications can be made from this page using the button below.
Applications for student funding for learners starting in September 2025 will not open until the end of June 2025*****
For courses starting in September 2024, applications should be made by 1st November 2024. If you find yourself in financial hardship after this date it is important that you still contact Student Services. Applications received after 1st November will be considered on a pro-rata basis subject to need and the availability of funds.
Payment Options
Payment should be made in full at the time of enrolment. Acceptable payment methods include Debit Card and Credit Card (excluding American Express). Please note that we are no longer able to accept cash or cheque payments.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you can spread the cost of fees. Any student of the College who pays his/her own programme costs is entitled to do so on a monthly payment plan basis, providing the total course fees exceed £200 and the student is aged 19 years, or over, on 31st August in the current academic year.
Where total course fees exceed £200 you (or your employer, if they are paying your course fees) can choose to pay your fees in instalments through a monthly payment plan and 40% of the fee or £500 (whichever is lower) will be payable at enrolment.
The balance must be paid within 6 months or by the end date if the course is less than 6 months in duration.
The monthly instalment payments will also be set up at the point of enrolment, or if you are enrolling using our online enrolment process, a member of our Finance team will contact you to set up the instalment plan after you have submitted your online enrolment.
In order to pay through monthly instalments, students must sign the Colchester Institute Instalment Payment Plan terms and conditions!
If a student fails to sign up to an instalment plan at enrolment all fees will become due for payment within 30 days.
Failure to fulfil any terms and conditions of an instalment agreement will result in you becoming immediately liable for the full outstanding balance and you may not be entitled to pay any future fees by instalments.
Please download and save the form below, then fill it in and sign it. These forms can either be emailed to registry@colchester.ac.uk prior to enrolment, or if you are completing an online enrolment you can upload these documents during the enrolment process.
Further Education Fee Instalment Student Terms and Conditions
Employers who are funding a student’s fees must complete and sign an authorisation form which must be submitted either prior to or at enrolment together with an advance payment of 40% of the course fee or £500, whichever is lower. This can be paid via the online store prior to or at the point of Enrolment.
If the advance payment is not made prior to or at Enrolment the student will not be eligible to attend college.
Further Education Employer Authorisation Form, Instalment Plan, Terms and Conditions
How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!
****Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are now open!****
The application window for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications starting in September 2025 opens on Tuesday 1st October at 12pm.
Please see the information below, which provides details on things to be aware of before making an application, and what happens after you apply. We have also prepared a step-by-step video guide on how to make an application below – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.
Application Dos and Don'ts
Before submitting your online application, make sure you have got an email address which you will check frequently and which is professional and appropriate for this purpose, and use this when you create your account. Submit the application as early as possible and remember to make a note of your USERNAME and PASSWORD details! You will need these later.
Application Tips
If you have chosen the study programme you would like to apply for then you are almost there. We recommend that you read our handy application tips, watch our video and then make your application.
You can only apply for one full-time programme and one apprenticeship. You can do this together within the same application form, in what is known as a joint application.
Remember, you cannot study more than one core subject. For example, you would not be able to study two full-time programmes in different subjects simultaneously. You would take Plumbing or Music, not Plumbing and Music.
Your subject will be your primary qualification and forms the bulk of your programme of study.
Application Dos
- Apply as early as possible. We start accepting applications from 1st October 2024 and have set an initial deadline of 31st January 2025 for a priority application on your chosen programme (subject to you satisfying the entry requirements), although we still accept applications after this date but may not be able to guarantee you a place on your chosen programme.
- Think carefully about your course choice before you apply. Talk to your head of year or careers adviser at school to make sure you have explored all your options and have found a course that suits you best. You may wish to attend one of our open days to find out more before applying.
- Make sure you attend any interviews or assessments we invite you to. These are a mandatory part of our process. They give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, as well as allowing us to make sure you are on the most appropriate course for you. Some courses may invite you to attend a second interview or audition to demonstrate your skills and to ensure you are on the most appropriate level for you.
- Please let us know if your contact details or address change. We will use a variety of letters, emails and texts to communicate with you throughout the process, and the information we provide is both confidential and vital to your application. If you move home or change your phone number and don’t inform us of any changes, you could miss some vital information.
Application Don’ts
- Do not make multiple applications. If you are unsure, for example, of which construction/trade subject you would like to study, please only make an application for one of them. Likewise, if you later wish you had applied for a different course, please don’t worry – we can change your application. Whatever the reason for wanting to change, there is no need to make another application.
- Do not use a school email address when you create your account. Remember, you will need to access this account later in the summer after you have left school.
- Do not create another account if you have previously applied. If you have applied in previous years, please do not create a new account. If you are unsure, contact us to check which username and password to use.
Just call us on 01206 712777
What Happens After I Apply?
What happens after I apply?
Once your application has been submitted our admissions team will complete some data checks
Once you have submitted your application form, a member of the Admissions team will check all of your details and your predicted (or actual) grades, including checking that you meet the published entry criteria for your chosen subject. They might email you to ask for more information.
Once your application has been checked, for most programmes you will receive an email asking you to log in to your account and book your interview. The interview is to determine that you have applied for the most suitable programme of study.
Make sure you check your emails regularly or you may miss your interview slot.
If you have applied for Music or Performing Arts we will email you with a date and time for an audition.
All communications will be sent by email, so please check them regularly or you may miss your opportunity to come in for your interview.
Interviews could be in person or they could be on the phone. This will be confirmed in the email, so please check your emails regularly so that you don’t miss important information about your interview.
When do interviews start?
Interviews for those who we have received an application from will start to take place after our Autumn Open Events. The earlier in the academic year an application is made, the earlier an interview can take place.
What happens at my telephone interview?
What happens at my telephone interview?
You will be asked to book a pre-arranged timeslot and you will need to be ready to answer your phones between the times stated. The call will come from either an 01206 number or it might show as withheld or unknown.
The interview is designed to let out teaching staff find out about you and your interest in the course. To prepare you might want to think about what you enjoy doing, why you have applied for this course, what subjects you expect to do well in (if you are still at school/college) and how you will manage your revision in readiness for any exams.
How will I know if have been offered a place?
Once you have had your interview / audition we will email you to let you know if you have an offer. Offers will be subject to you meeting the published entry requirements of the chosen programme, once GCSE results have been published and provided to the College.
If you are not offered a place on your chosen programme, we will do our best to support you in finding an appropriate alternative.
Your offer
After your interview you will be sent an email to confirm whether you have been offered a place. Please remember to keep checking your email account so that you don’t miss this as it will include important information on your next steps.
Got another question?
For any further questions relating to the post-application process please see our application and enrolment FAQ.
Watch Our Video Guide
Graphic Design and Branding Level 3
Qualification: One Year: UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design | Two Years: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design
| Level | Level 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colchester |
| Duration | One or Two Years: Year 1: Diploma | Year 2: Extended Diploma | Two Years: Extended Diploma |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Campus / Adult Skills Centre | Colchester Campus |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
| Fee(s) | 16-18 year olds: Free 19+: £8,583 (This fee covers the full two-year course) |
Other courses in this area
Disclaimer
All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.
The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.
