Graphic Design and Branding Level 3

Graphic Design and Branding Level 3 | UAL Diploma / Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
The Graphic Design and Branding Level 3 Diploma is a broad based programme designed to help you understand fundamental design practices and develop skills in various areas of Digital Graphics including logo design and branding, editorial layout and photography, advertising, gaming and multi-media platform design.

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
Course Info
Do I have to pay a fee?
How to make an Application
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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 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
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
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
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
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
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 2024 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 2023
Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday
Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2023 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

When can I apply?

******Applications for student funding for learners who started in September 2023 are now closed.

If you are a current student and would like to discuss your options at this late stage of the year, please contact Student Finance. *****

Bursary Fund applications for courses starting in the 2024/25 academic year will open on July 1st 2024.

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 over 19 on the 31st August 2024

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 2023
aged 19-24 at the 31st August 2023 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 2023
Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday
Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2023 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

If you turned 19 on or before 31st August 2023, 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 2023 are now closed.

If you are a current student and would like to discuss your options at this late stage of the year, please contact Student Finance. *****

Bursary Fund applications for courses starting in the 2024/25 academic year will open on July 1st 2024.

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!

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
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationOne or Two Years: Year 1: Diploma | Year 2: Extended Diploma | Two Years: Extended Diploma
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2024
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £8,583 (This fee covers the full two-year course)

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2023-24 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.