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Graphic Communication A Level

The Graphic Communication A Level course offers students the opportunity to explore typography, letterforms, branding, illustration techniques as well as extending your ability to use digital media including Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, students will progress on to developing a more experimental approach using processes such as screen printing and risograph printing in their practice.

Queen Mary’s College have access to a wealth of industry standard equipment and resources and benefit from excellent relationships with universities, artists and designers who support our students progressing into successful careers within the arts.

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Course Overview

A Level Graphic Communication is a creative and dynamic course that explores visual communication through digital and traditional media. Students will develop their artistic and technical skills in areas such as illustration, branding, typography, advertising, and digital design. This course encourages creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of how visual messages influence audiences. It is ideal for students who have a passion for design, technology, and visual storytelling.

What will I study?

Students enrolled in the Graphic Communication A Level course will explore a diverse range of topics that develop their creative and technical skills. The curriculum includes:

Typography & Branding – Understanding the principles of designing logos, brand identities, and effective visual communication strategies.
Advertising & Marketing – Developing visually compelling content for advertising campaigns and promotional materials.
Illustration & Digital Art – Experimenting with both digital tools and traditional artistic techniques to create expressive and impactful visuals.
User Interface & Experience Design (UI/UX) – Learning the fundamentals of designing for websites, mobile applications, and interactive digital platforms.
Photography & Image Editing – Exploring composition, lighting techniques, and digital post-production to enhance visual storytelling.
Print & Packaging Design – Gaining insight into the principles of packaging design, materials, and product presentation.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs graded 4/5 or above, including English, and ideally Maths.
A passion for visual communication and problem-solving.

How Will I Be Assessed?

60% Coursework (Personal Investigation):
- A sustained project based on a chosen theme, including practical work and a written element (1,000–3,000 words).
40% Externally Set Assignment (Final Exam Project):
- A timed practical exam (15 hours) responding to a given theme, with preparatory studies.

Assessment is based on research, experimentation, development of ideas, and final outcomes

Subject Combinations

Graphic Communication A Level works well with subjects that encourage creativity, design thinking, and digital skills, such as:

Art & Design – Strengthens artistic techniques and creative exploration.
Photography – Enhances composition, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
Media Studies – Provides an understanding of how graphics interact with media and advertising.
ICT or Computer Science – Supports digital design, UI/UX development, and animation.
Business Studies – Helps with branding, marketing, and commercial design strategies.

Progression Pathway

Graphic Communication A Level opens doors to a range of university courses, careers, and apprenticeships, including:

Higher Education: Graphic Design, Illustration, Advertising, Digital Media, UI/UX Design, Visual Communication.
Careers: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Web Designer, Art Director, Marketing Designer, Animator, Print Designer.
Apprenticeships: Opportunities in digital marketing, design agencies, publishing, and branding.

Hear From Our Students

Where can this course take me?

Graphic Communication develops observational skills as well as technical and creative ability in drawing and design. It is good for entry onto any creative or Art & Design based degree course. We have students who are now practising artists, designers, and architects.

Students have gone on to study degrees at institutions including Central St Martins, Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, UCA (Farnham, Epsom), UAL (Kingston, Camberwell), Manchester Metropolitan, Bournemouth, Falmouth, Brighton, Winchester and UWE (Bristol). With the skills acquired in Graphic Communication A Level, students have also progressed on to study other courses in higher education.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Practicing Artists

You will be given the opportunity to go on trips to galleries and locations to enhance your experience by looking at the work of others and engaging in practical activities away from the classroom. We believe that these experiences are vital to your development as an artist and would urge you to take these opportunities whenever you can.

One of the key experiences we offer is our annual trip to Venice at the start of the second year. The students who come with us get an amazing experience and come back having developed their practice and understanding and with a body of work which really pushes them forward as photographers and artists. As well as the work you produce for your A level, you will be given opportunities to enter local and national competitions and engage in projects outside of your normal studies. We regularly have talks from universities, artists and companies to give you a broader understanding of future options and if you decide to pursue Art past A level, we will work with you to put together your portfolio and prepare for interviews.

We also offer a wide range of enrichments within the art department, to help develop your skills and give you a broader experience which will benefit your future ambitions, such as:

Art – Unwind your mind art enrichment
Embroidery Class
Fashion Production
Professional Practice- Art Curation and Exhibitions
Sculpture

View more enrichment opportunities here.

Fun facts

Art used to be an Olympic Event between 1912 and 1948.
The Mona Lisa has her own mailbox in Le Louvre for all the love letters she receives.
In 2016, Anish Kapoor bought the exclusive rights to Vantablack (the ‘blackest’ black) to use as an art material.

Any Questions?

Our Head of Department, Tom Cops will be happy to help.

Email here

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at drawing to study Graphic Communication?

While drawing skills are useful, digital design, photography, and typography are equally important. Creativity and a willingness to experiment are key.