Application Instructions
Applications Open - 26th September 2025
Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.northkent.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.
How to Apply - Apply through Careers East Sussex
PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment
Course Summary
Within the course, you will be given a range of projects to complete throughout the year which will prepare you for your final major project that is internally assessed and externally moderated by UAL. In Year 1, you will complete Unit 1 to Unit 3. In Year 2, you will complete Unit 4 to Unit 6. The overall grade for the qualification is based on Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome.
All units will be graded against the Assessment Objectives set by UAL, with Unit 6 being graded either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Course Details
Equivalent to 3 A Levels, a total of 72-168 UCAS points, depending on grades achieved. The Graphic Design & Illustration course is ideal for those looking to develop and extend their creative skills. This course will present you with a wide range of creative project briefs such as branding, advertising, product packaging and merchandise and forms of illustration. The course will allow you to investigate the foundations of Graphic Design & Illustration. Working from the ground up, so don't worry about your prior knowledge in Graphic Design or Illustration, you just need to have creative drive and the desire to learn. You’ll be working in a studio of like-minded creatives with access to Apple Mac based studios, industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, XD, Illustrator, and InDesign. All the areas above will be introduced in studio and digital workshops. After successfully completing year 1 you will have the opportunity to progress on to the second year to obtain your full Extended Diploma. We set an industry standard within the department, we work towards the ideal of every learner being able to progress into their own chosen pathway in Graphic Design and Illustration, so whatever your aim is, we will help you to achieve it.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Within the course, you will be given a range of projects to complete throughout the year which will prepare you for your final major project that is internally assessed and externally moderated by UAL. In Year 1, you will complete Unit 1 to Unit 3. In Year 2, you will complete Unit 4 to Unit 6. The overall grade for the qualification is based on Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome.
All units will be graded against the Assessment Objectives set by UAL, with Unit 6 being graded either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Entry requirements
Minimum of four GCSEs grade 4 - 9 including English and preferably maths and one creative subject. Or an equivalent Level 2 Qualification in Art and Design at merit or above. You will need a positive school report/recommendation/reference from your school/tutor. We also require a portfolio of work to be presented at interview. You will also be set an interview task when you apply to bring along to your interview.
Your next steps...
Once you have completed the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice you could progress onto one of the following: L4 course @ NKC University Employment Apprenticeship
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
