A Level in Graphic Communication

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Graphic Design is a subject that is aimed at any student who wants to improve their visual communication using traditional techniques and/or modern technology.

It is a stimulating and wide-ranging subject that develops the ability to appreciate the commercial visual world and to respond to it in a personal and creative way. Students learn to use a range of graphic techniques including print, sketching, illustration and photography, as well as designing in Photoshop and Illustrator. Graphic Design is a chiefly practical course with some written elements. Coursework projects include book cover design, packaging design and typographical work. In the second year, students can choose their own project which can include such briefs as branding for festivals, marketing for new food or clothing companies and exhibition displays. Students have the freedom to approach projects in a variety of ways depending on their interests. Developing your skills by looking at artists and designers is an important part of any artist or designer?s experience. We invite guest designers in to run one day workshops throughout the year and we also have many visiting speakers from universities to give you information about progression opportunities and careers.

The course consists of coursework projects followed by a shorter exam project. For coursework you will be learning new techniques, looking at the work of other graphic designers and building up your skills and understanding of contemporary graphic design. The projects in the first year will enable you to address the A Level assessment criteria and give you a good idea of the standard of preparation required in order to produce a sophisticated final outcome. In the second year you will be further developing your skills and exploring your ideas to a high standard. You will produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork that can be used for Art and Design degree interviews.

Progression onto Year Two

Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.

All A Level coursework is due in at the end of January in your second year. From the start of February you will then start your exam project. In May, at the end of the exam preparation period, you will be completing a final piece during a 15-hour exam ? spread over three days. The coursework is worth 60 per cent of your A Level mark and the exam project is 40 per cent.

Final Assessment at End of Year Two

Year two becomes more specialised. The coursework element consists of one major project, which you choose yourself. There is also a short-written element to the coursework. The exam project culminates in a 15-hour practical exam.

General entry requirements:

To study this A Level, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.

Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study Graphic Communication, a grade 4 or above in GCSE Art and Design, or a Merit in Level 2 Art and Design would be advantageous. Alternatively, a portfolio of work can be brought to your interview if you haven't previously studied Art and Design.

Studying Graphics can lead to many careers in the creative industries. Possible careers include graphic design, illustration, architecture, product design, web design, games design, automotive design, fashion and textiles, industrial design, marketing and animation.