Digital Art / Graphic Communications A Level

NEW Applications for September 2027

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Monday 5th April 2026 at 5pm

Entry Requirements - A minimum of six separately identifiable GCSE subjects at grade 6 or above OR an average of grade 6 in the best six GCSE subjects achieved

At least a grade 5 in both English and Mathematics For most subjects at A Level, a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE is required. However, for A Level Mathematics a grade 7 is required, and for Further Mathematics a grade 8 is necessary

How to Apply - Applications can be made through Kent Choices

Please contact us directly if you have any questions - contact sixthformrecruitment@nks.kent.sch.uk

Open Evening

Thursday 14th January 2027: 6pm - 8pm

Presentations at 6:30pm & 7:30pm

No booking necessary.

Open Mornings - Please visit our school website to book a slot for the open mornings www.nks.kent.sch.uk

Thursday 19th November 2026 9am - 12pm

Thursday 10th December 2026 9am -12pm

Please visit our website for information on consultation meeting if you would like to visit the school and talk to a member of the Sixth Form Team - https://www.nks.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Sixth+Form+Admissions&pid=33

This Graphic Communication course develops contemporary creative and digital skills, with a particular focus on animation, digital illustration and product branding. Students learn how to communicate ideas effectively through the combination of images, typography, colour, moving image and digital media, while considering the needs of different audiences and commercial contexts.

Through practical projects and design briefs, students develop skills in digital illustration using industry-relevant software, creating visual narratives, characters, promotional artwork and interactive content, alongside animation techniques including storyboarding, moving image, sound and time-based design. The course also introduces product branding and packaging, enabling students to explore brand identity, logo development, packaging design, sustainable materials and the creation of three dimensional prototypes.

Students will develop an understanding of advertising, marketing, typography, information design and digital presentation, while learning to balance creativity with client requirements, audience expectations and commercial objectives. The course provides a contemporary foundation in visual communication, encouraging students to experiment with emerging technologies and develop a professional portfolio that reflects the skills and practices of the modern creative industries.

The coursework component of the course is worth 60% of the final mark and the ESA unit is worth 40%. ​

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Arts based course. BTEC Level 2 Art – grade Merit.​

Students completing this course can progress into a wide range of vocational roles within the creative and digital industries, including animation, digital illustration, graphic design, branding, advertising, packaging design, social media content creation and digital marketing. Opportunities may include apprenticeships, junior designer roles, freelance creative work and employment within design agencies, marketing teams, publishing, media and animation studios. The practical and portfolio-based nature of the course also provides a strong foundation for developing specialist skills and progressing into industry-focused training or employment.