Graphic Design A level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of graphic communication media, processes and techniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media.

Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes and using a range of methods and media on a variety of scales.

Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks and journals to underpin their work, where appropriate.

Students will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from both the past and from recent times, including

European and non-European examples. This will be integral to the investigating and making processes.

Student responses to these examples must be shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Students will be aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented and the importance of process as well as product.

Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of graphic communication, such as

those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:

• advertising

• packaging design

• design for print

• illustration

• communication graphics

• branding

• multimedia

• design for film and television

Students will be expected to demonstrate skills in the context of their chosen area(s) of

graphic communication. Students will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the

following:

• understanding of meaning, function, style, scale, colour and content in relation to

the chosen area(s) of graphic communication.

• awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of graphic

communication.

• ability to respond to an issue, concept or idea, working to a brief or answering a

need in the chosen area(s) of graphic communication.

• appreciation of the relationship of form and function and, where applicable, the

constraints of working to a brief.

• appreciation of the appropriate use of typography (which could include hand

lettering and calligraphy).

• understanding of a variety of materials and genres appropriate to their chosen

area(s) of graphic communication.

Students must show knowledge and understanding of:

• relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources.

• how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and

artefacts created in the chosen area(s) of graphic communication.

• historical and contemporary developments and different styles and genres.

• how images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical

contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created.

• continuity and change in different styles, genres and traditions relevant to graphic

communication.

• a working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to their chosen

area(s) of graphic communication.

Any art and design GCSE grade 4 or a technology GCSE grade 4 including resistant materials, product design, textiles or equivalent. However, if you have not studied art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the teachers

On completion, students can apply to Universities to study courses with art and design

specialism or students can go on to work in a variety of areas for example:

• Architecture

• Advertising

• Branding

• Events promotion

• Animation

• Magazine

• App design

• Illustration

• User experience (UX) design