Creating Graphics for the Web: BTEC Specialist Award
Course code: 9MLW062
Course Leader: Delroy Beaton
Course Description
This Course is for intermediate Photoshop users who would like to get a better understanding of design and working with Photoshop and some Illustrator with the view to maybe going on to doing a BTEC First Certificate in graphics or media.
With the rapid expansion of New Media there is a serious need for talented graphic designers. On this introductory course you will explore the principals of graphic design learning how it has evolved. This course will give you a deeper insight in to field of graphic design and will give you a good idea of what you will need to make your mark and take it further. You'll have lectures, review case studies, develop your critiquing skills, and get feedback from your instructor throughout the course. The course provides instruction on design software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, which are industry standard applications.
You will learn to develop effective design ideas through creative thinking and problem solving. Identify the four basic design elements composition, colour, type, and imagery and how they communicate a message. Brainstorm words and images to develop a creative design concept for a client. You will develop effective design concepts for specific types of print media posters, CD/DVD covers, web page design, packaging or adverts. Identify the use of humour, drama, or realism to attract attention and associate a product with an emotion. Choose appropriate equipment and software for a design project. Provide thoughtful commentary on existing design pieces demonstrating understanding of design elements, communication, audience, and tone. Review the purpose of design and the critical steps in the design process. You will learn to apply principles for evaluating the effectiveness of type, image, color, and layout in your design projects. In this course you will be asked to create a range of designs for a product or service, this will probably be focused around web layouts. Working with images, text, menus and dividing information on a page to make it user-friendly.
Note
The course is taught on Apple Mac computers and requires some Photoshop skills.
What background and qualifications do you need to join?
You will have completed an initial assessment to pick up on any learning support needs you may have. This qualification has no prerequisites but some basic computer skills and basic knowledge of Photoshop would be helpful. (Learners should be capable of working at level 2). This course is designed to get you started on the road to becoming a web designer.
Important Note
It would be extremely advantageous for any learners coming on the course to have first completed a graphic design or Photoshop / Illustrator course at Level 1 as we will be will be skimming over the basics and get in to project based work from an early stage.
What does the course lead to?
You will gain one unit from the ICT Specialist Award Level 2. The unit you will be completing is Computers in Graphic Design. On successful completion of the course you may wish to continue with the subject matter and increase your skills and qualifications by applying for the BTEC First Certificate in Art and Design that will run on completion of this course.
Where will I study?
You will be based at Maxilla Walk. This is a new addition to the KCC campus and is designed as a stepping-stone into mainstream further education at the main site that runs higher-level qualifications. This course will give you all the tools, support and learning mechanisms you need to succeed at this, and the higher levels.
What are the facilities and equipment like?
The studios are newly refurbished with the latest Apple Macs and Adobe software. Tutors are practicing freelance designers with real and up-to-date experience and knowledge.
How much should I study outside class?
There is no home study on the course, however home study is promoted and has a clear impact on your learning and the ability to achieve a higher grade and gain a deeper understanding. You will be given a list of helpful websites and supporting PDF documents via email to support your learning and you will be able to email your tutor for advice outside of your class hours.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed based on completion of project work that covers the units specified by BTEC. You will work to a template of preformatted questions where you will be able to compile your answers in and out of the classroom*(1) and you will be able to attach supporting information in your own creative style*(2). You will be given a grade for your work as you progress and a final grade at the end of the course.
*
1. All answers must be attributed to the learner.
2. Information taken from the internet or other sources must be clearly identified, annotated and summarized.
The tutor has the final rule on whether the evidence is accurate and attributable to the student and may request supporting evidence or summaries where this is not evident.
Are any course materials online?
Not at present, but supporting information can be emailed as required based on the tutor / course requirements.
What books and equipment do I need?
You will need a basic kit of art equipment: pencils, pens, sketchbook, USB storage device and image portfolio etc for supporting evidence (you may choose to keep all your evidence in the digital portfolio). The above is not mandatory but is advantageous
What else do I need to buy? / What extra costs are there?
It would be advantageous to have access to a computer and design software (look in to the 30 day trials on offer for most of the main applications. Also when you become a student of KCC you will become eligible for discount (as much as 75% under the education licence, dependent on qualification, from most retailers or Adobe direct. We will be working with the Adobe Master Collection). You will also need to pay for printing and paper in certain classes.
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Entry Requirements
All students are admitted to the College on the basis that they:
- Agree to comply with the KCC student code of conduct
- Provide original documentation that confirms entry qualifications.
- Meet the course entry requirements
- Provide information so that a school or college reference can be obtained if you are between 16-19 years old
How to enrol or apply
For more details, please check http://www.kcc.ac.uk/info/enrol.php, call us on 020 7573 5333, or enrol in person.
Supporting our learners
Being a student at KCC, means you can expect a caring friendly inclusive learning environment. We will support you throughout your studies with us.
Our students benefit from:
- Tutorial Support
- Information advice and Guidance
- Counselling and personal support
- Access to learner support services
- Study centres at Wornington and Hortensia providing collections of books, journals, DVDs and access to PCs and on line learning materials
Financial Help
Financial support may be available to you. Please contact an Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) advisor on 020 7573 5325 who will be able to give you information about charitable trusts, Career development loans, Education Maintenance Allowance (16-19 year olds) and Learner Support fund (helps eligible students with child care costs, travel and material costs) and other schemes that may be able to help you regarding financial matters.
Additional Learning Support for students with disabilities or learning difficulties
KCC is committed to improving access to learning for all our students. Please tell us if you have any access requirements at any stage of the application process. The additional learning support team can provide help and information regarding your individual needs. For example, the team can provide information on hearing loop facilities, communication support (e.g. BSL), dyslexia support, physical access, equipment/software (e.g. JAWS). If you would like to discuss learning support contact Reg Cobb at r.cobb@kcc.ac.uk or a member of the team on 020 7573 5308. Further information about our services are available at www.kcc.ac.uk/inclusion/.
Contact Details
Course Information: 020 7573 5333
Switchboard: 020 7573 3600
Full contact details: www.kcc.ac.uk/contact
Disclaimer
Information on this course fact sheet was correct at time of publication, however course offers and details may be subject to change.
09 September 2010
