SPECIFICATION LINK: 7203

TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Graphic Communication (601/4456/7)

Why study Graphic Communication at William Farr?

Studying Graphic Communication gives you the chance to explore visual design in a creative, and supportive environment. Our enthusiastic and highly committed staff provide personalised support, guidance and encouragement at every stage of the course. With access to industry-standard software and high-quality resources, you’ll be able to develop professional design skills while feeling fully supported to experiment, try new techniques, take creative risks, and grow in confidence. The course emphasises independent thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective visual communication, key strengths for anyone considering a future in the creative industries. You’ll benefit from regular personalised feedback, a positive studio culture, and the opportunity to build an impressive portfolio that showcases both your creativity and technical ability.

What will you study?

In Year 12, you will explore a broad range of graphic design disciplines and build a strong foundation across multiple media. Through digital design, printmaking, illustration, campaign advertising, packaging, commercial design and more. You will develop a wide skill set that prepares you for creative independence in Year 13. This broad experimentation allows you to discover your strengths, refine your visual style, and become confident using both traditional and digital processes. In Year 13, you will have the creative freedom to apply these skills to produce highly personal, refined, and effective outcomes as part of your coursework and exam project. You will complete a Personal Investigation (coursework) worth 60% and an Externally Set Assignment worth 40%, producing resolved practical outcomes supported by written analysis and contextual research.

Where can Graphic Communication lead?

Graphic Communication opens the door to a wide range of creative pathways, with many students progressing into design studios, publishing, digital media, branding agencies, or freelance creative work. Popular next steps include Art & Design Foundation courses, Graphic Design degrees, Illustration, Animation, Concept Art, Advertising, Marketing, Media, UX/UI and Digital Design, Games Art or Visual Effects, as well as routes into Architecture, Interior, Product and Packaging Design.