Advanced graphic design
It is ideal for anyone who has already completed our City Lit graphics course, and for anyone wishing to build a more extensive and professional portfolio of graphics work, whilst developing a deeper understanding of the connection between text, image, message and media.
Confirmed industry specialist guests: Lydia Thornley, Designer, Creative Director and Reportage Illustrator and award winning film producer/director Mark Craig, maker of the film “The Last Man On The Moon”.
Why do I need an advice session
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 06 Oct 2025End Date: 22 Jun 2026Mon (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 30 sessions (over -38 weeks)Course Code: VK600Tutors: Andrew McCartenFull fee £2,549.00 Senior fee £2,039.00 Concession £1,784.00
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What is the course about?
This course is designed to help you build on existing skills and interests in graphic design, and communicating ideas and messages through text and image, across a range of traditional and digital media. It will give you a clear understanding of the cultural influences and debates around graphic design, support the development of advanced skills, and help you evolve new working processes in pursuit of more advanced and ambitious creative aims.
What will we cover?
Across a number of projects designed to extend your thinking and practice in graphic design, the course will cover: commercial print; branding; editorial (web/screen/mobile); animation/motion graphics; visual narratives; online delivery (web/screen/mobile).
Recognising, presenting and celebrating students' achievements is an important part of our advanced courses. There will be an opportunity to exhibit your work during or at the end of this course, either within the college or at an external venue.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- recognise examples of cultural influence on design, and understand and apply design theories and advanced practices to your work
- use digital software and/or traditional processes to investigate your ideas, explore creative possibilities and develop your own design solutions
- analyse and reflect on your creative ideas and solutions, and present finished work to peers and tutors as a portfolio, evaluating and applying feedback.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
As this is an advanced course, you will be expected to have experience of previous study in graphic design or visual communications at an elementary or intermediate level, and to be able to present a sample portfolio of work at interview. You should have at least basic skills in Adobe Creative Cloud software, and be comfortable working in a sketchbook. The course is appropriate for students who have previously completed the City Lit graphic design course (VK414), or an equivalently in-depth programme of study in the field of graphic design or visual communications.
Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice. You will be encouraged and expected to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress. As a student on an advanced course, you should also be prepared to engage with concepts, debates and methods that may differ from those with which you are familiar.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course consists of workshops and short lectures, practical exercises and tutorials. You will be required to practice your skills and develop projects outside the class, and will be asked to complete research outside of class time which you present during class for discussion. You will need to keep a sketchbook (see below), which will also occasionally be used or referred to during class discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials will be provided for work in the studio, but you should also ensure that you keep a sketchbook. As a minimum, we recommend at least one A4 sketchbook, but you may find other formats more appropriate to your processes and methods, as your work develops.You will also find it useful to have your own supply of basic 'dry' media for work outside class. Typically this will include fineliner black pens; pencils (range 4B to HB), a range of colour pencils, coloured felt-tips and marker pens (6-12 of each).
It will also be useful to have a folio case (A3) to keep physical works in, and USB memory stick or separate hard drive for electronic files.
Your tutor will be able to advise on materials in more detail, as the course progresses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Suitable progression routes from this course may include other advanced City Lit courses (eg: Advanced printmaking: personal project development VS500), which your tutor will advise, as suits your individual interests and practice. Other options include application to HE courses (BA/MA) in relevant subject specialisms, or practice in graphic design/visual communications.
Andy McCarten is a graphic design consultant and lecturer with over thirty years of commercial and academic experience in creating and leading national and international design projects for clients in TV, retail, manufacturing, finance and banking, across Europe and beyond. Andrew has worked with commercial clients including KLM, London Underground, Narvesen, TV2 Norway, BBC, BAA Heathrow, American Express. Having overseen the production of many print and electronic communications, in the commercial arena and within education, including a previous post at Ravensbourne University College for the art and design foundation course. The foundation course has creative idea generating and making at the core of the education process. He is currently developing courses with CityLit for the Advanced Visual Communications area. 'My motivation is to ensure my students get to fully realise their abilities and talents, to succeed in life.' Andrew is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and member of the Typographic Circle. www.amdesigndesk.com www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmccarten
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.