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Complete Graphic Design (SEG Level 2 Award)

This 30-week course gives you the opportunity to develop sound graphic design skills and earn an accredited level 2 qualification from Skills Education Group.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

When does it run?

This course runs throughout the autumn, spring, and summer, with breaks for the Christmas holidays.

Thursday 5 October – 7 December 2023, including Saturday 9 December 2023

Thursday 18 January – 21 March, including Saturday 23 March 2024

Thursday 28 March – 30 May, including Saturday 11 May 2024

Please note, it’s not possible to enrol part-way through this 30-week course.

How long is the course?

30 weeks, made up of 30 Thursday evenings and 3 Saturdays

What time will your classes be?

Thursdays 18.00-21.00

Saturdays 09.00-16.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring graphic designers aged 18+.

Perfect if you have a passion to learn and develop your graphic design skills, either as a hobby, to prepare you for future academic study, or for career development/redirection.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

It’s recommended that you complete Digital Graphic Design – an Introduction before taking this course, or already have a basic understanding of graphic design.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£1,249

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes! You can pay for this course in instalments, starting with a deposit of £449.

To pay by instalments, give us a call on 01202 363222 and we’ll handle your booking over the phone.

Please note, you cannot pay via instalments if you book online. You must phone us to set this up.

What's included in this price?

All course materials and resources.

Are there any additional costs?

No, all course materials and resources are included in your course fee.

What should you bring to class?

  • A notebook and pens/pencils for notes

Why should you choose this course?

  • Improve your artistic and design abilities
  • Gain a level 2 qualification that’ll open the door for future career or academic progression
  • Come away with enhanced graphic design knowledge, skills, and confidence to independently create
  • Enhance your knowledge of what it takes to be a successful graphic designer
  • Develop your understanding of different influences and styles and media 
  • Have the opportunity to explore the importance of graphic design in branding, marketing, advertising and packaging 
  • Foster your capabilities to plan, layout and realise any kind of publicity 
  • Get to grips with the professional use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign 
  • Enhance your ability to visually communicate your ideas and develop your visual voice 
  • Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
  • Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
  • Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 16 like-minded creatives

About this course

This 30-week Skills Education Group level 2 accredited qualification will equip you with all the essential design and production skills required to be successful in the graphic design industry. You’ll elevate your understanding of design and explore the creative possibilities of graphics including in print, publishing, and digital practices.  

Having a level 2 qualification gives you the opportunity to prepare for progression into employment or further learning.

Through a series of workshops, project-based sessions, and demonstrations you'll understand how to plan and produce a range of graphic design projects, from learning about typography application in the design of posters, flyers and business cards to creating original artwork for packaging.

You'll be expertly guided by your tutor through exercises and set projects including working with graphic design briefs, how to research, visualisation skills, planning and applying digital media, advertising, and packaging in graphic design. Other topics covered in group sessions will include the psychology of type, brand identity, composition, information graphics and campaign planning – this will also be applied to your individual projects.

As well as creating compositions using words, images, and colours you’ll also explore professional layout design and explore corporate identity design. You’ll be expected to enhance your skills in contextual thinking within design and ideas generation. Course sessions will also include using software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign along with other contemporary tools.

You'll plan, produce and present final outcomes which may include photography, reprographic techniques, digital software, and font design. Techniques and equipment will be closely aligned to industry working practices to fully prepare you for developing as a graphic designer.

  • Techniques of developing a creative process 
  • Variety of research strategies 
  • Drawing, illustration, and approach of mixed media 
  • Typography and font design 
  • Creating original artwork for publicity materials (posters, flyers, cards) 
  • Advertising techniques, corporate and packaging design 
  • How to turn ideas into creative and sophisticated concepts 
  • Advanced work with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign techniques 
  • 3D and 2D visual communication 
  • Individual project-based assignments 
  • Professional presentation skills 

  • Possess improved artistic skills and have what it takes to be a successful graphic designer
  • Have a strong portfolio of work showcasing your skills developed throughout the course
  • Be able to demonstrate a wide range of graphic design techniques
  • Have the skills to effectively and efficiently use Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
  • Understand advertising techniques, including packaging design
  • Be able to turn ideas into creative and sophisticated concepts
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

Once you complete this 30-week course and meet the necessary assessment criteria you’ll be awarded an accredited level 2 Skills Education Group (SEG) qualification and will receive a certificate to confirm this achievement.

After this course, you could:

  • Consider pursuing further creative academic study; take a look at our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
  • Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
  • Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby
  • Consider a change in career

  • You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
  • Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
  • We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
  • You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
  • You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
  • Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity
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Book your place today

Book now

Meet your tutor

Photograph of Emily Melling

Emily Melling

Emily is a Graphic Designer and AUB graduate with a BA in Visual Communication.

Check out some of the portfolios and final pieces that our 2022 level 2 graduates completed during their course. On this course you'll undertake research and work through various creative projects and briefs, providing you with a robust portfolio of work. Projects you may undertake include branding and logo design, packaging design, and printed collateral such as posters, leaflets and billboards.

Important information about evening and weekend courses

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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How to Enrol

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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FAQs

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses Booking Terms and Conditions

Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.