Other Courses

Graphic Communication A Level

Thomas Rotherham College (TRC)

Moorgate Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 2BE

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Thomas Rotherham College

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Graphic Communication is about solving problems using visual language, looking at advertising, illustration, branding and information design. You will learn about the importance of the client and the audience but, also, the conceptual ideas that designers use to communicate deeper meanings and messages.

Course Details

The A Level encourages exploration of different materials, processes and techniques, both practical and digital. The start of the course is workshop-based, teaching a range of practical skills including drawing, a range of printmaking, and photography, both digital and dark room. It also includes how to put your practical experiments together as design work. Students are encouraged to base their work around their own individual identity,

incorporating cultural influences or personal experiences and interests.

Although most of the assessed work is practical, and sketchbook based, there is a separately assessed written essay. This encourages student to explore the work of other artists who inspire them and look at their work in a wider context.

It is important to note that Graphic Communication at TRC is a pathway that belongs to the Art and Design A Level syllabus and, therefore, is creative and art based, not media/ design technology based.

Study Visits

First Year: Day visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park and residential trip to Liverpool (June/July)

Second Year: Day trip to Manchester (February).

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The course consists of two components.

Component one (60%) is coursework and will start in September and continue through for approximately 4 terms which is made up of 80% practical and 20% written.

Component two (40%) is the exam unit which contains a timed test.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 GCSE (BTEC) Art, or Graphics. Grade 5 in either English Language or Literature (must be at least a 4 English Language).

If you have received an 8 or above in Art, the English requirement does not apply. 

Can be taken with Photography or Art. If you have not studied GCSE Art you may submit a portfolio. Please contact the department for details.

Your next steps...

Most of our students progress onto a broad range of Art Degrees at University. These range from Graphic Design to Architecture, as well as Games Design, Film Production, Web Design and Interior Design.

Careers include:

Animator, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Advertising and Marketing, Events Promotion.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.