Person explaining a design to another

Welcome to the CREATIVE STUDIOS at North Kent College. We specialise in the education and training of young creatives, making dream careers become reality. Our outstanding team of studio leaders/lecturers have designed a wide range of exciting courses with the same objective: to make you employable within the creative industries.

The best way to predict the future, is to create it.

Our Level 4 programmes specialise in industry relevant work experience and live client projects that have ranged from local community projects to large scale companies. Our students have worked with Dartford Football Club, The NHS, Bellway Homes, The Eden Project and even NASA. The level 4 pathways aim to enhance your portfolio and design skills over 1 full-time year of study, enabling further progression into employment or higher education.

Are you interested in both digital and hand-rendered design methods and techniques for graphic design & illustration? This might just be the course for you. We specialise in a wide range of industry standard creative outcomes, training you to become a successful Graphic Designer and/or Illustrator. On the courses we have available in this sector you’ll be learning about logo design and branding, advertising, magazine design and construction, merchandising design for product / music / TV / film, website and app design, moving graphics and lots more. You’ll be joining us in the brand-new, purpose-built studios with industry standard equipment including a screen-printing studio, the new M1 powered Apple Macs and access to the Adobe programmes - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign & XD. We work closely with the industry meaning that we offer live client project briefs and opportunities for work experience. So, if this all sounds like a career you wish to pursue, apply today.

Course options

Code

A8D123P

Level

Level 4

Mode

Full Time

Campus

Dartford

Duration

1 Year

Starting

8/09/2025

Ending

19/06/2026


  • What qualification will I gain?

    UAL L4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic Design & illiustration)

  • Entry Requirements

    Applicants must be 18 years or older and have achieved a Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Industries with at least Merit grade, or a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Media, A-Levels (C and above, including Media). GCSE English at minimum Grade 4 or equivalent and ideally maths at a grade 4 or equivalent. You must also have:

    A passion for Graphic Design & Illustration.

    A willingness to learn, experiment and develop your skills and the motivation to work independently and in groups on practical projects.

    We require a portfolio of work to be presented at interview. You will also be set an interview task when you apply to bring along to your interview.?

  • What progression options will I have?

    Higher Education, studying on BA Hons and Foundation Degree level programmes. Routes directly into junior positions within the industry and apprenticeships.

  • What costs are involved?

    Tuition Fees: 16-18 - free 19+ - £5400 Exam and Registration Fees (payable by all aged 19 and over): £190 This course may also attract additional costs, for example, kit, uniform or books, that all students will be required to pay. Please contact the College for further details.

  • How will I be assessed?

    The course is made up of three main units. All units are assessed on project based work. Unit 1 & 3 are assessed on a pass or fail basis and unit 4 will be assessed as either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

    Students will recieve ongoing feedback to help track their progress, set targets and ensure that they are on track to achieve.

    Final unit feedback is awarded at the end of each project, helping to outline areas for improvement, strengths and overall effectiveness.