Graphic Design - A2

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 21 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Graphic Communication A2 programme follows on from AS Graphic Communication and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.

What you will study

The course covers the following two units:

Unit 3: Personal Investigation 

Using skills already gained in AS, you will be encouraged to develop areas of personal interest within this unit, from one of five starting points. All practical developmental works are displayed in a research workbook, including other appropriate contextual influences, gallery visit information and written analysis. During this unit, you will learn how to effectively use Adobe Illustrator to produce striking graphical work.

Assessment:

Group critique sessions.
Submission of a research workbook and outcome.
1000-3000 word written report.

Unit 4: Externally Set Assignment

This unit provides the opportunity to explore design briefs set by the exam board. You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of processes and materials to generate imaginative and original work. All practical work is supported by the production of a research workbook charting creative and contextual development.

Assessment:

Group critique sessions.
This unit incorporates a 15 hour practical supervised assessment.
Submission of a research workbook and final images.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment and practical assignment

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

A2CC3F25
L3

Qualification

Graphic Design - A2

More...

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What our students say

I do believe my time at CAVC has helped me meet the goals I had when I applied to College. The support I received from my teachers and peers throughout my courses allowed me to develop and succeed both creatively and academically.”

A Levels Case Study
Laurie Powell
Studying A Levels in Film Studies, Graphic Design and Photography

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Art
  • Animation
  • Business and Management
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography 

Need to know

A Levels Learner

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
Performing Arts

Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

Applying to CAVC is easy and all online.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE