Explore the power of visual storytelling through our Graphics & Photography course — a specialist Level 3 programme that combines traditional design principles with the latest digital tools and techniques. You’ll develop a broad creative skillset, learning how to create, critique, and communicate visually while mastering composition, layout, typography, photo manipulation, and creative direction through hands-on projects and briefs.
Course Overview
With a strong focus on experimentation, personal expression, and industry relevance, this course helps you refine your unique visual style and artistic confidence. By the end, you’ll have produced a professional, industry-ready portfolio that prepares you for higher education or a career in the fast-paced world of design, media, or photography.
What You'll Learn
- Graphic design principles including layout, colour theory, typography, and grid systems
- Digital illustration, poster design, and visual storytelling
- Studio photography with professional lighting and camera techniques
- Photo editing and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Magazine, brand identity, and album cover design projects
- Experimental design and creative projects exploring personal identity and style
- Concept development and effective visual communication techniques
You’ll also focus on developing a professional portfolio that showcases your best work, alongside learning effective presentation and self-promotion techniques. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear progression plan for university, freelance work, or a creative career in the design and media industries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5YzKJ8Mvm0
COURSE VIDEO & CAREER PATHS
Illustrator or Graphic Designer
Digital Marketer
Photographer or Photo Editor
Brand Designer
Art Director or Visual Creative
University Music Production
Facilities
- State-of-the-art Mac suites fully equipped with the complete Adobe Creative Cloud suite, providing access to industry-standard tools for design, digital illustration, photo editing, and motion graphics
- Professional DSLR cameras, advanced studio lighting kits, and backdrop systems that enable you to capture high-quality images and experiment with composition, shadow, and mood
- Large-format printers, high-resolution scanners, and interactive design tablets, allowing you to work across digital and physical media while exploring advanced production techniques
- Spacious, purpose-built studio environments for photo shoots, design critiques, workshops, and collaborative projects, designed to replicate the workflow of professional creative studios
Timetable & Qualifications
- 3-day college week
- Graphic design and photography classes
- Weekly wellbeing sessions
- Careers and progression support
This course leads to a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication, with a Distinction grade worth up to 168 UCAS tariff points for progression to university or a professional career in the creative industries.
ENTRY CRITERIA
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English
- Must be under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP
- A strong interest in photography, design, or visual art
Big Creative Academy has been officially rated Outstanding by OFSTED, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence. Inspectors highlighted the dedication and passion of staff, the use of innovative and engaging teaching methods, and a holistic approach to student development that supports both academic and personal growth.
Student Work
The images showcase our students’ creativity and technical ability, featuring a range of graphic design, photography, and digital illustration work that demonstrates their growth in composition, and creative expression.
Alumni Stories
“I love photography and went onto do an internship with Rankin after I finished my course. I still can’t believe I got to do that! I showed my work alongside Turner Prize-winning artists in the E17 Art Trail which is an amazing art exhibition in Walthamstow.”
Tilly, former Graphic Design student
Develop talent Transform Lives Create Careers
Bring your visuals to life and build your future in design with a Graphics & Photography course at BCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this course free?
Yes! The course is free for students under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP. All software, design materials, and equipment access are included at no cost.
What will I actually learn on the course?
This course gives you hands-on creative and technical skills across both graphic design and photography. You’ll learn how to:
- Use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom to create professional visuals
- Work with DSLR cameras in studio and outdoor settings
- Understand graphic principles including composition, grids, colour theory, and typography
- Design branding, magazine layouts, posters, and visual campaigns
- Develop photo editing, lighting, and manipulation skills
- Plan, execute and present creative projects — from research to reflection
- Build a progression-ready portfolio that showcases your best work
What kind of projects will I do?
You’ll work on a variety of design and photography briefs — including personal identity pieces, album covers, brand campaigns, magazine spreads, photo essays, and experimental visuals. Projects are developed in sketchbooks and digital formats, and you’ll regularly present and critique work with peers and tutors.
What kind of careers could this lead to?
Graduates from this course can progress to roles such as:
- Graphic Designer or Illustrator
- Photographer or Photo Editor
- Visual Content Creator or Social Media Designer
- Brand Consultant or Artworker
- Or progress to university degrees in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Photography
How is this course linked to the creative industries?
The course is built around industry expectations — with a focus on self-promotion, audience targeting, and real-world workflows. You’ll learn how to take on client-style briefs, work to deadlines, and present work in a professional format. You’ll also be supported in building an online presence and preparing for freelance or in-house roles post-graduation.
What kind of equipment and software will I use?
You’ll work in Mac suites using Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom). For photography, you’ll have access to DSLR cameras, lighting kits, tripods, and studio backdrops. There are large-format printers, scanners, and access to visual journals and moodboard tools.
How does the course support wellbeing and creative confidence?
We create an inclusive, open studio environment where students are encouraged to express identity and emotion through visual work. There are weekly wellbeing and tutorial sessions, 1:1 support available, and a focus on personal growth as well as creative skill.
What’s the timetable like?
You’ll study 3 days per week including:
- Graphic design and photography lessons
- Portfolio and sketchbook development time
- English or Maths resits if required
- Wellbeing and enrichment workshops
What are the entry requirements?
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English
- Must be under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP
- You don’t need to be a pro designer — just have a clear interest in creativity, photography, or visual design
What if I don’t know my style yet?
That’s totally fine — this course is built to help you discover it. You’ll explore a range of approaches and get support developing your own visual identity and voice. Many students arrive unsure and leave with a confident,