Quick Summary
Heavy coursework – About 80% coursework portfolio, 20% written analysis
Digital & traditional – You'll use design software plus drawing, typography, and physical materials
Creative problem solving – Design is about communicating messages visually and solving visual problems
What's it actually like?
IN A NUTSHELL
A-Level Graphic Design (often called Graphic Communication) is almost entirely coursework-based. You'll develop portfolios exploring visual communication through logo design, branding, advertising, packaging, typography, illustration, and digital media.
You'll research graphic designers, experiment with different styles and techniques, develop design solutions for briefs, and create final pieces. Projects might include designing book covers, creating brand identities, developing posters, or producing packaging designs.
You'll typically complete a personal investigation (60% - exploring themes and developing design skills) and an externally set assignment (40% - responding to exam board themes). Both require research, experimentation, development work, and final outcomes.
It's about 80% practical design work and 20% written analysis and annotation.
Graphic Design is about communication and problem-solving through visuals, not just making things look pretty.
You need access to software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is industry-standard. Schools usually provide access, but having it at home helps enormously. Student subscriptions are available.
About the course
Is this for you?
Design skills and techniques
You'll learn how to design posters, logos, magazine layouts, packaging, and digital graphics using both traditional methods and computer software.
Design principles
You'll explore different styles of design and study the work of graphic designers and artists. You'll learn about typography, layout, colour, branding, and how to communicate messages visually to different audiences.
Creating your portfolio
Most of the course is project-based. You'll develop ideas, experiment with designs, refine your work, and produce final outcomes, while explaining your design choices in written annotations.
Assessment
Assessment is based on coursework and a final exam project. Overall, Graphic Design is about combining creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving to create effective visual designs.
Graphic Design is a good choice if you:
Love creating visual designs and communicating ideas through images
Are interested in branding, advertising, and visual communication
Enjoy both digital design and hands-on creative work
Are willing to experiment and develop multiple design ideas
Can work independently on long-term creative projects
Are interested in how design influences and persuades people
Want to solve visual problems creatively
Can meet deadlines whilst managing substantial coursework
Design skills - Understanding composition, colour theory, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.
Digital proficiency - Mastering industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Creative problem-solving - Learning to solve visual communication challenges through design.
Research & analysis - Studying graphic designers and design movements to inform your work.
Project development - Taking initial ideas through experimentation, refinement, and final production.
Visual communication - Using design to convey messages, emotions, and information effectively.
It's time-intensive: Graphic Design coursework requires research, sketching, digital work, experimentation, printing, and presentation. Budget significant time.
Drawing skills help but aren't essential: While digital tools are crucial, hand-drawing, sketching, and traditional mark-making are important for idea development.
It's not just using software: You'll research design history, understand typography, analyse advertising, and critically evaluate visual communication. Theory matters.
Coursework pressure is constant: Unlike subjects with final exams, Graphic Design is ongoing coursework throughout two years. You need consistent effort and organisation.
Universities don't rate it highly: Very competitive universities sometimes see Art & Design subjects as less rigorous than traditional academics, if seeking academic courses. Combine with academic subjects to keep top university options open.
You need creative independence: Teachers guide you, but you must generate ideas, make design decisions, and develop your own visual style.
Graphic Design + Photography + Media = Full creative visual focus
Graphic Design + English + Media = Visual communication with analysis
Graphic Design + Business + Psychology = Design with commercial understanding
Graphic Design + Computer Science + Maths = Digital design with technical skillsGraphic Design rewards experimentation and visual awareness. Here's how to succeed:
Develop visual awareness – Notice design everywhere – posters, packaging, websites, logos, apps. Analyse what works and what doesn't. Build a collection of designs you admire.
Sketch ideas constantly – Don't jump straight to the computer. Sketch multiple ideas first. Rapid thumbnails help you explore possibilities quickly before committing to digital work.
Master the software – Learn Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign properly. Watch tutorials, experiment with tools, understand layers and vectors. Technical proficiency unlocks creative possibilities.
Develop work thoroughly – Don't settle on your first idea. Create multiple versions, experiment with different approaches, refine and improve. Development work is crucial for high marks.
Graphic Design graduates work as:
Graphic designers
Brand designers
Art directors
Illustrators
Web designers
UX/UI designers
Packaging designers
Advertising creatives,#
And in many creative and marketing roles.
Graphic Communication is valued by universities. Universities recognise the creativity, design thinking and visual problem-solving it develops.
Graphic Communication A-Level opens doors to degrees in:
Graphic Design
Visual Communication
Illustration
Advertising and Branding
Digital Media Design
Typography
Game Design
Top tip: A strong portfolio is essential for creative degrees - your Graphic Communication work will showcase your design thinking and technical skills.
Ask yourself:
Do I enjoy creating visual designs and solving visual problems?
Am I interested in branding, advertising, and how design communicates?
Am I willing to learn design software properly?
Can I work independently on long-term creative projects?
Do I enjoy both digital and hands-on creative work?
Can I handle constant coursework rather than final exams?
High demand: Design skills are in constant demand across advertising, marketing, publishing, digital media, and virtually every business sector.
Art & Design (Fine Art)
Exploring and creating ideas using a range of artistic and creative skills and materials.
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Italian
Developing the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Italian fluently while exploring Italian culture, society, and literature.
Physics
Understanding how the universe works, from forces and energy to particles, waves, and motion, using maths and experiments.
History
Understanding how and why the past happened by analysing events, people, and sources and building written arguments.
Further Mathematics
Studying advanced and challenging mathematics that goes beyond A-Level Maths, focusing on deep problem-solving and abstract thinking.
Business Studies
Understanding how businesses operate, make decisions, and compete in a changing economic and global environment.
Music
Develop your skills in performing, composing, and analysing music across different styles while building a deeper understanding of how music works.
Common A Level combinations
This A Level pairs well with:
Combination Progression
Art & Design (Graphic Communication)
+
The Synergy
Combines digital photography manipulation with typography and vector design.
Exam Crossover
Photoshop workflows, composition, visual branding, and layout.
Best for
Art & Design (Graphic Communication)
+
The Synergy
Focuses on brand identity, commercial advertising, and consumer engagement.
Exam Crossover
Consumer targeting, visual marketing, and brand identity design.
Best for
Art & Design (Graphic Communication)
+
The Synergy
Blends visual graphic design with front-end code and user experience.
Exam Crossover
Digital media asset creation, UI/UX logic, and software layout.
Best for