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Key details

Course area
Media, Digital and Photography
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C027000 Child course code: Q027013
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you’re looking for a career in graphic design and/or animation within the digital design industry.

This course is equivalent to 3 A-levels and is a great route into University level Creative Media courses.

On the course you will learn Adobe software like Photoshop, Illustrator and After effects, design principles and critical thinking skills. 

The areas we broadly cover are:

  • Graphic design and branding
  • Digital illustration
  • 2D Animation and motion graphics
  • Concept art

You can expect a course that offers a broad range of practical study, in great facilities with top-of-the-range equipment (like graphics tablets). Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to work and engage with real clients.

You will complete 90 credits in Year 1 and gain a standalone qualification. On successful completion of this, you will progress into Year 2 to gain the full Extended Diploma.

Course information

2 years

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Digital Design and Animation

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C). You will also need a portfolio or showreel of work.

Assessment is continuous and will consist of a portfolio of reports, presentations and creative projects plus a final major project at the end of the year.

Choose to follow with further study at degree level in multimedia or a degree-level programme in digital media. We offer a foundation degree in Digital Design and a top-up degree in Digital Media Design.

Job opportunities include web design, graphic design, print or animation.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Btec Design & Animation showreel 2025
Btec Media SHOWREEL - NOTTINGHAM COLLEGE - Level 3 Digital Design and Animation 2023

Careers related to this course

Graphic and Multimedia Designers

Potential Earnings

£45,131.87

Average Earnings

£26,681.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Information and Communication Technology

People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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