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Graphic Design for Marketing and Communications

  • Level(s) of Study: Professional / Short course
  • Course Fee:

    This course is available at no cost to people living or working in the eligible Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield areas.

  • Start Date(s): New date to be confirmed.
  • Duration: 12 January - 09 February 2024, Fridays 10 am - 4 pm, five weeks
  • Study Mode(s): Short course
  • Campus:
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Please note: This course is delivered through the Enterprising Ashfield project, which is funded by the Government's Towns Fund. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is pleased to offer free (fully funded) places on this course to support individuals and employees of businesses that are based in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The standard fee would normally be £675.

On this practical course, you'll develop your understanding of design principles and effective visual communication skills for marketing on the PC.

Aimed at the beginner with limited or no knowledge of design software, this introductory course will take you from the basics and quickly develop your ability to design professional-looking documents.

With a limited number of places on the course, you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your skills at home or work.

Here's what our previous attendees said:

"I took this course to learn new skills in design and feel more confident using Adobe software, and to explore a possible career change into a design industry. I've taken away lots of tips and tricks for using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. I have a better understanding of industry-standard graphics and how to create considered designs to a set project brief. I enjoyed creating a newsletter as one of the projects and applying the skills I learnt to a creative independent project. I also enjoyed the InDesign skills sessions; everything in the projects were useful"

"I wanted to be able to do graphic design at work and now have the skills to create these pieces, especially in Adobe Photoshop which I liked using the most"

"Great course and great tutor, thank you! I wanted to better my skills with Adobe and now know easier and better ways to use it, and how to correctly use the tools. It was all perfectly paced and I enjoyed seeing the end result of each project."

What you’ll study

This course will teach you how to spot good layout design so you can develop your digital skills and explore visual techniques for effective marketing and communications.

You'll work in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop to produce professional-looking presentations across both printed and digital media.

During this course you will:

  • have practical sessions using the latest desktop publishing software (Adobe Creative Suite)
  • take part in theoretical discussions featuring contemporary examples of good design practice
  • learn the technical basics of print-ready artwork
  • create files that are suitable for sending to laser, lithographic and digital printers
  • explore the layout of stationery, magazines, newsletters, brochures and webpages with a view to producing consistent, coherent and credible communications.

What will I gain

By the end of the course you'll have the beginnings of an industry-appropriate portfolio, as well as a folder of software instructions and new technical skills.

You'll also receive a certificate of attendance when you complete the course, which is a great way to enhance your CV.

How you’re taught

In-person from the Summit Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Contact hours

New dates to be announced soon.

Tutor profile: Mark Williams

Mark Williams teaches software skills on the undergraduate programmes at NTU.

He has a degree in graphic design and 17 years' experience working with and teaching Adobe products.

Mark has developed and delivered training courses to large and small businesses all over the UK.

Entry requirements

No previous qualifications or experience is needed to access this course, although you must be confident in using basic computer and smartphone functions.

To be eligible for a place, you must live or work in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield. To check if your home or work postcode is eligible visit the Enterprising Ashfield postcode checker page.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Fees and funding

This course is available at no cost to people living or working in the eligible Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield areas.

How to apply

Click to here apply.

If you have any questions about this course, you can email EnterprisingAshfield@ntu.ac.uk or call us at +44 (0)115 848 2813.