This is an intermediate level course for people with some experience of computers who want to learn to use them to design and prepare graphics for print.

There are no formal entry requirements but the course would benefit those who have worked in graphic design or print and want to update their skills or those who have a genuine interest in design.

Industry standard software is used throughout the course.

You will learn to:

use Adobe Photoshop to scan, edit and manipulate images;

use Adobe Illustrator to create vector graphics and original illustrations;

use QuarkXpress to plan and execute page layouts;

The course combines software tutorials with a project-based approach to learning.

Participants will have the chance to develop a number of individual projects as part of the software training.

For the final part of the course participants are given a professional magazine project to work on, working to a budget and real deadlines. A brief is provided by the client and text is provided by the Editor. The group will need to work as a team to design and produce layouts and illustrations; compile the magazine and to manage the print process.

In terms of further training, this course may link with graphic design, multimedia or publishing qualifications. It can also open doors into related industries such as reprographics, print bureaux, design agencies and publishing houses.