Course overview
Graphic Design HNC/D City of Bristol CollegeThis course explores and develops skills across a range of media, covering such disciplines as typography, editorial design, branding and packaging, advertising, motion and animation and interactive design. You will work on live and simulated briefs with input from experienced practitioners, real clients and mentors from Bristol’s thriving creative industry. The programme equips students with the ability to solve problems, collaborate, develop and deliver well-crafted professional outcomes.
BTEC Higher Nationals are vocational Higher Education courses at level 4 (Certificate) and 5 (Diploma). These allow students to undertake a practical and vocational programme before entering employment, or continuing their studies. Students can complete a Higher National Certificate or top up to the Diploma; both the HNC and HND are recognised by employers. Completion of the Diploma also gives the option of progressing to a Bachelor’s degree top-up year (Level 6).
To apply for the Graphic Design HNC/HND courses that we offer, simply click the ‘Apply’ button next to your chosen course below in the ‘Dates and Applications’ box. Alternatively, you can apply directly through UCAS for the two full-time courses; see the relevant links below.
Full-time Graphic Design HNC (2 days a week)
The course code for the full-time HNC offering is: HGF1978C01-1
Alternatively, you can apply to the full-time Graphic Design HNC through UCAS
Full-time Graphic Design HND (2 days a week)
The course code for the full-time HND offering is: HGF1288D01-1
Alternatively, you can apply to the full-time Graphic Design HND through UCAS
Short code: GD
Delve into the world of Creative Arts & Media at City of Bristol College
You can view some wonderfully innovative work from our students here
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
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HGF1978C01-1 | 15/09/2025 - 15/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | Enquire | 09:00 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
|
Enquire Apply |
HGF1288D01-1 | 15/09/2025 - 15/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | Enquire | 09:15 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
|
Enquire Apply |
Additional information
Who is this course for?
If you want to develop visual design outcomes across a range of media and build professional and creative work that explores the broad subject of graphic communication, then this is the right pathway for you.
The purpose of Graphic Design and Visual Pathway is to use the Pearson Art and Design Framework to develop you as professional. You will become a self-reflecting individual that is ready and able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing design industry.
The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them using industry standard software, processes and scenarios built with employers to ensure a well-rounded experience to prepare you for the next stage of your career.
What you'll learn
The course is delivered at our College Green Campus.
The Higher National Certificate has 6 core units and 2 optional that cover the wider Graphics and Visual Arts sector focusing on creative design practices. The Higher National Diploma has 2 core units and 6 optional that can be selected across a range of specialist pathways. The programme will cover a board range to start but allow students to tailor their learning and focus within certain specialism.
Each unit is assignment based and will involve a project/scenario with a vocational purpose and designed to work with industry links and employers and covers the following:
- Graphics and Visual Design Concepts
- Editorial Design
- Advertising
- Visual Branding
- Packaging and 3D Design
- Typography
- Information Design
- Digital Imagery
Course entry requirements
It is expected that applicant would have a Level 3 qualification in a related area and ideally have 56 UCAS points from these qualifications, however, we can review individual applications and would accept evidence of practical knowledge through a portfolio/showreel to be shared at interview.
For more information you can email Pasquale.Fasulo@cityofbristol.ac.uk or apply directly on our website.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Higher Nationals are assessed using assignments that are marked internally. Our staff will design and create assignments with industry knowledge, context and scenarios, that are targeted at the unit learning content and assessment criteria, to ensure that you are prepared to undertake the assignment to the best of your ability,
The assignments will used require applied knowledge and technical competency, which will be assessed based on each units requirements.
All work is graded internally and verified externally.
Future career and study opportunities
On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Advertising
- Packaging Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Web Designer
- Illustrator
- Concept Designer
Higher Nationals are also used as stepping stones to further Higher Levels of Study, and successful completion of a Level 4 (HN Certificate) can allow you the to progress onto a HN Diploma, or can apply for direct entry to any Second year of a Bachelor’s degree or foundation degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).
Successful completion of the Level 5 (HN Diploma) will allow you to progress to a third year of a Bachelor’s degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).
Additional costs
An alternative to a traditional university degree, Higher Nationals cost £6000 in tuition and students are eligible for Higher Education Student Loans, which covers tuition and a maintenance loan to cover living costs. For more information on student loans, please visit the government student finance website.
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