Graphic Design HNC/D

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.