Course overview

Art and Design (Graphic Design) Tattoo Illustration HNC/HND City of Bristol College

The course is delivered at our College Green Campus. This course will give you the knowledge, creative experience and confidence to progress into a career in design with a focus on the tattoo Industry.

You will work on industry-driven simulated briefs with input from experienced practitioners, real-world 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.

This full-time course is delivered by experienced professionals who are experts and have extensive industry and teaching profiles. Information about Higher National Qualifications BTEC Higher Nationals are vocational Higher Education courses at Level 4 (Certificate) and Level 5 (Diploma). These allow students to undertake a practical and vocational programme before entering employment or continuing their studies.

The Higher National Certificate has two component units, A1 and A2, that cover the wider Graphic Design sector, focusing on creative and professional practices. The programme will cover a broad range of skills and concept development workshops to start, but allow students to tailor their learning and focus within their chosen specialism.

Both courses include a range of trips and visits that enhance the learning experience and allow students to build their own industry connections.

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).

Full-time Art and Design (Graphic Design) Tattoo Illustration HNC
The course code for the full-time HNC offering is: HGF1978C02-1

Full-time Art and Design (Graphic Design) Tattoo Illustration HND
The course code for the full-time HND offering is: HGF1288D02-1

Register Your Interest 

To express your interest in studying this course, please fill in the form below and a member of the department will be notified. 

Art and Design (Graphic Design) Tattoo Illustration HNC - Register Your Interest

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Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Art and Design (Graphic Design) Tattoo Illustration HNC/HND College Green Centre
Bristol
Course Code
HGF1978C02-1
Dates
15/09/2025 - 15/06/2026
Duration
1 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
Enquire
Start Time
09:00
Location
College Green Centre
Fee
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
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
HGF1978C02-1 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

Additional information

Who is this course for?

The course is aimed at dedicated learners who want to move into the tattoo Industry via an industry apprenticeship or into further training and are looking for practical training and a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification.

What you'll learn

Each unit is assignment-based and will involve a project or scenario with a vocational purpose.

Assignments are designed in collaboration with our local industry links and employers, and are supported by a wide range of skills-based workshops that include:

• Tattoo styles
• Tattoo machine use and building
• Typography
• Editorial design
• Photography
• The use of industry-standard digital software that includes the growing ethical application of AI
• Sustainable practices in the creative industries

Course entry requirements

It is expected that the applicant would have a Level 3 qualification in a related area and ideally have 32 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 the interview stage.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

You will be taught through a combination of taught sessions and practical workshops. In addition, you have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.

You will use industry-standard equipment and have access to specialist rooms and library facilities throughout your course. The assignments will require applied knowledge and technical competency, which will be assessed based on each unit’s requirements. All work is graded internally and verified externally.

Future career and study opportunities

Information about Higher National Qualifications

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.

The Higher National Certificate has two component units, A1 and A2, that cover the wider Graphic Design sector, focusing on creative and professional practices. The programme will cover a broad range of skills and concept development workshops to start, but allow students to tailor their learning and focus within their chosen specialism. Both courses include a range of trips and visits that enhance the learning experience and allow students to build their own industry connections.

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).

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely that you may need to pay for travel and stationery.

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding B.

What next?

Where to find us