Illustration and Visual Communication - HNC

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Bring ideas to life through illustration and visual communication

The HNC in Illustration and Visual Communication is the first step on a flexible pathway towards a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Practice.

Built around the realities of the creative industries and the need for flexibility, this course allows you to develop your degree one year at a time. You can progress, pause or change direction, while still gaining a recognised, industry‑relevant qualification at each stage.

A flexible route designed for creative futures

This staged approach means you don’t need to commit to three full years of study from the beginning.

The course enables you to:

  • explore your creative direction and visual identity
  • build skills and confidence at a manageable pace
  • gain a recognised qualification at the end of each stage

You can step away at the end of any year with a formal award that supports creative employment, freelance work or progression to further study.

Learn, experiment and communicate visually

Based at Blackpool School of Arts, you’ll study in a dynamic and supportive creative environment where ideas, images and communication take centre stage.

You’ll benefit from:

  • a multi‑disciplinary curriculum covering illustration and visual communication practices
  • opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative programmes
  • small class sizes and personalised tutorial support

This approach encourages exploration, collaboration and the development of a confident visual voice.

Develop creative, professional and industry‑ready skills

Alongside developing your creative practice, you’ll build practical skills that support a sustainable career in the creative industries.

You’ll learn how to:

  • use a range of illustration and visual communication techniques to produce professional‑quality outcomes
  • work with traditional and digital tools, equipment and software
  • manage multiple creative projects effectively
  • build enterprise skills, including self‑promotion, portfolio development and networking
  • work collaboratively, reflecting real‑world creative practice
  • stay aware of industry trends and continually develop your skills

Learning is hands‑on and practice‑led, helping you turn ideas into clear, engaging visual work.

Professional facilities and creative guidance

You’ll work in excellent art and design facilities, with access to:

  • dedicated illustration and design studios
  • industry‑standard Adobe software
  • traditional printmaking facilities and darkrooms
  • photographic studios and equipment
  • 3D design and technology suites

You’ll be supported by experienced tutors and visiting lecturers who are active in the creative industries, bringing current professional insight into your learning.

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £28,950 Average annual salary in this sector
  • A stunning public gallery space - offering students the opportunity to see professional artists' current work and exhibit their own
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment, theatre space, recording and art studios

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Entry Requirements

Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent

  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline or
  • 2x A Levels in appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma Art & Design or
  • An international equivalent of the above qualifications

Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

  • Course code DA1HE0009
  • UCAS code W214
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday
  • Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
September 2026
University Centre
1 Year
September 2027
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in illustration which students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Illustration and Visual Communication production covers several careers in the creative industries and there are a number of different routes to follow. Students may decide to extend their photographic practice beyond the remit of the HNC and pursue an honours programme at Blackpool School of Arts. Alternatively, they may look to develop their career either as an in-house illustrator or as a freelancer.

Next steps at B&FC

On successful completion of the Higher National Certificate, you will be ideally placed to progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Photography which in turn leads onto the BA (Hons) Creative Practice degree.

Employment Opportunities

Illustration and visual communication covers several careers in the creative industries and there are different routes to follow. Illustrators and visual communicators create work for a range of creative outputs and may be involved publishing, graphic design, product and packaging development, advertising and in support of the wider creative industry. Employment opportunities include:

Book and Magazine Illustrator | Tattoo Artist | Editorial Illustrator | Photojournalist | Commercial Illustrator | Web Designer | Art Director | Animator | Printmaker | Graphic Designer | Production Designer

Key information

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Graphic Design

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults, or with disabilities.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need to spend approximately £250 p.a. on basic materials, as well as an SD card and hard drive. A full list of material requirements will be issued to you after enrolment. You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

There will be a variety of trips and other activities that may incur a small fee, as well as the cost of materials and basic equipment listed above.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

The programme provides work-related learning opportunities which are designed to embed and develop a range of transferrable skills to prepare you for employment opportunities in a range of related creative professions. These include skills in spoken, written and visual communication, the ability to manage collaborative and independent projects, creative problem-solving. Assessments are designed and created with industry professionals, meaning they are all related to scenarios that occur in the industry.

The curriculum team are also working professionals engaged in various aspects of the industry, alongside the expertise of the team, local employers are engaged in certain aspects of the course which will be tailored to your development, skill set and knowledge. External engagement with industry representatives may include:

  • Field trips to local destinations and environments
  • Inviting members of the local creative communities to present guest lectures
  • Using employers to judge the quality of assessed presentations and/or products
  • Establishing a panel of experts who students can pitch ideas to

Essential skills: English and Maths

A grade 4 GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 2 or above in maths and English are required for this programme. If you don't have any of the qualifications listed, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

While work-based learning isn't compulsory for this programme, the programme offers invaluable work-related learning opportunities aimed at honing a diverse range of transferable and graduate skills. These opportunities are strategically designed to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in a variety of academic, creative, and digital professions. By engaging in these experiences, you will gain practical insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive job market.

Trips and guest speakers are frequently distributed throughout the programme and will give you the opportunity to experience the industry from several perspectives. Industry professionals will feed into the delivery of the programme, enriching your experience and supporting your development and understanding. 

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Concept and Development DA4MD0013 85 No
    Creative Project DA4MD0014 35 No

Learning Support - at a glance

We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

How will I learn?

Throughout this programme, you will take an active role in your learning through a combination of enquiry, project and problem-based learning by working collaboratively and in partnership with your fellow students, lecturers and specialist practitioners to take ownership of your personal and professional development. Working in partnership will support your learning processes and enable you to develop as an independent creative practitioner, peer to peer review, class discussions and seminars encourage the development of analysis, reflective thinking and self-evaluation.

Collaboration with other programmes across Blackpool School of Arts, formally and informally, will enrich the learning environment, supporting the discursive approach to learning. You will acquire an insight into industry through lectures, seminars and live briefs, this will support you in the transition from student to industry practitioner. Sessions will be delivered through tutor led demonstrations, one to one development workshops and group work.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 480 0 0
Independent 720 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

Module A: Process and Practice

A1: Concept and Development (340 GLH – 85 credits) 

A2: Creative Project (140 GLH – 35 credits)

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%