Graphic Design (Illustration and Visual Communication) - HND* Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? How will I learn? How will I be assessed? Summary This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.Having built the foundational knowledge of graphic design & illustration on our HNC, you will now be in a position to specialise in modules which will take you to the next level as a practitioner.As well as developing your skills as a designer or illustrator, this Level 5 programme will look at how you apply those skills in a commercial context allowing you to acquire the necessary knowledge to work successfully in the creative industries and build a career as a creative practitioner.Understanding professional practice, developing collaborative working skills and learning how to manage creative projects successfully all form part of this key stage in your evolution as a marketable graphic designer.Additionally, you will work to further develop your creative practice building on the understanding of conceptual work and techniques from your HNC to refine your personal approach to graphic design. Course code DA1HE0013 UCAS code W215 Duration 1 Year Day/s of week Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday Time 09:45 - 16:30 Next course dates Start date Location Duration 08 Sep 2025 University Centre 1 Year Apply now 14 Sep 2026 University Centre 1 Year Apply now £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 What Uni Reviews Love it, best decision I've ever made. The course, tutors, and peers have all helped to make the experience enjoyable. I'm really enjoying the creative freedom on the course and how freely I am able to express my own ideas, but also enjoy taking inspiration from my peers." - Anonymous Excellent facilities and tutors." - Leanne Booth It felt like a place I could fit in and the people there were helpful in my experience at the university." - David Cleasby Prev Next Where can this subject lead? Career progressionProgression from this programme is to the BA (Hons) Creative Practice here at Blackpool School of Arts, allowing you to achieve a full 3-year honours degree. The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Art & Design, along with the specialist pathways, which students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage.Live art and design production covers several careers in the art and design industries and there are different routes to follow. Artists and designers create work for a range of creative outputs and may be involved exhibitions, publications, commissions and in support of the wider creative industry. Next steps at B&FCOn successful completion of the Higher Diploma Certificate, you will be ideally placed to progress onto the BA (Hons) Creative Practice degree. Employment OpportunitiesEmployment opportunities include:Commercial IllustratorGraphic DesignerTypographerEditorial IllustratorPackaging DesignerArt DirectorBrand Identity DeveloperCreative DirectorVisual JournalistGraphic/Commercial Illustrator Key information Entry RequirementsSuccessful completion of the HNC in Art and Design (Graphic Design) is a pre-requisite of entry onto the programme.You may be considered as an applicant if you have completed the first year of an Art and Design degree elsewhere, but this will be at the discretion of the course tutors. Fees and fundingVisit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding. Qualification obtainedBTEC Higher National Diploma in Photography Extra costs and equipmentYou 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 accreditationAccrediting Institution: N/AAwarding Body: PearsonRegulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS) What will I learn? What will I learn?The programme provides work-related learning opportunities which are designed to embed and develop a range of transferable 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 environmentsInviting members of the local creative communities to present guest lecturesUsing employers to judge the quality of assessed presentations and/or productsEstablishing a panel of experts who students can pitch ideas to Essential skills: English and MathsA 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 speakersWhile 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 5 Module title Code Credits Optional Personal Professional Development DA5MD0018 45 No Professional Project DA5MD0019 75 No Study 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 study support sessionsPre-degree preparation workshopsIT Support Discover available Study Support 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 0 480 0 Independent 0 720 0 Placement 0 0 0 Total 0 1200 0 Qualifications Explained Our Degree-level courses come in all shapes and sizes. Visit our guide that explains what all these different qualifications mean. Learn about our Degree-level qualifications Higher and Degree Apprenticeships Higher and degree apprenticeships are a high-quality alternative to the traditional degree route, combining skilled on-the-job training with higher level study. More on Apprenticeships One Day a Week Degree-level Study towards a degree by committing to one day a week. You don't need to disrupt your home life or sacrifice your job. So what's stopping you? Explore One Day a Week Degree-level Preparing for Degree-level Study Free workshops and short courses to help prepare you for the next stage of your educational journey. Learn how we can prepare you for Degree-level Study Plan your Degree-level Pathway Flexible learning built around you. Study for one, two or three years and get a qualification at every stage. More info on Degree-level Pathway Admissions - Higher Education Everything you need to know about our admission procedure, application process, entry requirements and more. Explore Admissions: HE Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey. Not the course for you? Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination. Graphic Design (Illustration and Visual Communication) - HNC View course Fashion, Textile and Costume - HNC View course Photography - HNC View course How will I be assessed? How will I be assessed?Module B: Professional Creative PracticeB1: Personal Professional Development (170 GLH – 45 credits)B2: Professional Project (310 GLH – 75 credits) How will I be assessed? Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Coursework 0% 100% 0% Exam 0% 0% 0% Practical 0% 0% 0%