Art and Design (Graphic Design and Illustration) - HNC*

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.

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

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 an idea to

Learning and Teaching Methods

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. 

Assessment Methods

One of the elements that makes this course unique, is that all assignments have been designed and co-created with industry specialists, so you know you are gaining the technical skills to support a strong career.  

Assessment types will be varied, so that you are able to develop transferable skills such as independence, collaborative working, digital and communication skills as well as subject specific knowledge for preparation into a successful and long-term employment sector.

For the majority of practical units you will be asked to submit a portfolio or sketchbooks, which comprise of a body of work including the planning and development stages as well as the final output. Written evidence should also be submitted containing references, creative development and written reflections. you will be assessed using a variety of methods:

•           Professional Development

•           Practical skills assessment

•           Critical self and peer-evaluation

•           Individual online portfolios/promotion of work

•           Group and individually produced artefacts

•           Written essays and reports

•           Reviews and evaluations

•           Individual and group presentations

•           Tasks aimed at the assessment of specific skills (for example digital skills, production skills, research skills and skills of application)

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

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.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

Further Studies

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.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Art and Design courses, for example:

•           University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

•           University of Salford

•           Manchester School of Art

•           UAL CSM

Employment Opportunities

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. Other employment opportunities include:

•           Freelance Fine Artist

•           Freelance commercial artist

•           Bespoke Portrait painter

•           Mural artist

•           Private and commissioned public artworks

•           Tattoo artist

•           Fine arts technician Printmaker

•           Commercial Illustrator - on-line shop / art fairs

•           Printmaker / Print technician

•           Animator

•           Concept artist

•           Graphic designer