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This is the first year of a 2 year course, after successful completion of the HNC you can progress to the HND in Graphic Design. This course will concentrate on graphic design and digital communication fundamentals for an ever-changing multi-channel world. It’s about building the skills to create great ideas and deliver them at a professional level across a host of print and digital applications.
Each module will be delivered in collaboration with an external organisation, from client briefing, understanding your target market, project development to the final pitch and presentation. Work experience will be offered in prestigious design studios.
After the first year of successfully completing the programme, you will be awarded an HNC (Higher National Certificate) with the option of completing the HND Graphic Design in the second year. The majority of our students go on to complete a full BA (Hons) top-up, meaning that the first two years of their degree are less than half the tuition fees of universities.
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Please note this is a course for students who have level 3 qualifications. Click here for courses for 16-18 year olds.
Course Code 23-FL4HC-GRA-1
Start Date Monday 18 Sep 2023
How long is the course? 34 weeks
What time does the course start? 9am
What time does the course end? 5pm
When does the course run? Full Time 3 days studio taught, Monday, Thursday and Friday
How much does the course cost? All Fees £6,000
Are concessions available? No
Examining Body Pearsons
Is an interview required? Yes
This course offers students the opportunity to develop their creative potential as a designer through a wide area of study, with dedicated one-to-one support from professionals from the start of the course.
You will learn to visualise, collaborate, experiment, and project manage as you work on real-world projects with other students. As you do so, you will also develop your knowledge of the creative industries, explore design theory, branding and strategy, and learn Adobe CS.
Graphic Communication is an exciting, dynamic, continually evolving field. In this course, you will be taught the design process through a series of tutorials, lectures and practical workshops in graphic design, illustration, photography and animation in its broadest sense to make you a flexible practitioner.
You will be mentored by visiting professionals working in the field and online one-to-one mentorship and offered work experience to equip you with industry-ready skills.
Students will be taught in a dynamic studio environment by passionate, enthusiastic staff with a wealth of professional expertise and external industry professionals. Students will develop a theoretical understanding throughout the two-year programme through highly structured learning. Each year, the students undertake 3 major projects delivered through a unique project toolkit workbook that ensures each individual's success. These unique workbooks allow the students to monitor their progress by enabling step-by-step individual blocks of learning and ensuring success at the highest level possible.
Students will be trained in design and multi-media software and acquire the technical skills to be highly proficient in Adobe CS. The course will nurture and encourage innovative and creative thinking to enable you to find your own voice and way of working within the broad scope of Graphic Communication.
Professional Support
With more than 70 market leading brands, Haymarket Media Group will introduce students to real industry expertise and guide you in taking your first steps in the industry. In the second year of the course you will take on the challenge of building your own portfolio website with the assistance of a professional website company, Buzz Lead media.
The content of the course is 100% coursework. You will be given formative feedback during each project and summative assessment at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The assessment of eight level 4 and 5 units are awarded from 3 major projects. These projects may change from year to year. The first year equips students with the fundamental skills every graphic designer needs from theoretical to technical and practical in working in a digital environment. Whether it is laying out an album cover or picture book to understanding the fundamentals of branding and typography.
Project 1: Music Graphics
Project 2: Olympics Branding
Project 3: Pearson set
You will need to meet the entry requirements for the course. You should be creative, with a passion for the subject and an eye for design. Having experience with Adobe Creative Cloud would be an advantage, but is not essential. Previous work experience in a design capacity would also be an advantage, but not essential. Good organisation, time management and the ability to meet deadlines would also be an advantage, not just for the course, but for your working life too.
To study this course, you must be 18 years or over, and possess one of the following:
- A BTEC level 3 qualification in art and design
- An A level profile, that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject
- A foundation diploma in art and design
Plus at least five GCSEs grades A-C, including English. Mature learners are welcome and may have a more varied profile of achievement which might include relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications.
After the first year of successfully completing the programme, you will be awarded an HNC with the option of completing the HND Graphic Design in the second year. The majority of our students go on to complete a full BA (Hons) top-up, meaning that the first two years of their degree are less than half the tuition fees of universities.
HNC: The total fee to pay is: £6000.
As this course is higher education, it means that you can apply for a student loan to pay for your tuition fees. You can find out more about student loans by clicking here.
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