Graphic Design BTEC HNC (part-time) (leading to HND pathway option)
This part-time creative qualification is designed to equip you with the knowledge, flexibility and skills required for a successful career within this exciting and ever-widening industry.
The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio, covering branding, corporate identity, design for print, advertising, illustration, typography and digital design.
You will regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live projects’ and talks, and benefit from our impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions. The course is an active member of British Design & Art Direction (D&AD), and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national designers. At the end of the year you will exhibit your work both in Bedford and at a major London venue as part of D&AD’s New Blood exhibition. Work experience opportunities will also be made available to you in the latter stages of the course. A list of visiting contacts and speakers is available on request.
Entry requirements
To start this course you will need a diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies, or a National Diploma in an Art & Design subject, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, or relevant professional experience. Applicants from A-Level programmes displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered, as will mature students, who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications. Entry will also be subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to present a portfolio of your creative work, including developmental worksheets or sketchbooks.
You will be suited to this course if you have the ability and/or potential to:
- Work imaginatively in graphic and visual media
- Generate and develop creative ideas in response to a wide range of briefs
- Articulate and communicate your creative intentions clearly
- Show willingness to collaborate and discuss your work in group situations
- Reflect critically on your activities and learning, and demonstrate intellectual inquiry
- Embrace new ways of thinking and exploit digital technologies.
Course content
During the course you will study the following modules:
- Professional Development
- Contextual Studies
- Individual Project
- Techniques and Processes
- Typography
- Graphic Design Practices
- Communication in Art & Design
- Surface Design
You will be taught how to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign in term 1.
Assessment methods
During the course you will work with a range of specialist lecturers (including practicing designers) in well-equipped studios and workshops. Project briefs will be set for each assignment and you will be encouraged to develop a personal response to each task. All activities will be are supported through one-to-one tutorials and group discussions to inform personal progress and aid assessment. Assessment will be continuous, with assignments graded at the end of each task.
Further study and career options
On successful completion of the HNC you can automatically progress on to further study with our HND or choose to enter employment.
Additional information
You will need to study six hours per week, Thu-Fri 9.15am-4.30pm. The days and times will depend upon the units you choose study.
Additional costs
- Basic art & design equipment such as layout pads, pens, scalpel, ruler, and external hard drive as per materials list.
- Resource fee of £150 to cover all in-studio colour laser printing, use of specialist studio materials, papers and adhesives, provision of studio journals, two key texts, visiting speakers’ travel expenses and for completing students a contribution towards exhibiting at a major London venue.
- Developing a personal portfolio (completing students) and self-promotional items approx. £100, and occasional visits by train to London.