The Northern School of Art - open day event
21 Mar 2026, 10:00
Hartlepool

Visual communicator, image maker, graphic designer, art director, conceptual thinker, content creator, typographer.
Our programme goes beyond traditional design; it's a launchpad for changemakers. Here, you’ll develop as a design communicator, visionary, and specialist, equipped to challenge the role of graphic communication in a rapidly evolving world.
From mixed-media experimentation to industry-relevant skills like branding, typography, and motion design, our hands-on approach prepares you for real-world creative problem-solving. You’ll thrive in a supportive, close-knit community with access to cutting-edge facilities and one-on-one guidance from inspiring, industry-connected staff. Be part of a creative community where collaboration and innovation redefine what’s possible. At the School, we don’t just teach design; we shape the future of visual communication.
Creative Conscience Awards
Human Rights Category Winner 2024
Equality & Justice Category Winner 2024
Education & Learning Category Winner 2024
Service Design Category Winner 2023
Year One - Graphic Design Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of your graphic design practice. You’ll explore a variety of mediums, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within both analogue and digital processes required as a graphic designer. This year focuses on developing your creative thinking, technical ability including, motion, typography, image making, branding and more.
•Creative Processes and Experimentation
• Adventures in Type
• Creative Thinking
• Visual Communication
• Design Impact
Year Two - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this digital foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of the digital sector. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience and internships.
• Advanced Design Production
• Creative Discussion
• Design Specialism & Innovation
• Future Industries
Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as a graphic designer. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your skills and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate your digital proficiency work towards an industry role or further study.
• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report
In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.
The following entry points are available for this course:
We do not currently accept students from outside of the UK. However, we can accept applications from those have evidence of pre-settled status to live, work and study in the UK. Please contact admissions@northernart.ac.uk for more information.
Your potential is our main focus when assessing your suitability for the programme you have applied to. Because of this, we take into account all aspects of your application and not just your academic profile.
If you are a mature applicant (i.e. 21+ years), we will place more emphasis on your portfolio and the skills and experience you can demonstrate at interview.
Your portfolio, which you bring to interview, is an integral part of the assessment. It should demonstrate your current skills, interests and knowledge where appropriate.
It is also expected that you will bring evidence of written work to interview and/or have a Level 2 qualification in English/Literacy.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Due to the creative nature of our programmes, we treat all applications on their own merit and welcome anyone who has the ability and aspirations to achieve at higher education. Applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential to us by showing their portfolio at an interview. If you are predicted points below the stipulated range, or if you have any other qualifications or professional experience, please get in touch as we still may be able to consider you.
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
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Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact interviews@northernart.ac.uk
University Level Campus
Church Square
Hartlepool
TS24 7EX
Visit our website Visit our course page
Email:studentrecruitment@northernart.ac.uk
Phone:01642 288888