Graphic Design

The Higher National Certificate in Graphic Design develops you as professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers in the Graphic sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Graphic Design is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the graphic design sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

Students will gain a wide range of graphic design knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of graphic design. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of graphic design.

*This course is subject to approval for 2026 delivery.

The Higher National Certificate comprises of two modules:

Concept and Development – This module is designed to enable the practice and development of your underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of Graphic Design. You will explore the history, theories and developments related to game design. You will explore the technical knowledge and skills necessary to support your creative practice.

Creative Project - This module is designed to give you…

A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are utilised across the programme and these are indicated within the relevant modules. This includes the delivery of lectures, practical workshop sessions, technical guidance, case studies, discussion groups and student- led seminars.

During the induction process the students will be introduced to study skills, referencing, research skills and the appropriate use of academic language.
The College VLE, other relevant ICT resources and the internet will be encouraged for use as both study and investigative tools.

Students are enabled to develop transferable skills through the outlined teaching and learning methods and are encouraged to develop reflective practice through feedback, both summative and formative, student logbooks and their progress file.

Teaching and Learning methods
• Lectures
• Discussion Groups
• Research- based directed written work
• One to one subject tutorials
• Group tutorials and verbal feedback
• Practical demonstration
• Tutor-led Workshops
• Seminars

You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focussed. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.