Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design

This is a two year HND course, which upon successful completion allows you to apply for a third 'Top-Up' year and convert into a BA (Hons) Degree.

This is a highly practical course which allows you to explore a range of traditional and digital materials and processes in order to develop your practice as a designer and visual communicator.

Through workshops and projects students will be encouraged to be experimental, express ideas and communicate information using a range of illustration and graphic design processes and tools for a range of design contexts and applications.

Students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to exploring creative and socially responsible design solutions whilst demonstrating a clear understanding of the relationship between client, designer and intended audience.

The course is structured to initially give you a broad skillset in year 1 before narrowing your practice into your specialist area of interest in year 2.

Contextual / Critical Studies will underpin your practical learning to ensure you are aware of contemporary practice and have the skills to critically analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.

Work based learning is central to the programme to ensure you have the opportunity to network with practising artists and designers, and work on live projects and gain industry work experience.

In year one your will study 6 modules at Level 4 totalling 120 credits:
Visual Recording & Communication (15 credits)
Digital Applications (15 credits)
Contextual Research & Referencing (15 credits)
Work Based Learning: Professional Engagement (15 credits)
Graphic Design and Typography (30 credits)
Illustration (30 credits)

In year two you will study 4 modules which will provide you with a further 120 credits at Level 5:
Graphic Design: Specialist Project (30 credits)
Professional Practice and Work Based Placement (30 credits)
Critical Studies (30 credits)
Exhibition and Professional Portfolio (30 credits)

Assessment will be through a submission of a sketchbooks / portfolios of practical experiments, and a reflective journals, digital portfolio of practical experiments, essays, a presentation evaluating the research undertaken and how it enabled students to reach conclusions and a Professional Practice Report.